Saint Elen facts for kids

St Helen's parish church, Penisa'r Waun, Gwynedd, Wales

Saint Elen (also known as Elen Luyddog, which means "Helen of the Hosts" in Welsh) is a famous figure from the late 300s. She is known for helping to establish churches in Wales. People traditionally believe she was the daughter of a British ruler named Octavius and the wife of Magnus Maximus, who was an emperor in Britain, Gaul, and Spain. He died in a battle in 388. Even though the Pope never officially declared her a saint, Elen is considered a saint in the Welsh Church. Sometimes she is called Saint Helen of Caernarfon to avoid confusing her with Saint Helena, who was the mother of Constantine the Great.

Who Was Saint Elen?

Elen was a mother of five children, including a boy named Custennin (Constantine). She lived about 60 years after Helena of Constantinople, who was the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great. Because their names were similar and they lived in the same general time, people often confused the two.

Elen's Special Day

Saint Elen is the patron of Llanelan in West Gower and of a church in Penisa'r-waun near Caernarfon. Her special day, or feast day, is celebrated on May 22.

Elen's Role in Christianity

It is said that Elen, along with her sons Cystennin and Peblig, helped bring the Celtic way of monasticism (a religious life where people live in communities dedicated to God) to Wales from Gaul (modern-day France). Historical records from Saint Gregory of Tours and Sulpicius Severus mention that Emperor Maximus and his wife met Saint Martin of Tours when they were in Gaul.

Elen's Connection to Ireland

Elen is also remembered in Ireland, mainly because of the influence of the Normans. For example, there is a town and a church named after her in south County Wexford.

Saint Helen's Church in County Wexford, Ireland (in ruins), may have been dedicated to Elen

Elen in Old Stories

Elen's story is told in an old Welsh tale called The Dream of Macsen Wledig, which is part of the Mabinogion collection. In Welsh legends, she is remembered as the daughter of a leader named Eudaf, who likely lived near the Roman base of Segontium, which is now Caernarfon.

Elen and the Roman Roads

Elen is famous for asking her husband, Macsen, to build roads across her country. These roads made it easier for soldiers to defend the land from attackers. This is how she earned her name Elen Luyddog, meaning "Elen of the Hosts" or "Elen of the Armies."

Elen's Lasting Impact

People say that Elen ordered the construction of Sarn Helen, a large Roman road that runs from Caernarfon to south Wales. This road goes through places like Dolgellau, Pennal, and Bremia (Llanddewi Brefi). Even though this road carries her name, it was actually built much earlier than Elen's time.

Elen: Patron of Travelers

Many other Roman roads in Wales are also named after her, such as Llwybr Elen. Because of this, she is recognized as the patron saint of British road builders and a protector of travelers. There are over 20 holy wells in Britain dedicated to a "Saint Helen." However, these are often thought to honor Saint Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great, instead of Elen.