The Old English Life of St. Margaret is a martyr narrative—an echo of Christ’s passion, (resurrection), and ascension. The text (Cotton Tiberius version) begins with the narrator, Theotimus, establishing the setting as a time when many martyrs were suffering. Some prevailed and endured, achieving eternal rest, while others were led astray by the devil’s teachings. So we take suffering for granted and begin as participants—witnesses—to how Margaret herself came to…