(no subject)

[tree_and_leaf]

Today is the feast of Hugh of Lincoln*, who did many good things, including protecting Jewish victims of persecution and mob violence**, as well as beginning the gothic rebuilding of Lincoln Cathedral after it was damaged by an earthquake, but is probably most memorable for his pet swan.

It used to follow him about, and guard him while he slept. I don't know how or why he acquired it, but I'd have thought an attack swan would be a very effective bodyguard.



* Who is most definitely not to be confused with Little St Hugh of Lincoln, a murdered child who inspired a particularly unpleasant blood libel.

**Somewhat ironically, given the use made of the other Hugh of Lincoln by anti-semites

Comments

[quillori]

Yes, I'd imagine a swan would make a fine bodyguard, nasty, vicious things that they are (from the point of view of humans who get too close - perhaps to each other they seem models of courtesy and charity - personally I still have vivid memories of being stalked by a swan that had developed the idee fixe my toes were some sort of rare and delicious treat.). I'm very impressed with anyone managing to win the affections of one.

[tree_and_leaf]

Oh dear. I was attacked by a goose once...

I think the swan business is the clearest evidence of Hugh's sanctity you could wish for.

[sara]

Clearly God figured that after what had happened to Thomas a'Becket, His saints needed attack swans.