Miriam

Miriam

Background

Miriam is a wealthy Jewish woman living in Jerusalem. She is the mother of Judah Ben-Hur and Tirzah.

During the events of Ben-Hur (1959) played by Martha Scott

Miriam greets Messala when he visits her house. When Ben-Hur later tells her and Tirzah that Messala wont be returning, Miriam tells Tirzah that Messala is very busy. After Valerius Gratus is knocked unconscious in front of their home, Miriam is imprisoned along with Ben-Hur and Tirzah. She and Tirzah are placed within the same cell for four years, until they are let out when the guards discover they have leprosy. They go back to their home, but tell Esther not to tell Ben-Hur that they are alive. Miriam and Tirzah then move to the Valley of the Lepers where they stay. One time when Esther and Malluch are bringing them food, Miriam tells Esther that Tirzah is dying. Ben-Hur reveals himself and then he carries Tirzah out of the Valley of the Lepers and Miriam follows them. They go to try and get help from Jesus, but arrive at the point where Jesus has been condemned to die. Miriam and Tirzah hide in a cave and witness a storm erupt after the death of Jesus. As rain begins to fall, they are cured of their leprosy and they return to their home and greet Ben-Hur when he arrives.