Miliau (Brittany)
Miliau (also Meliau , Méliau , Milio , Meliaw , Miliaw ) is one of the innumerable popular Breton saints who are not included in any official directory of the Catholic Church . It belongs to the group of "head carriers" ( cephalophores ). Several Breton place names are associated with his name - including Guimiliau , Ploumilliau and Pluméliau .
Legend
It is said that Miliau was the son of Budik, a Cornish king of Aremorica ; his brothers were Theodorik and Rivod (ius). He was married to Haurille; the two had a son named Melar (or Meloir ), who is also venerated as a saint in some areas of Brittany. Miliau succeeded his father, but was beheaded a few years later on behalf of his brother Rivod; he walked some more distance with his severed head. Rivod then also had his son Melar killed.
Historical background
The historical background for the legends is the factual and cultural relationships between Cornwall and Brittany in the 5th and 6th centuries. Century on the one hand, as well as the subsequent rivalries and struggles of the emerging small kingdoms on the other.
Representations
Medieval representations of the saint are unknown. Modern portraits can only be found in Brittany - mainly in the churches of Guimiliau and Lampaul-Guimiliau ; in these he wears a crown and a royal robe.
