Sense and Sensibility in the Life of St. Eustathius Placidas or on Psychology in the Hagiographic Narrative.

This article analyzes the narrative structure and psychological dimensions of the *Life of St. Eustathius Placidas*, a widely disseminated Christian hagiography originating between the 4th and 6th centuries. Focusing on three key episodes—the miraculous vision and baptism, the family's trials and separation, and their martyrdom—the study explores how ancient literary models (such as the novel, epic, and tragedy) are adapted to Christian themes through the interplay of emotion and reason in character development. The narrative employs chronotopes (notably the forest as a liminal sacred space, the adventurous journey, and martyrdom) to frame spiritual transformation, while emotional expressions like fear, sorrow, hope, and joy are closely linked to rational choices, advancing the plot and reinforcing Christian doctrine. The article highlights the hagiography's didactic purpose, achieved through catharsis by eliciting empathy and faith in the audience, and proposes its methodology as a framework for examining narrative strategies in other early Christian martyr legends.