# Mary — Ben Hur character guide

> Mary in Ben Hur by Lew Wallace.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Marian, the gentle Mary

**First appearance:** 0001-ben-hur

## Who they are

The mother of Jesus, present at key moments in his life.

## In the story

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/viii)

Mary, the young wife of Joseph, is described as beautiful with golden hair and a pure, prayerful demeanor. She travels on a donkey, veiled, and occasionally reveals her face.

### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/ix)

Mary, Joseph's wife, is weary and exposed to the cold; her serene beauty draws notice from the Beth-Dagonite.

### [The Annunciation to the Shepherds](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/xi)

The mother of Jesus; she receives the baby from the women and holds him as the shepherds worship.

### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/xiv)

The mother of Jesus; holds the child and says 'He is my son!'

### [The Mother's Counsel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/v)

Not present in this chapter.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/characters/mary
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/characters