^^ The scalds are not mentioned, however, in con- nexion with northern history, until the Christian
religion
had been brought to Iceland, by our Irish missionaries,^^ and, the earliest known Icelandic historian, called Ara Frode, was not bom, before a.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v2
O'Conor's " Rerum Hibemi- notices contained in the "
carum Scriptores," tomus i. , p. xxvi.
*9 See "Lectures on the Philosophy of Modem History, delivered in the Univer-
sityof Dublin," by George Miller, D. D. , M. R. I. A. , vol. iii,, lect. xxvi. , p. 204 and
of Iceland," by Henry Holland, M. D. , p. 5, prefixed to Sir George Stewart Mackenzie's
way. "
Chapter ii. —* See some
interesting Preliminary Dissertation on the History and Literature
"
the Summer of the Year md. cccx. "
Travels in the Island of Iceland, during
February 5. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS 345
then inhabited, or not, is questionable ; yet, we deem it probable, some Irish colonists, or descendants of Irish settlers, were then and there found. The
sequel of our narrative, in giving the few brief notices, we can glean, regard- ing St. Buo and his companions, would appear to establish such a conclu- sion.
Colgan treats about Ernulph, or Erlulph, at the 2nd,* and about Buo, at the5th3ofFebruary. * WhyBuoshouldbemarkedatthe5thofFebruary,or
styled a saint, appears on no other authority, save from that of Camerarius,s foundedonaScotchmartyrology,andfromthatofDempster. ^ Theselast named Scottish writers wish to make him out a native of Albanian Scotia. But Colgan claims him as having been born in Ireland, and the presumption seems to rule in favour of his opinion. For, as we have already shown, Irish missionaries, at an early period, were accustomed to visit Iceland. Brief notices of Saints Ernulph and Buo are chiefly taken from the work of Arngrim Jonas. This writer makes Ornulphus or Ernulphus an Irishman. Colgan and others have Buo as a native of the same country, on the same authority. 7 By this writer, it is stated, that in the province of Kialam, in Iceland, during the ninth century, lived a certain Helgo, or Helge, surnamed Biola,whowasdescendedfromtheNorwegianbarons. ^ Heappearstohave been born a Christian, or, at least, he had little sympathy for the pagan rites, whichprevailedaroundhim. 9 ThisHelgoreceivedanIrishChristianexile, called Ornulphus, with his family,^® and not only gave them hospitality, but permitted his guest to erect an edifice dedicated to St. Columb," in a village called Esiuberg. In the same province, there was also a holy man, and, it may be interpreted, he was a countryman of Ornulph or Ernulf. He went by the name of Buo. While yet a young man, he became, it is said, a dis- tinguished missionary, and he flourished in the ninth century. Dempster states, that following the example of many other Scottish saints, he left for the North to promote the greater glory of God, and that he was borne to
' The Bollandists, in their great collec-
tion, omit Ernulph, and they observe, like- wise, that some more certain information, relative to him, was requisite, than what had been supplied, by Dempster and Col- gan. See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Februarii ii. Prsetermissi et in alios dies rejecti, p. 267.
3 Speaking of Buo, whom also the Bol-
landists omit, they state, there is as little
clear or authentic known concerning him,
as there is about Ernulph. What we find,
regarding the missionary career of this pious
man, is grounded on the statement of a
heterodox Icelandic writer, Arngrim. See Flatness, or "filius Ketelis Simi," is to be z^/fl? . , Februarii V. Praetermissi et in alios found, in the "Islands Landnamabok," dies rejecti, p. 593. part i. , cap. xi. , pp. 22, 23.
< See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- 5 a Northman, Helge, the Meager, was nise," ii. Februarii. De B. Erlulpho, sive brought up in Ireland. See " Report ad- Emulpho, Tylce Insulse, sive Islandiae Apos- dressed by the Royal Society of Northern toli, pp. 241, 242. Also, V. Februarii. De Antiquaries to its British and American S. Buone, Thylae Insula? , seu Islandiae
Apostolo, pp. 256, 257.
5 At the 5 th day of February, St. Buo is
noted, by Camerarius, among the Scottish
"
Members," p. 5. He might have been identical with the noble here mentioned.
saints, while Arngrin Jonas, and the
vigatio Anglicana," p. 304, are quoted as
authorities for his statements. See "De donia, whose Life will be found at the 9th Statu Hominis, veteris simul ac novae Ec- of June,
clesiae, et Infidelium Conversione," lib, i. ,
Na-
pars ii. , cap. iii. , sect. 2, p. 143. ^ '*
See Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Sco- torum," tomus i. , lib. ii. , num. 168, p. 94. Dempster states, his feast-day is uncertain,
7 Yet, Arngrim's words, also of the same
province, may be conjectured as referring not to Ireland, but to the Icelandic province
of Kialam, about which he had previously spoken. Yet, the stress intimated by, alsoy leads us to suppose, that the author's mean-
ing was, to . point out Buo, as a countryman
and companion of Ernulph, whose name and
country immediately precede,
^ An account of him, as son of Ketills
"It seems doubtful, from the word sim- ply used, whether by this was meant his natural, or his religious, family,
" Most likely, the great Apostle of Cale-
346 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [February 5.
