Afrella facts for kids

Afrella or Arilda was an early Welsh saint who lived in the 500s. She is known for her religious life and for founding a monastery.

Who Was Saint Afrella?

Saint Afrella, also known as Arilda, was an important religious figure in Wales during the 6th century. She is remembered as a saint, which means she was recognized for her holy life and good deeds.

Afrella's Family and Background

Afrella came from an important family. Her father was a high-ranking official in the royal court of Gwent, an ancient kingdom in southeast Wales. Some historians believe her father might have been a man named Vortimer. Vortimer was the son of Vortigern, a powerful leader, and his queen, Severa Verch Macsen. Severa was the daughter of a Roman Emperor named Magnus Maximus. This shows that Afrella had connections to powerful and influential people of her time.

Her Life and Religious Path

Afrella was married to a man named Umbrafel. Umbrafel had a nephew, Samson of Dol, who was also a well-known saint. Samson convinced his own parents to join a monastery, which is a community where people live a religious life, often dedicating themselves to prayer and work.

Inspired by Samson's actions, Afrella and Umbrafel decided to follow a similar path. They chose to dedicate their lives to God and joined a monastery. Afrella is also known to have been the mother of Saint Maglorius and Henwg, as well as another child whose name is not known. She is believed to have founded her own monastery, which was a significant achievement for a woman in that era.

Possible Connections

Some historians, like Peter C. Bartrum, have suggested that Afrella might be the same person as a lesser-known saint named Arilda. This Saint Arilda is associated with two places in Gloucestershire, England: Oldbury-on-Severn and Oldbury-on-the-Hill. This connection shows how saints and their stories could spread across different regions.