Saul (lived 11th century BC)

In the Old Testament, the first king of Israel. He was anointed by Samuel and warred successfully against the neighbouring Ammonites and Philistines, but fell from God's favour in his battle against the Amalekites. He became jealous and suspicious of David and turned against him and Samuel. After being wounded in battle with the Philistines, in which his three sons died, he committed suicide.

Saul

Village in County Down, Northern Ireland, 3 km/2 mi northeast of Downpatrick. St Patrick is reputed to have landed at Saul in 432. Sliabh Padraig Hill (126 m/415 ft) west of Saul is a pilgrimage site; there is an altar and on the summit a granite statue of the saint.

Some 4 km/2 mi from Saul are the ruins of Raholp church, said to have been founded by St Tassach, and 2 km/1 mi south of Saul are the ruins of a church, well, and bathhouses, known as St Patrick's Wells, another site of pilgrimage.

Above the village of Saul is a modern Protestant church dedicated to St Patrick.

Saul

Oratorio by Handel (libretto by Charles Jennens). It was first produced at London's King's Theatre on 16 January 1739.