Nicholas of Flüe, patron saint of Switzerland, was a Swiss hermit and ascetic. In 1467, he left his wife and his ten childre - with her consent - for the Ranft valley in canton Obwalden. His reputation was such that his advice is believed to have prevented a civil war between the cantons in 1481. What he said remains unknown, although it is believed he told the cantons to keep to their own affairs.

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