Dympna and the Figuration of the Woman Warrior

Abstract

For many years I have kept on my writing desk the statuette of a holy woman warrior. Clad in a wrap-around cloak, looking intently into infinity through slightly downcast eyes, she cuts a rather sad but awe-inspiring figure. She is resting her left hand on a mighty down-turned sword, while holding up a book in her right. I choose to believe it is just any book, though it shows clear signs of bring the book of books – the holy scripture of the Christian faith. This statuette is very special as it was given to me by someone I love and lost. We bought it during a day trip to Antwerp and when I first got it, I did not know who she was. Not many people know about Dympna.