Symeon the Holy Fool

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The Life of Symeon the Fool presents a unique exploration of holy folly through the eccentric life of Symeon, an early Christian saint known for his bizarre behaviors that challenged societal norms. The narrative intertwines Symeon's antics with biblical themes and earlier hagiographical traditions, showcasing how his unconventional actions, such as walking naked and dragging a dead dog, served as powerful tools for conversion and moral reform. Krueger's analysis sheds light on the religious imagination of Late Antiquity and the cultural context surrounding this unusual figure.