Judith

Born:

Uncertain; traditionally placed in Bethulia, ancient Israel

Died:

Uncertain

Nationality:

Israelite

Profession(s):

Heroine; Religious Figure

Early Life and Education

• Details of Judith's early life are primarily derived from the Book of Judith.
• Widowed after her husband Manasseh's death.
• Described as devout, wealthy, and beautiful.

Career and Major Achievements

• Her central achievement is the assassination of Holofernes, an Assyrian general.
• Holofernes besieged Bethulia; Judith's action saved the city from destruction.
• The "judith slaying holofernes meaning" is often interpreted as a symbol of courage, piety, and resistance against oppression.
• Her deed inspired the Israelites to attack and defeat the Assyrian army.

Legacy and Impact

Judith remains a significant figure in Jewish and Christian tradition, symbolizing piety, bravery, and the triumph of the weak over the strong. Her story has been depicted extensively in art, literature, and music.

Notable Works

Judith is the central figure in the deuterocanonical Book of Judith.

Artistic Representations

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