° In the barony of Corkaguiney, shown
on the "Ordnance Survey Townland Maps for the County of Kerry," sheets 43, 44, 53, 54.
on the "Ordnance Survey Townland Maps for the County of Kerry," sheets 43, 44, 53, 54.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v5
i.
, p|>.
271, 272, and accompanying wood en- gravings.
uj See "Ancient and Present State of the County of Keiry," chap, viii. , pp. 19S to 204, with accompanying notes.
"
May16.
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
465
as described by Dr. Charles Smith in the middle of last century, were twenty- six yards, in length, by ten in breadth. h^ His measurements, however, are inaccurate. '43 Qn its south side was an arcade of four Gothic arches, which formed an aisle. The eastern window, large and lightsome, was twenty-six feethigh. Onthenorthside,therewasprobablyanotheraisle,torenderthe building uniform. But, that side seems to have been rebuilt, not long before the demolition of this church, during the civil war of 1641. It remained so since this period, excepting a small part, which had been used for Protestant worship. Towards the west end were two detached chapels, said to have been been used formerly by the cathedral dignitaries. About and among the present ruins are many gravestones and tombs. Opposite the west end of the cathedral, an ancient round tower stood, nearly one hundred feet high. It was built, mostly from a dark-coloured kind 01 marble. The door of this tower
St. Brendan's Catholic Church, Ardfert, County of Kerry.
faced the west entrance to the cathedral. '44 There are various lithographic and photographic illustrations '45 of an old church, supposed to have been erected in the twelfth or previous to the thirteenth century, and on the site of Ardfert cathedral. It is called Templenahoe, a rectangular building, with a door in the west end,'46 and it was terminated to the east by an apse or altar-
'43 These have been corrected, by John Smith imagines. This writer appends a very
O'Donovan, in " Letters containing Infor-
mation relative to the Antiquities of the
County of Kerry, collected during the Pro-
gress of the Ordnance Survey in 1841. " Architecture,'' Templenahoe, Ardfert, Cork, See Letter, dated July 24th, 1841, pp. 42
to 45.
'44 Not, however, for the purpose of peni-
tents here enclosed receiving pardon from the ecclesiastics and the prayers of a congre- gation entering and leaving the church, as
1870, 4to.
'^^ The ground-plan and west end are
excellent abstract, regarding bishops con- nected with this See, at note (c), ibid.
'« See Arthur Hill's " Ancient Irish
faithfully represented, in Plate No. I. , with the south elevation and details, in Plate
No. II. , of the work already quoted
the longitudinal section, with mouldings, is
IG
;
while
466 LIVES OF IHE IRISH SAINTS. [May i6.
recess, now entirely lost. It was lighted by four windows, and by an opening
in the west gable. One of the windows is in perfect condition while it is ;
moulded on the inside by a band of elaborate design and ornament, consist- ing of geometrical figures, elegantly carved. Anotlier church, Templena- griffin, stands a little to the west, but it is of comparatively modern date. In late years, a new and beautiful Catholic church has been erected at Ardfert, in tlie Gothic style, and it has been dedicated to St. Brendan, as patron. '47 It was built, by the late Archdeacon O'Connell, P. P. , Castleisland, when he was P. P. of Ardfert, in the years 1853 to 1855, and on plans furnished by the late Mr. James J. M'Carthy, Architect. It was solemnly consecrated, by the Most Rev. Dr. Moriarty, then Coadjutor Bishop to Most Rev. Dr. Egan, on St. Brendan's Day, May i6th, 1855. 's In Kilshanig Island are the remains of a monastery, with hive-shaped cells. Near Brandon Head are similar cells. There, Thuruss Flainn, or the Rounds of Flan, yet take place. '49 To the north of Kilmalkedar church, and at the other side of the stream, called Abha-na-cille, or " the church river," there is a very curious ruin of a building, called St. Brendan's house ;'5° yet, little appears to be known, regarding its origin. Besides the celebrated Brandon Hill in the county of Kerry, there is also a Brandon Hill, very considerably elevated, on the west side of the River Barrow, in the parishes of Graiguenamanagli, barony of Gowran, and of The Rower, barony of Ida, county of Kilkenny. Brandondale is also a deno- mination in the former parish. '5' Whether they received name or not from the present saint is open to question.
In Scotland, too, the memory of this very celebrated and holy man was held in great veneration, as demonstrated by the local denominations, associated with his cultus. Thus, there was a Killbrennan or Kilvrannyn in Mull. 's^ There was a St. Brengan's chapel in St. Kilda. '53 He is patron of Boyndie and of Birnie. '54 His memory was venerated at Culien,'55 at Dumbarney,'^*^ and at Balbirnie,'57 while St. Brenghan's Fair was held in the parish of Kilbar, in Ayrshire,'58 and at Bamff. It was from a cell, erected by St. Brendan,'59
shown on Plate III. The section looking east and details of south window are shown on Plate No. IV. , with the later details full size on Plate No. V. Three characteristic photographs of this ancient church follow, admirably exhibiting all its chief features.
'47 Its style is neaily perpendicular Gothic, and it is considered one of the neatest and most complete specimens of that style for parish churches, as planned by Mr. M'Carthy. It consists of nave, 80 feet in length, l)y 22 feet in breadth; chancel, iS feet by 16 feet ; north and south aisles, each 80 feet by 10 feet ; Lady-chapel, adjoining chancel on the south, with tower and spire, 94 feet high to the base of cross. It was the first parish church built in the Gothic style, within the diocese of Ardfert—or perhaps in the south of Ireland—after the modern revival of (Jotliic architecture, as ajiplied to church buililing by Pugin and his pupils. The foregoing information was olMaincd, froni Very Kev. Denis O'Donoghue. P. P. , Ardfert, in a letter to the writer, and dated, August loth. 1885.
