Wilgefortis was a female folk saint whose legend emerged during the 14th century. According to tradition, she was a noblewoman from either Galicia or Portugal who sought to avoid an arranged marriage to a Moorish king. To preserve her vow of virginity, she prayed to become unattractive, which resulted in the growth of a beard. This change prevented the wedding, but led her father to order her crucifixion. Her name is believed to stem from the Latin phrase meaning courageous virgin.