Mélance was a Frankish prelate who served as the archbishop of Rouen during two distinct periods between 577 and 601. Appointed by King Chilperic I to succeed Pretextatus, he later faced a period of exile at the villa of Vaudréi under the direction of King Guntram. Historical accounts, including writings by Gregory of Tours, suggest he was involved in the political tensions surrounding the death of his predecessor. He eventually regained his position in Rouen through the support of Queen Fredegund and held the see until his death around 601 or 604.
Life and career
Following the removal of Pretextatus, Mélance assumed leadership of the Rouen archdiocese in 577. Political shifts led to his displacement to Vaudréi, where he associated with members of the court opposing the previous archbishop. After the death of Pretextatus in 586, Mélance was reinstated as leader of the archdiocese. He is described by chroniclers like Orderic Vitalis as a kind and just shepherd to his people.
Veneration
Recognized as a saint, his devotion spread from France to Italy via Norman influence. While medieval martyrologies associated him with both January 16 and October 22, modern tradition commemorates him on January 16. His remains were originally interred at the Church of Saint Peter in Rouen, though they were lost following Viking incursions in Normandy.