'4? See Miss Cusack's " History of the Kingdom of Kerry," chap, xviii. , p, 399.
'5° In Irish named VocixAch t)]\eAn<Mnn. See anaccount'of it, by John O'Donovan, in " Letters containing Information relative to the Antiquiiies of the County of Kerry, col- lecled during tlie Progress of the Ordnance Survey in 1841. " Letter dated from Dingle, August 4th, 1S41, p. 90.
'^' See " Ordnance Sun-ey Townland
Maps for the County of Kilkenny," sheets
29, 33.
'5^ See "Origines Parochiales Scolice,"
pars, ii. , pp. 320, 322.
'53 See tbid. , p. 3S0.
'54 See " New Statistical Account of Scot-
land," at Elgin,
'53 See ibid. , at Bamff, p. 244.
'=6 See "Old Statistical Account of Scot-
land," vol. ix. , p. 155.
'5? See ibid. , vol. xlii. , p. 301.
's*^ See " New Statistical Account of Scot-
land," at Ayr.
'59 See Cambden's " Britannia," Rcgnum
ScoiiK, p. 8. Am>lerdamciiition, cb. , Kx-lix. """ Fordun has it, " nostro idiomate
"''' The accom]ianying illustration, from a
photograph, by Mr. Daly of Tralcc, was Bothc. "
drawn on the wood, by William F. Wake- ""See " Scotichronicon," lib. i. , cap.
man, and it was engraved by Mrs. Millard. xxix. , p. 26. Goodall's edition.
May 1 6. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 467
and which was called Bothe,'^° in the old Gaelic, that the whole Island of Bute,inScotland,wasnamed. '^' Hence,heruledasPatrontheroyalIsland of Bute. '^^ St. Brandan's Haven, at Innerbondy, is mentioned among the possessions of Arbroath Abbey. '^3 The name of St. Brandan occurs in Kil- birnie, where Brennan's Fair is held on the 28th of May. '^'* He has a Fair, too, at Kirkaldy ; while there is Kilbrandon Sound and Kilbrandon, in the Island of Seil, which denominations point to churches or cells erected in his honour. There is also the Island of Calbrandon. The church of Eassie, in Forfarshire, is dedicated to him. '^s Several churches, throughout Scotland, rejoice in him as their Patron. ^^^
The Rev. Timothy Brosnan'^7 obtained thesanction of Most Rev. David Moriarty, Bishop of Kerry, to celebrate Mas? in Brandon Mountain old Ora- tory, on the 20th of August, 1866. Six or se/en hundred people assisted at the religious ceremonies. It happened to be a week day, and the only definite noticehadwasthepresenceofalimitedcortegealongtheroute. ^^^ Nosooner was it observed, and that its destination became known, than the people were in motion, and those employed out of doors flung aside the implements of their toil. They sped onwards, followed in all haste by other members of their families, male and female, who felt themselves equal to the journey. It was a glorious day. The air was so still and so balmy on the mountain top, that the candles upon the altar burned without a flicker, unshaded and uncovered. When it was rumoured throughout the neighbourhood, that Mass had been offered up on the mountain, numbers who had purposed assisting felt greatly disappointed, at not being present. The following year, on St. Brendan's own day,'^9 Mass was again celebrated, by Father Brosnan, on the same hallowed site. For weeks before that date, the hearts and eyes of the Catholic people in the barony were fixed on their holy mount ; but, greatly to their discouragement, the weather continued bad, and the mountains all round were covered with continuous mists and clouds. On the 15th of May, however, the weather looked more favourable. On the following morning, at dawn, there was not a speck of cloud, or mist, or fog, on any of the surround- ing mountains. About three thousand of the faithful made the ascent that morning, many having gone on foot, from the remotest ends of the parishes ofKinard'7° and Ventry. '7i Some were even fasting, in order to receive Holy Communion on the mountain. Before leaving the spot, it was resolved, that the next and third pilgrimage thither should be made the year following, viz. , 1868, on the 24th of June—the Feast of St. John the Baptist—a day of special veneration in the locality. However, for motives of convenience, the following Sunday, June 28th, was subsequently preferred, and preparations were made accordingly. '72 Numbers of people from Tralee joined in this
'°^ According to the Martyrology of Aber- and since Canon and Parish Priest of Cahir- deen. See Bishop Forbes' "Kalendars of civeen, where he is zealously engaged in
Scottish Saints," p. 286.
'^3 See " Registrum Nigrum de Aberbrot-
hock,"pp. 409,467.
'*• See "New Statistical Account of Scot-
land," Ayrshire, p. 689.
'^sSee "Origines Parochiales Scotiae,"
erecting a grand Memorial Church to Daniel O'Connell, the great Liberator of the Irish Catholics. Lithographicillustrationsofthis noble structure are presented in the Twenty-seventh Volume of the Lish Builder, Nos. 613, 614, as designed externally and internally with accompanying descriptions.
pars ii. , pp. 4, 104, 276, 828.
'** "There is an account of the Bran- The architect is G. C. Ashlin.
danes,nativemenofRobertStewart,inthe Scotichrouicon. —(Fordun, lib. 13, c. 32, t. ii. , p. 316 ; N. S. A. , pp. 689, 728 ; Orig, pari. , p. 240). "—Bishop Forbes' " Kalen- dars of Scottish Saints," pp. 286, 287.
'*7 Then a curate in the parish of Ferriter,
'^^ FromthePresbyteryatFerriter.