Iceland, where he instructed the people, having been distinguished for his sanctity and miracles. " His career is usually associated with that of the
previous Emulph, regarded as a saint, and with that of Helgo, or Helgius, sumamed Biola, who appears to have come from the Hebrides. Colgan placed the Acts of St. Ernulph, at the 2nd of February, not that he knew, on what day Emulph died, or whether his name was in any calendar, or not ; but, because a St. Emulph, martyr. Bishop of Verdun, whom he thought a native of Ireland, is marked in a German calendar, at that same day. Ac- cordingly, on account of the similarity of the name, he has Ernulph, as well asErlulph,atthe2ndofFebmary. '3 WithregardtoErnulph,wereweto judgefromthename,itmightseem,thathewasnotanIrishman; yet,he is expressly so called. His real name was, perhaps, Emuf or Emubh,^* which, conformably to a northern termination, was changed into Ernulph in the same manner as Mailduf, or Maildubh,^5 was changed into Maildulph. ^^ Little is known with certainty, regarding St. Buo, only that he aided to es- tablish the Gospel, in Iceland, and probably about the time when the Irish- man Ernulph was there. As a champion of civilization and humanity, St. Buo helped to end the sacrifice of human victims in that country, and he consigned, to the flames, the images of false gods, heretofore held in adora- tion, by the people. ^7 Without any apparent good authority, Dempster makes Buo the author of " Homiliae ad Islandos," which, it is said, he com- posedinonebook. ^^ AmongtheIrishwriters,Warehasnotanynoticeof Buo ; Harris, however, has included him, under the writers of the ninth century, chiefly on the authority of Dempster. ^9 The year of the holy man's death is uncertain, and his Acts are very meagre. St. Buo, however, with Erlulph, is said to have lived, about the year 890,^° and his natalis had been kept, on the 5th day of February, according to certain writers. His success in establishing Christianity must have been considerable, since a Christian temple, dedicated to an Irish saint, displaced the fane of false gods, and this was even a slaughter-house, for the horrid immolation of human victims. Emulph and Buo have been called the Apostles of Iceland, by some writers. The little that is known regarding them does not authorize us to give such a general title. This was bestowed on them, only by the Scotch writers, who, in spite of Arngrim's opposite statement, pretend that they were Scotch-
" See ** Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum," tomus i. , lib. ii. , num. 168, p. 94.
'3 See "Acta Sanctorum Hibemiae," p. 241.
^4 Dempster, who states the date of St.
a Scotchman—and a pious man, who lived in Iceland, on the authority of Arngrim Jonas* elegant history of Iceland. This work he acknowledges, however, not to have been seen by him, although he learned the statement from a friend. See "Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum," tomus i. , lib.
485, p. 263.
was called Maildufsburg, in Saxon times, afterwards, it was modernized into Malms- bury.
"^See Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical His- tory of Ireland," vol. iii. , chap, xviii. , sect. v. , pp. 97, 98, and nn. 62, 63, 64, p. 100. Also, chap, xxii. , sect, ii. , n. 21, p. 345, ibid.
*' Such is the account contained in " His-
Erlulphus' feast is uncertain, yet, will make
him nationeScotus" by
— which he means
*'
num. 'S From "
of Ireland," chap, vi. , p. 63.
'° who that he
v. ,
See Dempster,
flourished in the time of
first of the Scottish kings renewed a treaty
was derived the name of a town, called by
states, King Gregory,
who
Meildulf,
natione
Scotus,"
Venerable Bede "Maildulfi urbem. " See of alliance with the Gauls. This account,
"
Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum," however, is sufficiently doubtful. See
lib. v. , cap. 19, pp. 436,437. Also, William " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum,"
«fMalmsbury, in Vita S. Aldhelmi, Whar- tomus i. , lib. ii. , num. i68, p. 94. Also,
tons
Anglia Sacra," vol. ii. The place lib. v. , num. 485, p. 263.
toria Islandiae," by Angrinus Jonas. ^^ "
See Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum," tomus i. ,lib. ii. , num. 1 68, p. 94.
''See Harris' Ware, vol. iii. , "Writers
February 5. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 347
men. Heexpresslystates,however,thatErlulphwasanIrishChristianand an exile.
Probably, as in most pagan countries, Christianity had to sustain a rude conflict with heathen customs and prejudices in Iceland. The light of Faith only flickered partially, in some of its provinces ; for, what has come down to us, in tradition, only reveals attempts made to plant the Gospel there, by several Irish missionaries. How far these were providentially successful, in the earliest ages, must remain unknown. There can be little doubt, how- ever, that Ireland at last Christianized Iceland. New colonies arrived, we are told, from different nations, after the Norwegians settled there ; but, civil dissensions broke out, while the Icelandic histories record many of their battles. To prevent these conflicts for the future, a chief was chosen in 928, andgreatpowerswereconferreduponhim. Afewarbitraryandenterprising men, at length, became the real rulers, among so turbulent a people. '"' It must have been some time before the year 1000, when Christianity, it seems, was re-introduced into Iceland f^ yet, it would not appear to have dawned there for the first time. Ara states,^3 that it was brought in, during the reign ofOlausTryggvon,KingofNorway,^4- agreatgrandsonofHaroldHarfagre, by certain persons. Among these, he makes no mention of the present saint, nor of his companions.
When Christianity became established, on a secure basis, social happi- ness followed, among all classes of those islanders. They possessed liberty of conscience and political freedom, at a date, when Rufus made England a huntingmanor. TheyreadandwrotetheirEdda,whenthefeudallordsof
Europe could not sign their names, and, thus, however insulated, they found elements of civiHzation, which were capable of further expansion. A great number of Sagas and chronicles were written, in Iceland. Commerce was
developed, among the people, at an early period. ^^ Iceland furnished to Denmark and Norway their scalds, or bardic chroniclers. Yet, the art of writing was not much in use, in Iceland, until after the commencement of the eleventh century.
^^ The scalds are not mentioned, however, in con- nexion with northern history, until the Christian religion had been brought to Iceland, by our Irish missionaries,^^ and, the earliest known Icelandic historian, called Ara Frode, was not bom, before a. d. 1068. ^^
As being the hospitable refuge of letters and religion, Iceland in this respect became an Ireland of the north. =9 The inhabitants lived chiefly on
wild fowl, as also, by fishing, and by tending cattle. 3° From an early period, they have been fearless and adventurous navigators. This spirit, and pro-
bably the example or advice given them by early Irish immigrants, urged
="
See the article Iceland, in the "Ency- clopsedia Britannica," vol. ix. , p. 90.
i. , chap. 9.
