Water in the Underworld: How does the Perpetua’s third vision end?
https://doi.org/10.28995/2658-4158-2024-1-121-136
Abstract
The early Christian work the “Passion of Perpetua and Felicity” (Passio Perpetuae et Felicitatis, early 3rd century) has a complex composition. One part contains unique writings, Perpetua’s “Notes,” written by her in confinement before her execution. In particular, a record of dreams or Visions. The article discusses Perpetua’s second and third Visions (7, 1 – 8, 4), where she sees her brother Dinocrates, who died as a boy after a serious illness. These two dreams show at first a sad picture of his afterlife, but after her sister’s fervent prayers, the boy’s appearance is transformed and Perpetua is assured of his salvation. The article examines this plot from the point of view of the influence of Christian prayer on posthumous fate and emphasizes the special role of water in alleviating this fate. The author also addresses the question of the sustainability of pagan ideas about the afterlife in the new context is also. Finally, a slightly different interpretation of the final words of the Perpetua’s third vision is proposed than it is traditionally understood by commentators, translators, and publishers of the “Passion”.
About the Author
Maria S. Kasyan
Russian State University for the Humanities
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Maria S. Kasyan,
6, Miusskaya Sq., Moscow, 125047.
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Review
For citations:
Kasyan M.S. Water in the Underworld: How does the Perpetua’s third vision end? Studia Religiosa Rossica: Russian Journal of Religion. 2024;(1):121-136. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.28995/2658-4158-2024-1-121-136
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