'^^ May i6th.
"?
° In the barony of Corkaguiney, shown
on the "Ordnance Survey Townland Maps for the County of Kerry," sheets 43, 44, 53, 54.
468 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAIISITS. [May i6.
pilgrimage; and,St. Brendan'sOratory,onthesummitoftheMountain,was selected, as the ultimate object of their re-union. Accordingly, on the eve of the Feast ofSS. Peter and PauV^s the Most Rev. David Moriarty, Bishop of Kerry, with many of the clergy, secular and regular of his diocese, and an immense number of his people, estimated at 20,000, had resolved on joining in the religious celebration. Never before did such a mighty congregation assemble in Kerry, for such a purpose, and under such circumstances. Hun- dreds went to the mountain on the previous evening, and slept there all night, to secure an early attendance at the sacred ceremonies, to give glory to God, and honour to one of his greatest servants, in the locality consecrated by his prayers and presence. The most remarkable order and decorum pre- vailed throughout. Not the slightest incident occurred, to mar the happy harmony and the pious devotion of that immense multitude. The day was gloriously fine, and the magnificent prospect, at all sides, was clear and beau- tiful as the most fastidious could desire. In accordance with the original pro- gramme, five o'clock, a. m. was the hour fixed for starting from Tralee. Punctually, at that time, the people began to set out. The Rev. Timothy Brosnan, with whom were the Very Rev. Father Murphy, Prior, O. P. , Tralee, the Very Rev. Father Arsenius, Superior of the Franciscan Order, in Kil- larney, and Father Prendergast, O. P. , Tralee. led the way. These were follovved, by the members of the Carmelite and Dominican Confraternities of Tralee, on long cars, each drawn by four horses. Immediately after pro- ceeded a great number of cars, containing some of the most respectable inha- bitantsofthetownandneighbourhood. Forovertwohours,subsequently, various modes of conveyance continued pouring out of Tralee, on towards the west, and at every cross road on the route, the cortege was increased by multi- tudes coming from different directions. ''^ But, long before this, the moun- tain was occupied by numbers, who lived in the neighbourhood, or who travelled there during the night. All ages and all classes were present and filled with enthusiasm; the old vied with the young in activity ; the women showedexamplesofindomitableenergyworthyofthesternersex. Merchants, shopkeepers, tradesmen, and others, from the town, and even children, rivalled the rural population, in mastering the difficulties of the journey. The refreshing showers, which had fallen during the previous evening, laid the dust, cooled the air, and rendered the trip in many ways more pleasant, than it might otherwise have been. Havinggone to Castlegregorytiie previous day, the Bishop arrived early in the morning at Cloghane, accompanied by the Rev. Mr. Irwin, C. C. . Castlegregory. Both awaited the coming of the Tralee contingent. ' ^5
The ascent of the mountain from Cloghane was accordingly commenced at nine o'clock, by the Bishop and clergy, and by the great mass of the people, A temporary altar was erected on Faha Mountain, at the base of Brandon, and here the Very Rev. Father Murphy celebrated Mass, at 11 o'clock, pro- ceeding forward afterwards, with most of those who halted there with him. I'he Bishop and Father Brosnan reached the brow of Brandon Mountain, by half-past eleven o'clock, and they weregreeted by a long, loud and ringingcheer,
•'' See ibid. , sheets 42, 52.
boats well filled were seen crossing the bay from the Spa, from Kilfenora, and from various other places, on the coast and to- wards Clare. Ail were bound for the same destination. When the head of the pro-
''' A committee having been then formed
to make some preliminary arrangements,
a small party set out on Monday, June 8ih,
from Tralee, to explore the place, and tore-
port the result. Then, everj'thing was cession ncared Clo<;hane, at half-past eitjht arranged for the approaching celebration.
'" It fell on Sunday, June 28th, that year.
'? ^ At the same time, a large number of
o'clock, the continuous line of cms and con- veyances extended to over a mile of road, and, for hours afterwards, others continued arriving at the village.
469
from thousands belonging to the other or western side, and who had already crowded the summit. That clieer was taken up, and echoed right heartily, by the masses, who were still ascending from the east. At the same moment, the fog, which had draped the mountain since morning, passed away. words could paint the startling effect, which the scene now presented, as the lofty summits of the surrounding hills—and especially that one high above all the rest, on wliich every eye from below was earnestly fixed —threw off the thin white drapery. In all their natural glory, and backed by a summer sky of spotless blue, those serrated ranges were then revealed. Far above, tlie mul- titudes already assembled on the summit could be seen ; while, from below, the procession of pilgrims still extended, in one unbroken chain. The pretty banners of the confraternities sparkled in the sunlight, and the varied dresses of the processionists—especially of the women—set off to still greater advan- tage a scene, animated and picturesque in the extreme. Arrived above, the glorious prospect, which Brandon summit commands, burst on the astonished view, with sublime effect. From every mouth went forth heartfelt words of prayer and of praise to Him, whose wonderful works were thus lavishly re- vealed. The two multitudes—those from the east and those from the west joined together, and knelt around St. Brandon's Oratory, under the broad canopyofHeaven. ThewholeofthepopulationfromDingleandfromthe west of Kerry seemed to have turned out en masse, with all the genuine spirit of their warm, generous nature. The only drawback to their joy, as they cried out with one voice, was, that they had not had the privileged honour of escorting the Bishop and Priests, from the Tralee side of the mountain. The Committee of Management were present in full force. The members of the Carmelite Confraternity, and of the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary, attached to the Parish Church, and to Holy Cross Church, Tralee, respectively
putontheirhabits,atthebrowofthemountain. Thesenumberedoverone hundred. The Dingle Christian Brothers, with their esteemed superior, Rev. Brother Rice, were very zealous and efficient in forwarding the arrangements, on the mountain. Immediately after arriving on its brow, the choir was led by Father Prendergast, of Holy Cross Church, Tralee ; while, the Confraterni- ties, clad in their habits, preceded by the cross-bearer, and bearing aloft beau- tiful banners—those of the Blessed Virgin, St. Brandon, St. Ita, St. Patrick and St. Bridget, being most conspicuous—formed a procession. Singing a litany, they proceeded to St. Brandon's Oratory, and formed around the altar.
