Saint Eigen was an early Christian writer and legendary figure among the Britons. While her historical existence is considered uncertain due to limited evidence, she is often identified as a possible first female saint of the Britons. Some traditions link her to the daughter of Caratacus, suggesting she lived around the end of the first century. Various manuscripts, including those from the collection of Iolo Morganwg, associate her with the introduction of Christianity to the Welsh people through a religious group known as Cor Eurgain.
Historical accounts
Various manuscripts provide conflicting details about her life. One account names her as the daughter of Caratacus, claiming she returned from Rome to establish a religious college. Other traditions place her in the sixth century as the daughter of Prince Maelgwn Gwynedd. Because her name appears in collections like the Havod Uchtryd, historians often view her biography as legendary rather than strictly factual.
Legacy and culture
Eigen has inspired various artistic works, including a cantata composed by Edward Elgar in the late 19th century. Her name also appears in modern fiction, such as the novel The Warrior's Princess. Although some Welsh churches bear names similar to hers, such as the church in Northop, scholars suggest these dedications may refer to other individuals or different historical figures.