^ See Dr. Uno Von Troil's ** Letters on
Iceland," p. 158.
=^7 See Dr. O'Conor's "Rerum Hibemi-
carum Scriptores Veteres," tomus i. , p. xxxviii.
" See Dr. Uno Von Troll's
Iceland," p. 161. "
**
Letters on
''3 See Schedae de Islandia," cap. vii. *4 He was slain in battle, A. D. 1000.
*5 In of Harald consequence
=8 j^jg ug^,j^g^gg»^gj. g^yi. ittensince
and they are considered to be the most an- cient Icelandic accounts extant. See Dr.
Blatand, King of Denmark, having detained one of their ships, laden with merchandize, they composed satirical verses on him. As a consequence, he sent out a fleet to ravage their island. This caused the enactment of
a law, extant in their ancient code, forbid-
ding any person, under pain of capital pun- ishment to compose satirical verses upon
1122,
'
vellers in Denmark, Norway, Sweden and the Kings of Denmark, Sweden or Norway. Iceland. " Route 12, p. 99. Third edi-
See Mallet's "Northern Antiquities," vol. tion.
Uno Von Troll's
163.
^^ See Mallet's
**
**
Letters on Iceland," p.
Northern Antiquities,"
vol. i. , chap. ii.
3o gee Murray's " Hand-Book for T^a-
348 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS [February 5.
them to steer for the shores of richer and warmer climes. Soon their well-
organized expeditions, destined for conquest or plunder, caused the North- men to be dreaded in the islands of Britain and of Ireland, while their ships reached even more southern coasts. 3^ Wonderful indeed, must have been the pluck of those old Norsemen, with whom we stand connected, by so many memories, both fierce and tender. The vessels, in which they made perilous voyages a thousand years ago, were not bigger than the barge of a man-of-war, or a modern fisherman's coasting trawler. And yet, in these, they dared to pass wherever the waves rolled and the wind blew. It seems probable,thenorthernnavigatorsdiscoveredGreenlandandLabrador; they reached America long before Columbus and Vespucci ; they made their way up the Seine, and established the Dukedom of Normandy ; they harrassed thecoastsoftheMediterranean,aswellasourown; andactuallypenetrated the Black Sea with their open galleys. The salt-water coursed in their fresh, wholesome blood ; the sea winds were the breath of their bold life. They must, truly, have had hearts like rocks, and hands like iron, to do the deeds recorded of them ; and, it is no little proof of the doughty stuff that was in their breed, to find their earliest colony extant and flourishing still, after the vicissitudes of more than a thousand years. The chief part of the Icelanders put themselves under the protection of Hakans, King of Nonvay, in 1261. The rest soon followed this example, on certain conditions. In the year 1264, Iceland became entirely subject to Norway. 32 In course of time, the peopleofbothcountriesfellunderthedominionofDenmark. Thecare,or ratherneglect,ofIcelandwasthencommittedtoagovernor; but,hisre- sidence there was only occasional. A few subordinates acted under him, and almost everything was decided, according to the laws made in Denmark. As in the neighbouring northern nations, Iceland, in the sixteenth century, adopted the tenets of the Protestant Reformation. 34 Towards the close of the last century, it was resolved the governor should reside constantly, and have his seat at Bessesstedr. 3s Still, the system of government adopted was not calculated to advance local interests, nor to gain the approval of the Ice-
landers. 36
The prefecture of the Arctic Missions was established by Pope Pius IX. ,
afterproclaimingtheDogmaoftheImmaculateConception. TheApostolic Prefect has under his jurisdiction, by this arrangement, a most extensive
charge : viz. , Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Lapland, part of Hudson's Bay, with the Orkney Islands, Shetland, and the county of Caith- ness, in Scotland. 37 For several years past, with extraordinary ability, per- sistence, union, and good sense, the Icelanders, finding their local affairs neglected and mismanaged, carried on an agitation for self-government, and for an independent legislature, which should be competent to regulate the internal concerns of their island. The people found allies and champions
3' A very interesting account of the ancient Icelandic superstitions and national manners
of that Country. " With illustrations, Ap- pendix, pp. 1,2.
has been
Professor
3S See article
given by Rudolph Keyser,
of History in the University of Norway. It has been translated into English by Barclay
Iceland^
Encyclopaedia
36 Reikiavik, the modem capital of Ice- Pennock. It is intituled, "The Religion of land, consists only of wooden sheds one
theNorthmen. " NewYork,1854,8vo.
3' See Dr. Uno Von Troil's "Letters on
Iceland," p. 161.
34 Frederick I. , King of Denmark, estab-
storeyhigh,andithasonlyonestonebuild-
the cathedral. It was erected in an- cient times, and lately restored. See Lord Dufferin's " Letters from High Latitudes,"
lished Lutheranism in his kingdom. See p. 36.
A. Andersen Feldborg's "Denmark De- 37 See Rev. Dr. J. F. S. Gordon's "Sco- lineated ; or Sketches of the Present State tichronicon," voL i. , p. 32.
in *• Britannica," vol. ix. , p. 90.
ing,
February 5. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 349
among the Danes themselves—men wise in their generation—who believed
in the justice and good policy of conceding national claims, preferred with reason, earnestness and moderation. King Christian IX. and the Danish Parliament made fair and generous concessions. A new constitution was framed and promulgated, which solemnly declares, that the island for the future shall be, in all local matters, that is, in all matters, not of an imperial character, governed by the King and Althing, which means, the Parliament of Iceland. Thus, by the King, Lords, and Commons of Iceland, are in- ternal affairs, henceforth, to be administered. The event [was hailed with extraordinary rejoicings, and by a great island celebration, in Iceland ; while, in the kingdom of Denmark proper, similar fraternal commemorations took place. ^s May we hope, that at a time, not very distant, the lights of Faith, at first kindled by our ancestors, may still revive, in this remote island, and that CathoHcity may crown and complete the edifice of political and social freedom.