At the western end of the oratory and within its precincts, but more in view of the multitude, a temporary altar was erected. Here, the Bishop celebrated a first Mass, assisted by Father Brosnan and Father Arsenius. It was then deemed advisable, to remove somewhat lower down the mountain, so as to be more within view of the masses there. Another temporary altar was erected, at which Father Arsenius officiated. Solemn Mass,^? ^ coram episcopo^ was then sung by Father Brosnan. After all the Masses had ended, an eloquent sermon, suited to the occasion, was preached by the Very Rev. Father Eustace, O. P. , Prior of Holy Cross Abbey, Tralee. Afterwards, his Lordship, the Bishop of Kerry, addressed the multitude present, in very eloquent terms. When he had concluded this discourse, Dr. iMoriarty then pronounced the Episcopal Benediction, and gave a forty days' Indulgence. ix\ concluding these grand ceremonies, Father Brosnan addressed the people, in the Irish language, treat- ing at length on the origin of that religious movement and its objects. To
'75 Father Irwin stopped at Clogliane, to celebrate Mass in the Parish Church, at 12 o'clock ; but, though this was announced for the convenience of those who might be
daunted on seeing the mountain, compara- tively few availed themselves of the con- siderate accommodation,
''^ The highly efficient choir from Tralee
—
•May 1 6. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
No
470
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i6.
satisfy their feelings, so far as they could, many of the far-west people went down to Cloghane, to join his Lordship's escort, when all was over. Thence back again to the summit, they travelled on the way to Dingle and Kilmalchedar/7^ All present were filled with delight and animated with religious enthusiam.
The ad venturous and holy career of St. Brendan was the subject, not alone of Irish—butofEuropean—wonderandadmiration. InIreland,wherestoriesof transatlantic voyages and these of long continuance were prevalent,'? ^ this fame ofSt. Brendan'sNavigationhaditsearliestdevelopment; andsoon,itwascom- mitted to writing, but with all the grotesque adornments of fancy and of fic- tion. The voyages of St. Barrindan and of St. Brendan, however, are tlie earliest of an authentic character, on record, regarding the intercourse of Europeanswiththewesternhemisphere. Theirwell-establishedrenownand romantic character afterwards led adventurers from Ireland and from other coun- tries, on that waste of waters, as the researches of historians now seem to de- monstrate. '79 According to some, St. Brendan landed, somewhere about the Virginian capes, or where the American coast tends eastward, and forms the New England States. However, from the vagueness of account, contained in the narrative of his voyage, it should be vain to speculate on the tract of country, through which he passed; while, the land of flowers and the birds of bright plumage might lead rather to a supposition, that he reached a territory, nearer to the tropics. Not alone evidences adduced from early European traditions, but proofs drawn from ancient and indigenous remains '^° indicate, tliat Irishmen had settled in the Southern portion of North America, at a very early period, and had introduced civilization, of which we have traces to-day, centuries before the era of the Spanish colonization. It has been stated,'^' that there was a wonderful affinity, between the spoken language of the Indian people of Darien, and that of the primitive Irish. We are told,'^^ likewise, that a people, speaking the Irish language, were found in Florida, so far back as the eighth century. Moreover, we are informed,'^^ according to a proba-
assisted in rendering Mozart's Twelfth Mass. Never was a more sublime scene presented, than that offered to the honour and glory of God, as the high priest C(. 'lebrant elevated the consecrated Host. Muny tliousand wor- shippers—all animated by the same holy feelings, from the venerable mitred prelate down to the peasant child—bent to the earth in lowly adoration. Wlien the grand Z(Z«- date was sung, at the close, every one pre- sent felt as it were a foretaste of that exalted bliss, belonging to the angelic choirs, and for the eternal enjoyment of which man was created.
''' The foregoing description is drawn from a small tract, printed at Tralee, 'that same year, and intituled, "Mount Saint Brandon Religious Celebration ; the Scenery, Antiqui- ties, and History of West Kerry," pp. 19, 20.
''*Thus, in the " I-eabhar na h-Huidhre" —edited by John T. Gilbert, in 1870— there is a story, about the wanderings of Mael- duin's ship, in the Atlantic, for three years and seven months. This occurrence, it is said, took place, in the eighth century. He was the son of a Munster chief, and a num- ber of young men accompanied him. There
is only a fragment of this tale, in the " Leab-
har na h-Uidhri," beginning at p. 22, col. I, line 31 ; but, a full copy will be found, in that Manuscript, classed H. 2, 16, in Trinity College, Dublin.
''' Towards the close of St. Olafs reign, one Gudleif is said to have been cast away in a storm, from the west coast of Ireland far into Uie western ocean, and towards the south- west. Himself and his Icelanders touched land, and were met by inhabitants, wlio>e language seemed to them to border on the Iri-h. See Grimr Johnson Thorkelin's "Fragment of English and Irish History in the Ninth and Tenth Century," part ii. , Irom theEyrbyggia,cap. c\ii. ,pp. 62,63. Lon- don, 17S8, 4to.
