131-403 Saints, Scholars and the Community in Early Christian Ireland

Credit Points

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Semester

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Subject Description

A study of the principal primary texts relating to Patrick: his own writings, and the two early biographies, Murchu and Tirechan; a study of the various lives of Brigit, and the admixture of pagan and Christian elements in those Lives; a study of Adomnan's Life of Columba in its historical context which includes Columba's relations with the Ui Neil dynasty in Ulster, and with the Picts in Alba (Scotland). This seminar will also look at the development of pilgrimage within Ireland and the blending of Christian and older traditions in dinnshenchus (place-lore) writings. We will also look briefly at the representation of other early Irish saints, such as Brendan, Kevin and Ciaran and the eremitical tradition, and the early development of the cult of Mary in Ireland as seen in works attributed to some of these saints.

Assessment

Written work amounting to not more than 6000 words