Mary Magdalene is a figure mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible. She was a follower of Jesus and one of the witnesses to his crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Despite her significant role in the events surrounding Jesus' life, Mary Magdalene's portrayal in the Bible has been subject to various interpretations and controversies throughout history.

She was not explicitly excluded from the Bible, but her character was often misunderstood or conflated with other women mentioned in the Gospels. Over time, she became associated with the idea of a repentant prostitute, although this characterization lacks biblical basis.

In later centuries, some texts, such as the Gospel of Mary and the Gospel of Philip, depicted Mary Magdalene in a more prominent role, even suggesting a close relationship with Jesus. However, these texts were not included in the canonical Bible, leading to ongoing debate and speculation about Mary Magdalene's true significance in early Christianity.