'"""See "The Discoveiy of America by the Northernmen in tlie Tenth Century, with Notices of the Early Settlements of the Irish in the Western Hemisphere,"' by N. Ludlow Beamish, F. S. A. , published in London, A. u. 1841.
"" By Lionel Wafer, who lived for several months in the Isthmus of Darian, and who relates many inteixsting specialities, toestab- lish Ins oi)ini()n, reg. irdiiig an early Irish colonization of the great western continent.
'*= By Professor Kafn, of Copenhagen.
May 1 6. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
471
ble conjecture/^^ tlie country which lay along the coast, reaching from Chesa- peake Bay, and extending down into the Carolinas and Florida, had been peopled by Irishmen, This early and yet informal inference from actual facts created an idea, so long entertained by the Irish, that America was the PromisedLandofSt. Brendan. Norwasearlybelieflessfallible,whenthat great region was supposed to be constituted of an insular group, called the Fortunate Isles. '^s I3ut, that embryo of knowledge, first obtained in Ireland, was destined to produce more complete and satisfactory discoveries. The people of Iceland and the northern races of Europe have since many remote ages preserved national documents,'^^ called Sagas, in which are very curious narratives of discoveries and navigations, and relating to America, long ante- cedent to the times of Christopher Columbus. '^? The earlier historians of the New World were long unacquainted with their contents, as serving to throw light on the origin and antiquities of that Continent. ^^^ A country, situated still farther south than Vinland, was named by the Scandinavians, " Land of the White Men," or " Great Ireland. "'^9 Now it has been supposed, 's** that this country represented the present States of North and South Carolina, of Georgia and of Florida ; as also, that there were races of people in that tract of country besides the Indians, who were unlike them in language, in dress, and in manners. The most significant feature about those narrations is the concurrence of testimony, that the Irish were, beyond doubt, in advance of the Danish and Norwegian adventurers, when obtaining a foot-hold on this continent. The Scandinavians uniformly designated the far-off western land as"IrlanditMikla,"ortheGreatIreland. '^i TheNorwegiansclaim,thatLief Erickson, an adventurer from the coast of Norway, discovered the present United States, in 1000, and that with his companions, he resided in Massachu- setts,forseveralyears. '9^ Curiousfactshavecometolight,regardingtheearly Norwegian discoveries, and about the Northmen's presence, near Fall River, Taunton, and New Port, nearly 500 years before Columbus landed, at Cat Island, intheBahamas. ^93 TheNorwegianscontinuedtomakevoyagestothecoastof
'^^ By Dr. Von Tschudi, in his work on " Peruvian Antiquities. "
'^'' The writer states, in a note, towards the latter part of that work, to which refer- ence has been made, that a manuscript was found, before he finished his book, which converted the conjecture into a certainty.
'^5 In Rev. S. Baring-Gould's curious
"Myths of the Middle Ages," Second
Series, there is a very interesting dissertation "
on 'l"he Fortunate Isles. " See pp. 259 to 295.
'^° See C. C. Rafn's " Antiquites Ameri- caines d'apres les monuments historiques des Islandais et des anciens Scandinaves. '' Kopenhagen, a. d. 1S45, '" ^^o- -^^^ Jean George TheodoreGraesse's"Tresorde Li vres Rares et Precieuxou Nouveau L>ictionnaire Bibliographique," tome i. , p. 149.
'^7 Readers who are inquisitive will con- suit '• Antiquitates Aniericause sive Scrip- tores Septentriorales Rerum Ante-Colum- bianaium in America. " This work has been ably edited, by C. C. Rafn, a member of the Royal Society of Northern Antiquaries. The documents are found in the Latin, Danish and Icelandic tongues, with plates and maps included. It was published, at Hafn, A. D. 1837, in 4to.
'^^ It seems strange, with all the oppor- tunities for obtaining correct information, and with his fine literary taste and research, one of the most elegant writers in tlie wide circle of English literature—himself an American—could have so far overlooked mediceval records and traditions, which serve to illustrate the early history of the great Western Continent. True, indeed, Washing- ton Irving alludes to the legends of Scan- dinavian voyagers and their mysterious Vin- land, supposed to have relation with our present Labrador or Newfoundland. But, he rather too hazardously observes, tliat so far as authenticated records extend, nothing was known about terra finiia and the islands in the Western Hemisphere, until they had been actually (iiscovered by maritime ad ven- turers, towards the close of the fifteenth cen- tury. So writes Washington Irving, in his " Life of Christopher Columbus. "
'®' See Von Humbolt's " Kosmos. "
'^o
£y Professor Rafn.
'^i "From what causes," argues Mr.
Beamish, "could the name of Great Ireland have arisen, but from the fact of the country having been colonized by the Irish ? "
''"^ Before the first centenary of American Independence, the Norwegian settlers were
—
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i6.
Massachusetts and of Rhode Island, and possibly to New York harbour, down to 1447, which was six years after Columbus was born. '9* It is known, also, that an Arabian geographer of the twelfth century, named Abdullah Mohammed Edrisi—who was born at Ceuta, in 1099, and who pursued his studies at Cordova—mentions "Great Ireland," in a remarkable book, which
he wrote in that age. The Normans, at the Court of Palermo, no doubt, furnished much storied tradition for his information. It was at the invitation of Roger II. , King of Sicily,'55 that he undertook an account of the earlier voyages to that Western land.
The singing birds, the green vegetation, and the tropical luxuriance, with other particulars so grealy celebrated in the " Golden Legend," are frequently mentioned, in the letter of Columbus to his sovereign. In that mystical sense used by Jacobus of Voraggio, the Promised Land is described.
uj See "Ancient and Present State of the County of Keiry," chap, viii. , pp. 19S to 204, with accompanying notes.
