The Blacksmith's Saint

Saint Dunstan is a fascinating figure whose life story blends the spiritual with the earthly. Born in Baltonsborough, England, around 909 AD, he became a central figure in the 10th-century English Church and is now celebrated as the patron saint of blacksmiths, goldsmiths, and silversmiths. His journey from a gifted craftsman to a powerful abbot and archbishop is a testament to his intelligence, piety, and unwavering conviction. Dunstan's early life was marked by intellectual curiosity and an aptitude for manual arts. Educated at the monastic school in Glastonbury, he was a gifted scholar and a talented musician. But what truly set him apart was his skill in metalworking. He became a master blacksmith and goldsmith, crafting exquisite religious objects and tools. This dual mastery of scholarly pursuits and practical labor would define his life.

His story is perhaps best known for a dramatic tale of good versus evil. The legend says that while working in his forge, the devil appeared to him disguised as a man, tempting him. 

Recognizing the evil presence, Dunstan grabbed his tongs and seized the devil by the nose, refusing to let go until the devil cried out in pain and promised never to bother him again. This vivid image of the defiant craftsman-saint wrestling with evil in his forge cemented his place as a protector of those who work with fire and metal.

*Another story relates how Dunstan nailed a horseshoe to the Devil's foot when he was asked to re-shoe the Devil's cloven hoof. This caused the Devil great pain, and Dunstan only agreed to remove the shoe and release the Devil after he promised never to enter a place where a horseshoe is over the door. This is claimed as the origin of the lucky horseshoe.

From the Court to the Clergy

Dunstan's talents caught the attention of the royal court, and he served under several English kings, including King Æthelstan and King Edmund. However, his strong-willed nature and unwavering commitment to monastic reform often put him at odds with others, leading to periods of exile. Despite these setbacks, his influence grew. He became Abbot of Glastonbury, where he rebuilt the monastery and implemented a strict, scholarly rule. His reforms laid the groundwork for the English Benedictine monastic revival.

His influence culminated in his appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury in 960 AD. In this role, Dunstan was instrumental in advising King Edgar and consolidating royal power. He worked to unify the English Church, enforce moral discipline among the clergy, and promote education. His leadership helped shape England's political and religious landscape for decades.

Becoming a Saint

Dunstan's path to sainthood was a result of his dedicated life of service, his unwavering piety, and the miraculous deeds attributed to him. He was revered as a spiritual leader and a wise counselor. After his death on May 19, 988 AD, he was quickly venerated as a saint. His feast day is celebrated on May 19th. 

Dunstan was the most popular saint in England for nearly two centuries after his death. His legacy as the blacksmith's saint endures, embodying a unique blend of spiritual devotion and the dignity of skilled labor. He reminds us that faith and craftsmanship can be intertwined, and that even in the humblest of workshops, extraordinary deeds can be accomplished.

----- * English literature contains many references to him: for example, in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - "Foggier yet, and colder! Piercing, searching, biting cold. If the good Saint Dunstan had but nipped the Evil Spirit's nose with a touch of such weather as that, instead of using his familiar weapons, then, indeed, he would have roared to lusty purpose"