Examines the narrative about the fictional character Alisaundre Becket in the 13^th-century South English Legendary, with specific reference to the character’s non-Christian and non-English background. The article argues that the narrative treatment of Alisaundre Becket’s voice both estranges and empowers her within the broader text and marks an early moment of racial and religious identity theorized as distinct. The work is of interest to students of English literature, medieval studies, and Orientalism.