"
May16.
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
465
as described by Dr. Charles Smith in the middle of last century, were twenty- six yards, in length, by ten in breadth. h^ His measurements, however, are inaccurate. '43 Qn its south side was an arcade of four Gothic arches, which formed an aisle. The eastern window, large and lightsome, was twenty-six feethigh. Onthenorthside,therewasprobablyanotheraisle,torenderthe building uniform. But, that side seems to have been rebuilt, not long before the demolition of this church, during the civil war of 1641. It remained so since this period, excepting a small part, which had been used for Protestant worship. Towards the west end were two detached chapels, said to have been been used formerly by the cathedral dignitaries. About and among the present ruins are many gravestones and tombs. Opposite the west end of the cathedral, an ancient round tower stood, nearly one hundred feet high. It was built, mostly from a dark-coloured kind 01 marble. The door of this tower
St. Brendan's Catholic Church, Ardfert, County of Kerry.
faced the west entrance to the cathedral. '44 There are various lithographic and photographic illustrations '45 of an old church, supposed to have been erected in the twelfth or previous to the thirteenth century, and on the site of Ardfert cathedral. It is called Templenahoe, a rectangular building, with a door in the west end,'46 and it was terminated to the east by an apse or altar-
'43 These have been corrected, by John Smith imagines. This writer appends a very
O'Donovan, in " Letters containing Infor-
mation relative to the Antiquities of the
County of Kerry, collected during the Pro-
gress of the Ordnance Survey in 1841. " Architecture,'' Templenahoe, Ardfert, Cork, See Letter, dated July 24th, 1841, pp. 42
to 45.
'44 Not, however, for the purpose of peni-
tents here enclosed receiving pardon from the ecclesiastics and the prayers of a congre- gation entering and leaving the church, as
1870, 4to.
'^^ The ground-plan and west end are
excellent abstract, regarding bishops con- nected with this See, at note (c), ibid.
'« See Arthur Hill's " Ancient Irish
faithfully represented, in Plate No. I. , with the south elevation and details, in Plate
No. II. , of the work already quoted
the longitudinal section, with mouldings, is
IG
;
while
466 LIVES OF IHE IRISH SAINTS. [May i6.
recess, now entirely lost. It was lighted by four windows, and by an opening
in the west gable. One of the windows is in perfect condition while it is ;
moulded on the inside by a band of elaborate design and ornament, consist- ing of geometrical figures, elegantly carved. Anotlier church, Templena- griffin, stands a little to the west, but it is of comparatively modern date. In late years, a new and beautiful Catholic church has been erected at Ardfert, in tlie Gothic style, and it has been dedicated to St. Brendan, as patron. '47 It was built, by the late Archdeacon O'Connell, P. P. , Castleisland, when he was P. P. of Ardfert, in the years 1853 to 1855, and on plans furnished by the late Mr. James J. M'Carthy, Architect. It was solemnly consecrated, by the Most Rev. Dr. Moriarty, then Coadjutor Bishop to Most Rev. Dr. Egan, on St. Brendan's Day, May i6th, 1855. 's In Kilshanig Island are the remains of a monastery, with hive-shaped cells. Near Brandon Head are similar cells. There, Thuruss Flainn, or the Rounds of Flan, yet take place. '49 To the north of Kilmalkedar church, and at the other side of the stream, called Abha-na-cille, or " the church river," there is a very curious ruin of a building, called St. Brendan's house ;'5° yet, little appears to be known, regarding its origin. Besides the celebrated Brandon Hill in the county of Kerry, there is also a Brandon Hill, very considerably elevated, on the west side of the River Barrow, in the parishes of Graiguenamanagli, barony of Gowran, and of The Rower, barony of Ida, county of Kilkenny. Brandondale is also a deno- mination in the former parish. '5' Whether they received name or not from the present saint is open to question.
In Scotland, too, the memory of this very celebrated and holy man was held in great veneration, as demonstrated by the local denominations, associated with his cultus. Thus, there was a Killbrennan or Kilvrannyn in Mull. 's^ There was a St. Brengan's chapel in St. Kilda. '53 He is patron of Boyndie and of Birnie. '54 His memory was venerated at Culien,'55 at Dumbarney,'^*^ and at Balbirnie,'57 while St. Brenghan's Fair was held in the parish of Kilbar, in Ayrshire,'58 and at Bamff. It was from a cell, erected by St. Brendan,'59
shown on Plate III. The section looking east and details of south window are shown on Plate No. IV. , with the later details full size on Plate No. V. Three characteristic photographs of this ancient church follow, admirably exhibiting all its chief features.
'47 Its style is neaily perpendicular Gothic, and it is considered one of the neatest and most complete specimens of that style for parish churches, as planned by Mr. M'Carthy. It consists of nave, 80 feet in length, l)y 22 feet in breadth; chancel, iS feet by 16 feet ; north and south aisles, each 80 feet by 10 feet ; Lady-chapel, adjoining chancel on the south, with tower and spire, 94 feet high to the base of cross. It was the first parish church built in the Gothic style, within the diocese of Ardfert—or perhaps in the south of Ireland—after the modern revival of (Jotliic architecture, as ajiplied to church buililing by Pugin and his pupils. The foregoing information was olMaincd, froni Very Kev. Denis O'Donoghue. P. P. , Ardfert, in a letter to the writer, and dated, August loth. 1885.
'4? See Miss Cusack's " History of the Kingdom of Kerry," chap, xviii. , p, 399.