Article II. —St. Indract, with his Sister St. Dominica, and his
Companions,whowereMartyrs. \DuringtheSeventhorEighthCentury^
The rose-tree never appears to greater advantage, than when covered with
many bright clusters of the blushing flower it bears, and, the Church
prizes, in a higher degree, that coronal of numerous blossoms, which falls
on the purpled and glorious path of martyrdom. It is said,^ that William
of Malmesbury,^ who died in 1141, wrote the Lives of Saints Patrick,
Indract,3 and Benignus. + Capgrave,5 in his legends of the British Saints,^
preserves an account for us of certain Irish Saints thus honoured. Colgan
has, likewise, reproduced for us this narrative. 7 The Bollandists have
preserved, in like manner, the Acts of these martyrs. ^ Bishop Challoner
presents a brief notice regarding them. 9 The Rev. S. Baring-Gould mentions them in his work. ^° St. Indract was son to an Irish King," or,
at least, he was of a regal family," and St. Dominica was his sister.
3^ Thus, in commemoration of the thou-
sandth anniversary, recalling the coloniza- tion of Iceland, the Municipal Council of
Copenhagen, August 7th, 1874, voted 6,000
1142, pp. 208 to 210.
s Colgan supposes, that Capgrave derived his account of these saints and their corn-
for a statue to be
kiavik, of the celebrated sculptor, Thor-
waldsen, who w—as of Icelandic descent. panions, martyrs, occurs at fol. clxxxix.
at
^7 Article ii. See Pitsasus, in his ac-
rigsdaler
erected,
Ry-
count of English Writers, at Num. 201,
Februarii. Vita S. Indracti et S. Domini-
cae Virginis, ac Sociorum Martyrum, pp.
253 to 255.
^
See the Acts of St. Indract, St. Domi- nica and Nine Companions, Martyrs. There is a previous commentary, in two sections, and in eight paragraphs. The
^
In the Bodleian Library, Oxford, the
following manuscript of this writer is to be
found. Passio S. Indracti, Martyris, auc-
tore Guilielmo Malmesburiensi. MS. Bodl. Digby, 192, fol. 95, veil. 4to, xii. cent.
3 His Acts contain false statements, re-
— the death and of St. Pa- Acts are contained in five garding sepulture
if " trick by him we are to understand the
paragraphs, Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , v. Februarii,
great Irish Apostle. William of Malmsbury likewise incorrectly states, that his death and burial occurred at Glastonbury, in Eng- land. See "Acta Sanctorum Hibemiae," V. Februarii, n. I, p. 254. Capgrave fol- lows a similar account.
pp. 688 to 690.
9 See "Britannia Sancta," part i. At
5th of February, pp. 107, 108.
^° See "Lives of the Saints," vol. ii. ,
February v. , p. 140.
" By William of Malmesbury, he is called
sonofanIrish Hindrachus, king.
*> Pitsaeus William of
an
gives interesting
accountof
and of his Relationum Historicarum de Rebus Anglicis," tomus i. Aetas Duodecima,
" So relates the
stating, likewise, that he came from Ireland.
in
"
Malmesbury
writings
English Martyrology, *3 This name, Indract or Indrect, was
panions, from William of Malmesbury.
^ See " Nova where Legenda Angliae,"
the account of St. Indract and of his com-
See "Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," v.
350 LIVES OF THE IJRISff SAINTS. [February 5.
We are told, that Indract^3 had been well instructed in human know-
ledge, well grounded in virtue, while conspicuous for his exemplary life and conversation, before God and man. Nothing could exceed the amiability of his disposition, and his holiness was the theme of general admiration. ^^ In order that he might acquire the saints' rewards in heaven, he resolved upon trampling under foot all blandishments of this life, and its concupiscences,witheveryfleetingterreneenjoyment. Accompaniedbyhis
apilgrimagetoRome. ^^ Havingembarkedforthispurpose,theylandedat a British port, named Tamerunta ;^9 and, here they constructed a cell or
an oratory, where, in supplication and penitence, they spent a considerable time. =° It is related, that Indract struck the staff with which he journeyed
into the ground, at this place. Immediately it took root, spread forth branches, with leaves, and, at length, it grew into a large and shady oak tree. From a neighbouring pool, he was said to have received a miraculous supply offish; which,however,failedhimtosomeextent,owingtoacrimecom-
——
who was named Dominica,'s others Drusa'^ and nine other
by
companions, '7 he resolved on quitting his native country, that he mi;^ht make
sister,
mitted by one of his companions-^*'
formerly a common one, among our saints and kings. The "Annals of the Four Masters" at A. D. 705, give us an account regarding the death of Inreachtach, son to Dunchadh Muirisca, King of Tripartite Con- naught. In A. D. 792, Innreachtach, son to Domhnall, brother to King Donnchadh, died. In the preceding year 791, Colgan places the death of an Indrect, son to Mured, King of Connaught ; but, this entry is not found in Mr. O'Donovan's edition of the Four Masters. In A. D, 814, Innreachtach, Bishop of Kilmacduagh, died. In the year 852, Innreachtach Ua Finachtain, successor of Colum Cille, a distinguished and wise man, suffered martyrdom from the Saxons, on the 1 2th of March. In the year 901, Innreachtach, son to Dobhailen, Abbot of Bangor, died, on the 26th of April. In the year 917, Innreachtach, Abbot of Tr—e- foit, was slain in his own abbatial house Colgan adds, "a Normannis ut videtur. " Colgan also observes, that the present St. Indract in point of time, was prior to all of these, if what is related of him be true.
