131-403 Irish Hagiography

Usually admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth year honours in history.

This subject is a study of principal primary texts relating to Patrick, including his own writings, and the two early biographies, Murchú and Tirechán; the various Lives of Brigit and the mixture of pagan and Christian elements in those Lives; and Adomnan's Life of Columba in its historical context which includes Columba's relations with the Uí Neill dynasty in Ulster, and with the Picts in Alba (Scotland). Students should also become familiar with the development of pilgrimage within Ireland; with the blending of Christian and older traditions in 'dinnshenchus' (place-lore) writings; with the representation of other early Irish saints, such as Brendan, Kevin and Ciaran and the eremitical tradition; and with the early development of the cult of Mary in Ireland.