'5° In Irish named VocixAch t)]\eAn<Mnn. See anaccount'of it, by John O'Donovan, in " Letters containing Information relative to the Antiquiiies of the County of Kerry, col- lecled during tlie Progress of the Ordnance Survey in 1841. " Letter dated from Dingle, August 4th, 1S41, p. 90.
'^' See " Ordnance Sun-ey Townland
Maps for the County of Kilkenny," sheets
29, 33.
'5^ See "Origines Parochiales Scolice,"
pars, ii. , pp. 320, 322.
'53 See tbid. , p. 3S0.
'54 See " New Statistical Account of Scot-
land," at Elgin,
'53 See ibid. , at Bamff, p. 244.
'=6 See "Old Statistical Account of Scot-
land," vol. ix. , p. 155.
'5? See ibid. , vol. xlii. , p. 301.
's*^ See " New Statistical Account of Scot-
land," at Ayr.
'59 See Cambden's " Britannia," Rcgnum
ScoiiK, p. 8. Am>lerdamciiition, cb. , Kx-lix. """ Fordun has it, " nostro idiomate
"''' The accom]ianying illustration, from a
photograph, by Mr. Daly of Tralcc, was Bothc. "
drawn on the wood, by William F. Wake- ""See " Scotichronicon," lib. i. , cap.
man, and it was engraved by Mrs. Millard. xxix. , p. 26. Goodall's edition.
May 1 6. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 467
and which was called Bothe,'^° in the old Gaelic, that the whole Island of Bute,inScotland,wasnamed. '^' Hence,heruledasPatrontheroyalIsland of Bute. '^^ St. Brandan's Haven, at Innerbondy, is mentioned among the possessions of Arbroath Abbey. '^3 The name of St. Brandan occurs in Kil- birnie, where Brennan's Fair is held on the 28th of May. '^'* He has a Fair, too, at Kirkaldy ; while there is Kilbrandon Sound and Kilbrandon, in the Island of Seil, which denominations point to churches or cells erected in his honour. There is also the Island of Calbrandon. The church of Eassie, in Forfarshire, is dedicated to him. '^s Several churches, throughout Scotland, rejoice in him as their Patron. ^^^
The Rev. Timothy Brosnan'^7 obtained thesanction of Most Rev. David Moriarty, Bishop of Kerry, to celebrate Mas? in Brandon Mountain old Ora- tory, on the 20th of August, 1866. Six or se/en hundred people assisted at the religious ceremonies. It happened to be a week day, and the only definite noticehadwasthepresenceofalimitedcortegealongtheroute. ^^^ Nosooner was it observed, and that its destination became known, than the people were in motion, and those employed out of doors flung aside the implements of their toil. They sped onwards, followed in all haste by other members of their families, male and female, who felt themselves equal to the journey. It was a glorious day. The air was so still and so balmy on the mountain top, that the candles upon the altar burned without a flicker, unshaded and uncovered. When it was rumoured throughout the neighbourhood, that Mass had been offered up on the mountain, numbers who had purposed assisting felt greatly disappointed, at not being present. The following year, on St. Brendan's own day,'^9 Mass was again celebrated, by Father Brosnan, on the same hallowed site. For weeks before that date, the hearts and eyes of the Catholic people in the barony were fixed on their holy mount ; but, greatly to their discouragement, the weather continued bad, and the mountains all round were covered with continuous mists and clouds. On the 15th of May, however, the weather looked more favourable. On the following morning, at dawn, there was not a speck of cloud, or mist, or fog, on any of the surround- ing mountains. About three thousand of the faithful made the ascent that morning, many having gone on foot, from the remotest ends of the parishes ofKinard'7° and Ventry. '7i Some were even fasting, in order to receive Holy Communion on the mountain. Before leaving the spot, it was resolved, that the next and third pilgrimage thither should be made the year following, viz. , 1868, on the 24th of June—the Feast of St. John the Baptist—a day of special veneration in the locality. However, for motives of convenience, the following Sunday, June 28th, was subsequently preferred, and preparations were made accordingly. '72 Numbers of people from Tralee joined in this
'°^ According to the Martyrology of Aber- and since Canon and Parish Priest of Cahir- deen. See Bishop Forbes' "Kalendars of civeen, where he is zealously engaged in
Scottish Saints," p. 286.
'^3 See " Registrum Nigrum de Aberbrot-
hock,"pp. 409,467.
'*• See "New Statistical Account of Scot-
land," Ayrshire, p. 689.
'^sSee "Origines Parochiales Scotiae,"
erecting a grand Memorial Church to Daniel O'Connell, the great Liberator of the Irish Catholics. Lithographicillustrationsofthis noble structure are presented in the Twenty-seventh Volume of the Lish Builder, Nos. 613, 614, as designed externally and internally with accompanying descriptions.
pars ii. , pp. 4, 104, 276, 828.
'** "There is an account of the Bran- The architect is G. C. Ashlin.
danes,nativemenofRobertStewart,inthe Scotichrouicon. —(Fordun, lib. 13, c. 32, t. ii. , p. 316 ; N. S. A. , pp. 689, 728 ; Orig, pari. , p. 240). "—Bishop Forbes' " Kalen- dars of Scottish Saints," pp. 286, 287.
'*7 Then a curate in the parish of Ferriter,
'^^ FromthePresbyteryatFerriter.
'^^ May i6th.
"?
° In the barony of Corkaguiney, shown
on the "Ordnance Survey Townland Maps for the County of Kerry," sheets 43, 44, 53, 54.
