I am looking for information about a supposedly 5th or 6th c.
Cornish/Breton saint who goes by various names: Melorus, Melorius, Me/lar,
Mylor. He is still venerated by the Benedictines at Quimper. He interests me
because, supposedly, an uncle cut off the hand and foot of Melorius "out of
jealousy." Those familiar with Celtic ideas about the necessary attributes
of a king will recognize in this mutilation an attempt to keep the child
from becoming king. The replacement of the living members with a hand of
silver and a foot of bronze recall the story of Nuadu Argetlamh, the
silver-handed king of the Tuatha De/ Danann. However, the loss of an arm and
a leg are also the attributes of those who have obtained wisdom, especially
from a source such as a well connected with hazel trees and nuts (e.g.,
Bo/and and the Well of Segais). (See Carey's article on Irish Parallels to
the Myth of Odinn's Eye for a quick overview of the type in Irish myth.)
Part of the Melorus story is that when he was given a handful of nuts, his
silver hand became flesh when it handled the nuts.
Are there any sources on Melorus besides a 14th c. life? Where can
that life be found? Have any studies been done? Are there any other saints
with similar mutilations?
Francine Nicholson
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