In artillery lore, Saint Barbara was chosen to be the patron saint of the artillery, as she was said to protect all those who risked death and injury from sudden calamity. And what could be more sudden for a medieval gun crew than having your weapon explode on you? Please bear in mind that the production of gunpowder was in its infancy in the West, the methods of transporting the volatile substance less than scientific, and measuring devices weren’t exactly precise. It was hoped then that the blessed Saint Barbara would protect the gun crew and keep any and all explosions within the desired parameters.