Friday, May 26, 2023

Saint Melangell

 


Patron Saint of Hares and Rabbits! Welsh.

Rabbits and hares are sometimes called St Melangell's lamb's. It is thought her father was a King and a member of King Arthur's court. ( King Cywich Addwyn)

As the story goes, she fled her father as he wanted her to get married. ( 590AD) She ended up in a valley near the river Tanat at the foot of the Berwyn mountains near Powys, Wales.

She resided there peacefully for 15 years when a Prince arrived with a hunting party. His dogs found her hiding in the woods holding a rabbit. She faced down the dogs and the hunter and he went away...:Later he came back by himself and sat down and listened to her. 

He was impressed and gave her the entire area as an animal asylum and refuge for all animals and people escaping harm.

A church was built on the spot and an abbey of women. I bet it is beautiful there.  It looks like the church and abbey are no longer existing.

https://thejournalofantiquities.com/2014/08/13/st-melangells-church-pennant-melangell-powys-wales/

To this day, you are not allowed to hunt or kill rabbits or hares in the area as they are believed to be sacred.

Oh how much I am learning from my Saints...




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