Hereupon, he resolved to prosecute
ology states, at the 5th of February, and afterwards in the index, that Dominica was mart)Ted with her brother. This is also asserted by Richard Whitford.
carum Scriptores," tomus i. , p. xxvi.
*9 See "Lectures on the Philosophy of Modem History, delivered in the Univer-
sityof Dublin," by George Miller, D. D. , M. R. I. A. , vol. iii,, lect. xxvi. , p. 204 and
of Iceland," by Henry Holland, M. D. , p. 5, prefixed to Sir George Stewart Mackenzie's
way. "
Chapter ii. —* See some
interesting Preliminary Dissertation on the History and Literature
"
the Summer of the Year md. cccx. "
Travels in the Island of Iceland, during
February 5. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS 345
then inhabited, or not, is questionable ; yet, we deem it probable, some Irish colonists, or descendants of Irish settlers, were then and there found. The
sequel of our narrative, in giving the few brief notices, we can glean, regard- ing St. Buo and his companions, would appear to establish such a conclu- sion.
Colgan treats about Ernulph, or Erlulph, at the 2nd,* and about Buo, at the5th3ofFebruary. * WhyBuoshouldbemarkedatthe5thofFebruary,or
styled a saint, appears on no other authority, save from that of Camerarius,s foundedonaScotchmartyrology,andfromthatofDempster. ^ Theselast named Scottish writers wish to make him out a native of Albanian Scotia. But Colgan claims him as having been born in Ireland, and the presumption seems to rule in favour of his opinion. For, as we have already shown, Irish missionaries, at an early period, were accustomed to visit Iceland. Brief notices of Saints Ernulph and Buo are chiefly taken from the work of Arngrim Jonas. This writer makes Ornulphus or Ernulphus an Irishman. Colgan and others have Buo as a native of the same country, on the same authority. 7 By this writer, it is stated, that in the province of Kialam, in Iceland, during the ninth century, lived a certain Helgo, or Helge, surnamed Biola,whowasdescendedfromtheNorwegianbarons. ^ Heappearstohave been born a Christian, or, at least, he had little sympathy for the pagan rites, whichprevailedaroundhim. 9 ThisHelgoreceivedanIrishChristianexile, called Ornulphus, with his family,^® and not only gave them hospitality, but permitted his guest to erect an edifice dedicated to St. Columb," in a village called Esiuberg. In the same province, there was also a holy man, and, it may be interpreted, he was a countryman of Ornulph or Ernulf. He went by the name of Buo. While yet a young man, he became, it is said, a dis- tinguished missionary, and he flourished in the ninth century. Dempster states, that following the example of many other Scottish saints, he left for the North to promote the greater glory of God, and that he was borne to
' The Bollandists, in their great collec-
tion, omit Ernulph, and they observe, like- wise, that some more certain information, relative to him, was requisite, than what had been supplied, by Dempster and Col- gan. See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Februarii ii. Prsetermissi et in alios dies rejecti, p. 267.
3 Speaking of Buo, whom also the Bol-
landists omit, they state, there is as little
clear or authentic known concerning him,
as there is about Ernulph. What we find,
regarding the missionary career of this pious
man, is grounded on the statement of a
heterodox Icelandic writer, Arngrim. See Flatness, or "filius Ketelis Simi," is to be z^/fl? . , Februarii V. Praetermissi et in alios found, in the "Islands Landnamabok," dies rejecti, p. 593. part i. , cap. xi. , pp. 22, 23.
< See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- 5 a Northman, Helge, the Meager, was nise," ii. Februarii. De B. Erlulpho, sive brought up in Ireland. See " Report ad- Emulpho, Tylce Insulse, sive Islandiae Apos- dressed by the Royal Society of Northern toli, pp. 241, 242. Also, V. Februarii. De Antiquaries to its British and American S. Buone, Thylae Insula? , seu Islandiae
Apostolo, pp. 256, 257.
5 At the 5 th day of February, St. Buo is
noted, by Camerarius, among the Scottish
"
Members," p. 5. He might have been identical with the noble here mentioned.
saints, while Arngrin Jonas, and the
vigatio Anglicana," p. 304, are quoted as
authorities for his statements. See "De donia, whose Life will be found at the 9th Statu Hominis, veteris simul ac novae Ec- of June,
clesiae, et Infidelium Conversione," lib, i. ,
Na-
pars ii. , cap. iii. , sect. 2, p. 143. ^ '*
See Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Sco- torum," tomus i. , lib. ii. , num. 168, p. 94. Dempster states, his feast-day is uncertain,
7 Yet, Arngrim's words, also of the same
province, may be conjectured as referring not to Ireland, but to the Icelandic province
of Kialam, about which he had previously spoken. Yet, the stress intimated by, alsoy leads us to suppose, that the author's mean-
ing was, to . point out Buo, as a countryman
and companion of Ernulph, whose name and
country immediately precede,
^ An account of him, as son of Ketills
"It seems doubtful, from the word sim- ply used, whether by this was meant his natural, or his religious, family,
" Most likely, the great Apostle of Cale-
346 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [February 5.
