Patron Saint of Hares
There’s a Patron Saint of Hares and her name is Saint Melangell.
The Saint in question - Melangell - is said to have been the daughter of an Irish Monarch who’d tried to arrange a marriage for her.
Not too happy about the whole situation, she took a vow of celibacy and high-tailed it to Wales.
It was here her peace was disturbed by some well-to-do chap who was out hunting hares with his dogs. Something that we're still fighting to stop even in 2026!!!
The hare apparently took refuge under Melangell’s robe and she stood her ground and protected it from the hunter.
The hunter was so impressed by Melangell’s bravery that he donated a piece of land to her so that she might provide a sanctuary to any and all that fled there.
So that’s how there came to be a Patron Saint of Hares.
Whether you believe the story or not, you can’t help but admire what she did, and I for one hope it’s true.
Apparently she's celebrated every 27th May.
If you enjoyed reading about her, here's a story about moongazing hares you might like and more recent hare raising encounters
