Melangell was a 7th-century Irish princess who had dedicated her life to prayer and virginity.  When her father, the king, arranged for her to marry against her will, she fled Ireland and settled in the countryside of Wales.
 
She lived a life of solitude and prayer for there nearly fifteen years until Brochwel Ysgithrog, Prince of Powys and Earl of Chester, encountered the young Melangell while hunting. A hare that his hounds were chasing took refuge under her cloak and upon seeing her, the hounds stopped and fled. Brochwel had never experienced anything like this, and was keen to speak to the mysterious young woman.  Struck by her beauty, he hoped that she would marry him, but when he heard her story he was so moved and impressed by her determination and piety that he donated a parcel of land in the valley so she could live her simple life among the wild creatures there.
 
News of her spread throughout the area and soon other women came and formed a community based on prayer and works of mercy.  Melangell was their head for the remaining 37 years of her life, and was often seen surrounded by hares and other wild animals during this time.
 
After Melangell's death, Brochwel's successors decreed that the area must be protected as a place of solace for those in need of healing and restoration, as well as a place of refuge for the small animals, who were to remain unharmed. So it has remained for centuries.
 
This print is part of the "Happy Saint" collection by Anna Morelli.
 
The image is professionally printed, hand-signed by the artist, and comes enclosed in a plastic sleeve to ensure protection.