Iceland, where he instructed the people, having been distinguished for his sanctity and miracles. " His career is usually associated with that of the
previous Emulph, regarded as a saint, and with that of Helgo, or Helgius, sumamed Biola, who appears to have come from the Hebrides. Colgan placed the Acts of St. Ernulph, at the 2nd of February, not that he knew, on what day Emulph died, or whether his name was in any calendar, or not ; but, because a St. Emulph, martyr. Bishop of Verdun, whom he thought a native of Ireland, is marked in a German calendar, at that same day. Ac- cordingly, on account of the similarity of the name, he has Ernulph, as well asErlulph,atthe2ndofFebmary. '3 WithregardtoErnulph,wereweto judgefromthename,itmightseem,thathewasnotanIrishman; yet,he is expressly so called. His real name was, perhaps, Emuf or Emubh,^* which, conformably to a northern termination, was changed into Ernulph in the same manner as Mailduf, or Maildubh,^5 was changed into Maildulph. ^^ Little is known with certainty, regarding St. Buo, only that he aided to es- tablish the Gospel, in Iceland, and probably about the time when the Irish- man Ernulph was there. As a champion of civilization and humanity, St. Buo helped to end the sacrifice of human victims in that country, and he consigned, to the flames, the images of false gods, heretofore held in adora- tion, by the people. ^7 Without any apparent good authority, Dempster makes Buo the author of " Homiliae ad Islandos," which, it is said, he com- posedinonebook. ^^ AmongtheIrishwriters,Warehasnotanynoticeof Buo ; Harris, however, has included him, under the writers of the ninth century, chiefly on the authority of Dempster. ^9 The year of the holy man's death is uncertain, and his Acts are very meagre. St. Buo, however, with Erlulph, is said to have lived, about the year 890,^° and his natalis had been kept, on the 5th day of February, according to certain writers. His success in establishing Christianity must have been considerable, since a Christian temple, dedicated to an Irish saint, displaced the fane of false gods, and this was even a slaughter-house, for the horrid immolation of human victims. Emulph and Buo have been called the Apostles of Iceland, by some writers. The little that is known regarding them does not authorize us to give such a general title. This was bestowed on them, only by the Scotch writers, who, in spite of Arngrim's opposite statement, pretend that they were Scotch-
" See ** Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum," tomus i. , lib. ii. , num. 168, p. 94.
'3 See "Acta Sanctorum Hibemiae," p. 241.
^4 Dempster, who states the date of St.
a Scotchman—and a pious man, who lived in Iceland, on the authority of Arngrim Jonas* elegant history of Iceland. This work he acknowledges, however, not to have been seen by him, although he learned the statement from a friend. See "Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum," tomus i. , lib.
485, p. 263.
was called Maildufsburg, in Saxon times, afterwards, it was modernized into Malms- bury.
"^See Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical His- tory of Ireland," vol. iii. , chap, xviii. , sect. v. , pp. 97, 98, and nn. 62, 63, 64, p. 100. Also, chap, xxii. , sect, ii. , n. 21, p. 345, ibid.
*' Such is the account contained in " His-
Erlulphus' feast is uncertain, yet, will make
him nationeScotus" by
— which he means
*'
num. 'S From "
of Ireland," chap, vi. , p. 63.
'° who that he
v. ,
See Dempster,
flourished in the time of
first of the Scottish kings renewed a treaty
was derived the name of a town, called by
states, King Gregory,
who
Meildulf,
natione
Scotus,"
Venerable Bede "Maildulfi urbem. " See of alliance with the Gauls. This account,
"
Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum," however, is sufficiently doubtful. See
lib. v. , cap. 19, pp. 436,437. Also, William " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum,"
«fMalmsbury, in Vita S. Aldhelmi, Whar- tomus i. , lib. ii. , num. i68, p. 94. Also,
tons
Anglia Sacra," vol. ii. The place lib. v. , num. 485, p. 263.
toria Islandiae," by Angrinus Jonas. ^^ "
See Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum," tomus i. ,lib. ii. , num. 1 68, p. 94.
''See Harris' Ware, vol. iii. , "Writers
February 5. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 347
men. Heexpresslystates,however,thatErlulphwasanIrishChristianand an exile.
Probably, as in most pagan countries, Christianity had to sustain a rude conflict with heathen customs and prejudices in Iceland. The light of Faith only flickered partially, in some of its provinces ; for, what has come down to us, in tradition, only reveals attempts made to plant the Gospel there, by several Irish missionaries. How far these were providentially successful, in the earliest ages, must remain unknown. There can be little doubt, how- ever, that Ireland at last Christianized Iceland. New colonies arrived, we are told, from different nations, after the Norwegians settled there ; but, civil dissensions broke out, while the Icelandic histories record many of their battles. To prevent these conflicts for the future, a chief was chosen in 928, andgreatpowerswereconferreduponhim. Afewarbitraryandenterprising men, at length, became the real rulers, among so turbulent a people. '"' It must have been some time before the year 1000, when Christianity, it seems, was re-introduced into Iceland f^ yet, it would not appear to have dawned there for the first time. Ara states,^3 that it was brought in, during the reign ofOlausTryggvon,KingofNorway,^4- agreatgrandsonofHaroldHarfagre, by certain persons. Among these, he makes no mention of the present saint, nor of his companions.
When Christianity became established, on a secure basis, social happi- ness followed, among all classes of those islanders. They possessed liberty of conscience and political freedom, at a date, when Rufus made England a huntingmanor. TheyreadandwrotetheirEdda,whenthefeudallordsof
Europe could not sign their names, and, thus, however insulated, they found elements of civiHzation, which were capable of further expansion. A great number of Sagas and chronicles were written, in Iceland. Commerce was
developed, among the people, at an early period. ^^ Iceland furnished to Denmark and Norway their scalds, or bardic chroniclers. Yet, the art of writing was not much in use, in Iceland, until after the commencement of the eleventh century.
^^ The scalds are not mentioned, however, in con- nexion with northern history, until the Christian religion had been brought to Iceland, by our Irish missionaries,^^ and, the earliest known Icelandic historian, called Ara Frode, was not bom, before a. d. 1068. ^^
As being the hospitable refuge of letters and religion, Iceland in this respect became an Ireland of the north. =9 The inhabitants lived chiefly on
wild fowl, as also, by fishing, and by tending cattle. 3° From an early period, they have been fearless and adventurous navigators. This spirit, and pro-
bably the example or advice given them by early Irish immigrants, urged
="
See the article Iceland, in the "Ency- clopsedia Britannica," vol. ix. , p. 90.
i. , chap. 9.
