Cambridge University scholar Alexandra Zhirnova is exploring the appeal of Saint Mary of Egypt, a female saint from 11th-century England who defied societal expectations. Zhirnova's research aims to challenge stereotypes about medieval England and highlight the diversity of models of sanctity. The myth of Saint Mary of Egypt, which became a bestseller in medieval times, breaks the convention of female sanctity and challenges the ideal of a chaste virgin becoming a saint. Zhirnova's study suggests that the moral of Mary's story is a lesson for men on how to be better Christians.