Saint Padarn
Latin: Paternus
Padarn Redcoat
One of the several Welsh “saints”, whose Life contains an encounter with Arthur. Arthur is presented as a tyrant in the story.
He wanders into Padarn’s cloister at Llanbadarn Fawr and demands Padarn’s tunic. Padarn calmly causes a crevasse to open in the earth and swallow Arthur. Arthur is not released until he begs forgiveness.
This tunic is mentioned among the Thirteen Treasures of the Island of Britain in Welsh lore, known as Pais Padarn Beisrydd, that rendered the wearer invisible. We may surmise that it was red, since Padarn bears the epithet “Red Coat”.
Sources
Life of St. Padarn | Late 11th century
Triads of the Island of Britain (Welsh ”Triads”) | 11th century to 14th century