^ See Dr. Uno Von Troil's ** Letters on
Iceland," p. 158.
=^7 See Dr. O'Conor's "Rerum Hibemi-
carum Scriptores Veteres," tomus i. , p. xxxviii.
" See Dr. Uno Von Troll's
Iceland," p. 161. "
**
Letters on
''3 See Schedae de Islandia," cap. vii. *4 He was slain in battle, A. D. 1000.
*5 In of Harald consequence
=8 j^jg ug^,j^g^gg»^gj. g^yi. ittensince
and they are considered to be the most an- cient Icelandic accounts extant. See Dr.
Blatand, King of Denmark, having detained one of their ships, laden with merchandize, they composed satirical verses on him. As a consequence, he sent out a fleet to ravage their island. This caused the enactment of
a law, extant in their ancient code, forbid-
ding any person, under pain of capital pun- ishment to compose satirical verses upon
1122,
'
vellers in Denmark, Norway, Sweden and the Kings of Denmark, Sweden or Norway. Iceland. " Route 12, p. 99. Third edi-
See Mallet's "Northern Antiquities," vol. tion.
Uno Von Troll's
163.
^^ See Mallet's
**
**
Letters on Iceland," p.
Northern Antiquities,"
vol. i. , chap. ii.
3o gee Murray's " Hand-Book for T^a-
348 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS [February 5.
them to steer for the shores of richer and warmer climes. Soon their well-
organized expeditions, destined for conquest or plunder, caused the North- men to be dreaded in the islands of Britain and of Ireland, while their ships reached even more southern coasts. 3^ Wonderful indeed, must have been the pluck of those old Norsemen, with whom we stand connected, by so many memories, both fierce and tender. The vessels, in which they made perilous voyages a thousand years ago, were not bigger than the barge of a man-of-war, or a modern fisherman's coasting trawler. And yet, in these, they dared to pass wherever the waves rolled and the wind blew. It seems probable,thenorthernnavigatorsdiscoveredGreenlandandLabrador; they reached America long before Columbus and Vespucci ; they made their way up the Seine, and established the Dukedom of Normandy ; they harrassed thecoastsoftheMediterranean,aswellasourown; andactuallypenetrated the Black Sea with their open galleys. The salt-water coursed in their fresh, wholesome blood ; the sea winds were the breath of their bold life. They must, truly, have had hearts like rocks, and hands like iron, to do the deeds recorded of them ; and, it is no little proof of the doughty stuff that was in their breed, to find their earliest colony extant and flourishing still, after the vicissitudes of more than a thousand years. The chief part of the Icelanders put themselves under the protection of Hakans, King of Nonvay, in 1261. The rest soon followed this example, on certain conditions. In the year 1264, Iceland became entirely subject to Norway. 32 In course of time, the peopleofbothcountriesfellunderthedominionofDenmark. Thecare,or ratherneglect,ofIcelandwasthencommittedtoagovernor; but,hisre- sidence there was only occasional. A few subordinates acted under him, and almost everything was decided, according to the laws made in Denmark. As in the neighbouring northern nations, Iceland, in the sixteenth century, adopted the tenets of the Protestant Reformation. 34 Towards the close of the last century, it was resolved the governor should reside constantly, and have his seat at Bessesstedr. 3s Still, the system of government adopted was not calculated to advance local interests, nor to gain the approval of the Ice-
landers. 36
The prefecture of the Arctic Missions was established by Pope Pius IX. ,
afterproclaimingtheDogmaoftheImmaculateConception. TheApostolic Prefect has under his jurisdiction, by this arrangement, a most extensive
charge : viz. , Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Lapland, part of Hudson's Bay, with the Orkney Islands, Shetland, and the county of Caith- ness, in Scotland. 37 For several years past, with extraordinary ability, per- sistence, union, and good sense, the Icelanders, finding their local affairs neglected and mismanaged, carried on an agitation for self-government, and for an independent legislature, which should be competent to regulate the internal concerns of their island. The people found allies and champions
3' A very interesting account of the ancient Icelandic superstitions and national manners
of that Country. " With illustrations, Ap- pendix, pp. 1,2.
has been
Professor
3S See article
given by Rudolph Keyser,
of History in the University of Norway. It has been translated into English by Barclay
Iceland^
Encyclopaedia
36 Reikiavik, the modem capital of Ice- Pennock. It is intituled, "The Religion of land, consists only of wooden sheds one
theNorthmen. " NewYork,1854,8vo.
3' See Dr. Uno Von Troil's "Letters on
Iceland," p. 161.
34 Frederick I. , King of Denmark, estab-
storeyhigh,andithasonlyonestonebuild-
the cathedral. It was erected in an- cient times, and lately restored. See Lord Dufferin's " Letters from High Latitudes,"
lished Lutheranism in his kingdom. See p. 36.
A. Andersen Feldborg's "Denmark De- 37 See Rev. Dr. J. F. S. Gordon's "Sco- lineated ; or Sketches of the Present State tichronicon," voL i. , p. 32.
in *• Britannica," vol. ix. , p. 90.
ing,
February 5. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 349
among the Danes themselves—men wise in their generation—who believed
in the justice and good policy of conceding national claims, preferred with reason, earnestness and moderation. King Christian IX. and the Danish Parliament made fair and generous concessions. A new constitution was framed and promulgated, which solemnly declares, that the island for the future shall be, in all local matters, that is, in all matters, not of an imperial character, governed by the King and Althing, which means, the Parliament of Iceland. Thus, by the King, Lords, and Commons of Iceland, are in- ternal affairs, henceforth, to be administered. The event [was hailed with extraordinary rejoicings, and by a great island celebration, in Iceland ; while, in the kingdom of Denmark proper, similar fraternal commemorations took place. ^s May we hope, that at a time, not very distant, the lights of Faith, at first kindled by our ancestors, may still revive, in this remote island, and that CathoHcity may crown and complete the edifice of political and social freedom.
