The famous legend of Sant'Antonio Abate, patron of domestic animals and of the fire he gave to men

Sant'Antonio Abate was an Egyptian abbot and hermit considered the founder of Christian monasticism and the first of all abbots. He is the patron saint of domestic animals, livestock, farmers and all animal-related professions. He is also considered the protector of those who work with fire and of skin diseases and also the patron saint of gravediggers.

Sant'Antonio was born in 250 from a wealthy family. Alone 20 years decides to get rid of all his possessions, distribute them to the poor and go away to live a life of solitude, first in one area desert and later on the banks of the Red Sea. In the desert he was tempted by devil, but thanks to his prayer, he managed to resist. God then blessed him by granting him the power to heal the sick, freeing the possessed and instructing those who wished to dedicate themselves to the ascetic life.

Saint Anthony the Abbot goes to hell to recover the fire

St. Anthony he died at the age of over one hundred years in 356. A legend is linked to this saint which tells of an episode in which it is said that yes went to hell to steal fire from the devil. According to legend, while St. Anthony distracted the devil, the little pig that accompanied him ran into hell and stole a firebrand to bring to the men.

This legend is known another version which claims that the saint went to hell and had some disputes with the devil souls of the deceased. While the piglet caused chaos among the demons Saint Anthony lit his staff with hellfire to take him out.

Sardinia also has a tradition linked to Sant'Antonio Abate. According to this version, some men went to Sant'Antonio in the desert asking him to help them have fire, as they were cold. Saint Anthony decided to go to hell to bring them fire. With his pig and his staff, he asked the devils to open the gate to hell for him, but they refused.

Only the little pig he was allowed to enter and took the opportunity to make noise among the demons to distract them and give the saint the opportunity to enter. Saint Anthony made his way into hell and calm both the piglet and the devils. Back outside, he used his flaming staff to set fire to the men.