Martyr
A person who is killed because of their beliefs, especially religious beliefs.
What is it?
A martyr is someone who chooses to die rather than give up their faith. In Christianity, many early believers were martyred by the Roman Empire. Saint Lawrence was a martyr: he was killed in 258 AD for refusing to hand over church treasures. Instead, he gave them to the poor. The child's reflection describes Lawrence as a martyr. The painting Saint Lawrence Distributing the Riches of the Church shows him just before his martyrdom, calmly displaying the treasures he gave away.
Why it matters
Martyrs are honored in many religions. Their stories inspire people to stand up for what they believe in, even when it is hard. Art often shows martyrs to remind us of their courage.
Where you've seen it
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