ABSTRACT
St. Margaret remains a champion against the demonic, as suggested by her prayers for the health of children – tied closely to demonic afflictions – and an aftermath to her execution similar to the Paris version. Of all the roles credited to her, the one which Margaret is best known for is the patron saint of pregnant women. At roughly the same time period, the image of Margaret emerging from the belly of the dragon surges in popularity, an image that Larson associates with childbirth. While the dove tells Margaret that she has “remembered everyone in her prayers,” Margaret’s prayers in the Paris version seem destined for a smaller audience. The majority of Margaret’s prayers focus upon the forgiveness of sins and not upon blessings for pregnant women. While the Margaret of the Paris version is a fearsome foe of demons, the Margaret of the Caligula tradition is far more focused on pregnancy.