Article II. —St. Indract, with his Sister St. Dominica, and his
Companions,whowereMartyrs. \DuringtheSeventhorEighthCentury^
The rose-tree never appears to greater advantage, than when covered with
many bright clusters of the blushing flower it bears, and, the Church
prizes, in a higher degree, that coronal of numerous blossoms, which falls
on the purpled and glorious path of martyrdom. It is said,^ that William
of Malmesbury,^ who died in 1141, wrote the Lives of Saints Patrick,
Indract,3 and Benignus. + Capgrave,5 in his legends of the British Saints,^
preserves an account for us of certain Irish Saints thus honoured. Colgan
has, likewise, reproduced for us this narrative. 7 The Bollandists have
preserved, in like manner, the Acts of these martyrs. ^ Bishop Challoner
presents a brief notice regarding them. 9 The Rev. S. Baring-Gould mentions them in his work. ^° St. Indract was son to an Irish King," or,
at least, he was of a regal family," and St. Dominica was his sister.
3^ Thus, in commemoration of the thou-
sandth anniversary, recalling the coloniza- tion of Iceland, the Municipal Council of
Copenhagen, August 7th, 1874, voted 6,000
1142, pp. 208 to 210.
s Colgan supposes, that Capgrave derived his account of these saints and their corn-
for a statue to be
kiavik, of the celebrated sculptor, Thor-
waldsen, who w—as of Icelandic descent. panions, martyrs, occurs at fol. clxxxix.
at
^7 Article ii. See Pitsasus, in his ac-
rigsdaler
erected,
Ry-
count of English Writers, at Num. 201,
Februarii. Vita S. Indracti et S. Domini-
cae Virginis, ac Sociorum Martyrum, pp.
253 to 255.
^
See the Acts of St. Indract, St. Domi- nica and Nine Companions, Martyrs. There is a previous commentary, in two sections, and in eight paragraphs. The
^
In the Bodleian Library, Oxford, the
following manuscript of this writer is to be
found. Passio S. Indracti, Martyris, auc-
tore Guilielmo Malmesburiensi. MS. Bodl. Digby, 192, fol. 95, veil. 4to, xii. cent.
3 His Acts contain false statements, re-
— the death and of St. Pa- Acts are contained in five garding sepulture
if " trick by him we are to understand the
paragraphs, Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , v. Februarii,
great Irish Apostle. William of Malmsbury likewise incorrectly states, that his death and burial occurred at Glastonbury, in Eng- land. See "Acta Sanctorum Hibemiae," V. Februarii, n. I, p. 254. Capgrave fol- lows a similar account.
pp. 688 to 690.
9 See "Britannia Sancta," part i. At
5th of February, pp. 107, 108.
^° See "Lives of the Saints," vol. ii. ,
February v. , p. 140.
" By William of Malmesbury, he is called
sonofanIrish Hindrachus, king.
*> Pitsaeus William of
an
gives interesting
accountof
and of his Relationum Historicarum de Rebus Anglicis," tomus i. Aetas Duodecima,
" So relates the
stating, likewise, that he came from Ireland.
in
"
Malmesbury
writings
English Martyrology, *3 This name, Indract or Indrect, was
panions, from William of Malmesbury.
^ See " Nova where Legenda Angliae,"
the account of St. Indract and of his com-
See "Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," v.
350 LIVES OF THE IJRISff SAINTS. [February 5.
We are told, that Indract^3 had been well instructed in human know-
ledge, well grounded in virtue, while conspicuous for his exemplary life and conversation, before God and man. Nothing could exceed the amiability of his disposition, and his holiness was the theme of general admiration. ^^ In order that he might acquire the saints' rewards in heaven, he resolved upon trampling under foot all blandishments of this life, and its concupiscences,witheveryfleetingterreneenjoyment. Accompaniedbyhis
apilgrimagetoRome. ^^ Havingembarkedforthispurpose,theylandedat a British port, named Tamerunta ;^9 and, here they constructed a cell or
an oratory, where, in supplication and penitence, they spent a considerable time. =° It is related, that Indract struck the staff with which he journeyed
into the ground, at this place. Immediately it took root, spread forth branches, with leaves, and, at length, it grew into a large and shady oak tree. From a neighbouring pool, he was said to have received a miraculous supply offish; which,however,failedhimtosomeextent,owingtoacrimecom-
——
who was named Dominica,'s others Drusa'^ and nine other
by
companions, '7 he resolved on quitting his native country, that he mi;^ht make
sister,
mitted by one of his companions-^*'
formerly a common one, among our saints and kings. The "Annals of the Four Masters" at A. D. 705, give us an account regarding the death of Inreachtach, son to Dunchadh Muirisca, King of Tripartite Con- naught. In A. D. 792, Innreachtach, son to Domhnall, brother to King Donnchadh, died. In the preceding year 791, Colgan places the death of an Indrect, son to Mured, King of Connaught ; but, this entry is not found in Mr. O'Donovan's edition of the Four Masters. In A. D, 814, Innreachtach, Bishop of Kilmacduagh, died. In the year 852, Innreachtach Ua Finachtain, successor of Colum Cille, a distinguished and wise man, suffered martyrdom from the Saxons, on the 1 2th of March. In the year 901, Innreachtach, son to Dobhailen, Abbot of Bangor, died, on the 26th of April. In the year 917, Innreachtach, Abbot of Tr—e- foit, was slain in his own abbatial house Colgan adds, "a Normannis ut videtur. " Colgan also observes, that the present St. Indract in point of time, was prior to all of these, if what is related of him be true.
Hereupon, he resolved to prosecute
ology states, at the 5th of February, and afterwards in the index, that Dominica was mart)Ted with her brother. This is also asserted by Richard Whitford.
