Could we have the reference to the Carey article, please?
Meg
> 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
Margaret Cormack [log in to unmask]
Dept. of Philosophy and Religion fax: 843-953-6388
College of Charleston tel: 843-953-8033
Charleston, SC 29424-0001
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