Edigna was a beatified hermit who lived in the late 11th and early 12th centuries. According to local tradition, she was a daughter of the French King Henry I and Anne of Kiev. To avoid an arranged marriage, she reportedly fled to Bavaria, eventually settling in Puch. She lived a solitary life within a hollowed linden tree until her death on February 26, 1109. While her historical identity is sometimes debated, she remains a significant religious figure in the region.
Life and legend
Legend states that Edigna fled her royal life in France by traveling on a farmer's cart. Upon reaching Puch, she interpreted certain signs as a call to stay in the area. She lived as a hermit, concealing her noble origins from the local population. Following her passing, her royal lineage was revealed, and stories emerged of holy oil flowing from the tree where she had resided.
Veneration and legacy
As the patroness of Puch, Edigna is honored for her perceived ability to perform miracles. She is specifically invoked against theft and cattle diseases. Pilgrimages to her site are common, particularly for Ukrainians due to her mother's heritage. Her memory is preserved through a dedicated altar in the Church of St. Sebastian, a local street, and a historic linden tree known as the Edignalinde.