St. Richardis

St. Richardis was born around 840 in Alsace into a noble family. In 862 she married Charles III (Charles the Fat), Charlemagne’s great-grandson. From all accounts it was an unhappy marriage. The couple remained childless. 

In 881, Charles became Holy Roman Emperor, with Richardis crowned empress. His reign was plagued by Norman invasions and his growing paranoia. In 887, he accused Richardis of having an affair with his archchancellor. He also claimed they had never consummated their marriage and demanded a divorce. Richardis submitted to a trial by fire and survived, subsequently proving her innocence. 

After the ordeal, her family removed her from Charles’ home for her safety. She returned to Andlau Abbey in Alsace, which she had founded in 880. She lived a life of charity and was the lay abbess to religious houses in the region.

Legend says that one day she came upon a mother bear grieving over its dead cub. She picked up the cub and it returned to life. The mother and cub remained devoted Richardis after the incident. Andlau Abbey used to keep a live bear in honor of the story, and it allowed free board and passage to passing bear-keepers.

St. Richardis died on September 18, 895. She is the patron of protection against fires. She is often depicted as both an empress and a nun, with burning wood and a bear nearby.