468 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAIISITS. [May i6.
pilgrimage; and,St. Brendan'sOratory,onthesummitoftheMountain,was selected, as the ultimate object of their re-union. Accordingly, on the eve of the Feast ofSS. Peter and PauV^s the Most Rev. David Moriarty, Bishop of Kerry, with many of the clergy, secular and regular of his diocese, and an immense number of his people, estimated at 20,000, had resolved on joining in the religious celebration. Never before did such a mighty congregation assemble in Kerry, for such a purpose, and under such circumstances. Hun- dreds went to the mountain on the previous evening, and slept there all night, to secure an early attendance at the sacred ceremonies, to give glory to God, and honour to one of his greatest servants, in the locality consecrated by his prayers and presence. The most remarkable order and decorum pre- vailed throughout. Not the slightest incident occurred, to mar the happy harmony and the pious devotion of that immense multitude. The day was gloriously fine, and the magnificent prospect, at all sides, was clear and beau- tiful as the most fastidious could desire. In accordance with the original pro- gramme, five o'clock, a. m. was the hour fixed for starting from Tralee. Punctually, at that time, the people began to set out. The Rev. Timothy Brosnan, with whom were the Very Rev. Father Murphy, Prior, O. P. , Tralee, the Very Rev. Father Arsenius, Superior of the Franciscan Order, in Kil- larney, and Father Prendergast, O. P. , Tralee. led the way. These were follovved, by the members of the Carmelite and Dominican Confraternities of Tralee, on long cars, each drawn by four horses. Immediately after pro- ceeded a great number of cars, containing some of the most respectable inha- bitantsofthetownandneighbourhood. Forovertwohours,subsequently, various modes of conveyance continued pouring out of Tralee, on towards the west, and at every cross road on the route, the cortege was increased by multi- tudes coming from different directions. ''^ But, long before this, the moun- tain was occupied by numbers, who lived in the neighbourhood, or who travelled there during the night. All ages and all classes were present and filled with enthusiasm; the old vied with the young in activity ; the women showedexamplesofindomitableenergyworthyofthesternersex. Merchants, shopkeepers, tradesmen, and others, from the town, and even children, rivalled the rural population, in mastering the difficulties of the journey. The refreshing showers, which had fallen during the previous evening, laid the dust, cooled the air, and rendered the trip in many ways more pleasant, than it might otherwise have been. Havinggone to Castlegregorytiie previous day, the Bishop arrived early in the morning at Cloghane, accompanied by the Rev. Mr. Irwin, C. C. . Castlegregory. Both awaited the coming of the Tralee contingent. ' ^5
The ascent of the mountain from Cloghane was accordingly commenced at nine o'clock, by the Bishop and clergy, and by the great mass of the people, A temporary altar was erected on Faha Mountain, at the base of Brandon, and here the Very Rev. Father Murphy celebrated Mass, at 11 o'clock, pro- ceeding forward afterwards, with most of those who halted there with him. I'he Bishop and Father Brosnan reached the brow of Brandon Mountain, by half-past eleven o'clock, and they weregreeted by a long, loud and ringingcheer,
•'' See ibid. , sheets 42, 52.
boats well filled were seen crossing the bay from the Spa, from Kilfenora, and from various other places, on the coast and to- wards Clare. Ail were bound for the same destination. When the head of the pro-
''' A committee having been then formed
to make some preliminary arrangements,
a small party set out on Monday, June 8ih,
from Tralee, to explore the place, and tore-
port the result. Then, everj'thing was cession ncared Clo<;hane, at half-past eitjht arranged for the approaching celebration.
'" It fell on Sunday, June 28th, that year.
'? ^ At the same time, a large number of
o'clock, the continuous line of cms and con- veyances extended to over a mile of road, and, for hours afterwards, others continued arriving at the village.
469
from thousands belonging to the other or western side, and who had already crowded the summit. That clieer was taken up, and echoed right heartily, by the masses, who were still ascending from the east. At the same moment, the fog, which had draped the mountain since morning, passed away. words could paint the startling effect, which the scene now presented, as the lofty summits of the surrounding hills—and especially that one high above all the rest, on wliich every eye from below was earnestly fixed —threw off the thin white drapery. In all their natural glory, and backed by a summer sky of spotless blue, those serrated ranges were then revealed. Far above, tlie mul- titudes already assembled on the summit could be seen ; while, from below, the procession of pilgrims still extended, in one unbroken chain. The pretty banners of the confraternities sparkled in the sunlight, and the varied dresses of the processionists—especially of the women—set off to still greater advan- tage a scene, animated and picturesque in the extreme. Arrived above, the glorious prospect, which Brandon summit commands, burst on the astonished view, with sublime effect. From every mouth went forth heartfelt words of prayer and of praise to Him, whose wonderful works were thus lavishly re- vealed. The two multitudes—those from the east and those from the west joined together, and knelt around St. Brandon's Oratory, under the broad canopyofHeaven. ThewholeofthepopulationfromDingleandfromthe west of Kerry seemed to have turned out en masse, with all the genuine spirit of their warm, generous nature. The only drawback to their joy, as they cried out with one voice, was, that they had not had the privileged honour of escorting the Bishop and Priests, from the Tralee side of the mountain. The Committee of Management were present in full force. The members of the Carmelite Confraternity, and of the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary, attached to the Parish Church, and to Holy Cross Church, Tralee, respectively
putontheirhabits,atthebrowofthemountain. Thesenumberedoverone hundred. The Dingle Christian Brothers, with their esteemed superior, Rev. Brother Rice, were very zealous and efficient in forwarding the arrangements, on the mountain. Immediately after arriving on its brow, the choir was led by Father Prendergast, of Holy Cross Church, Tralee ; while, the Confraterni- ties, clad in their habits, preceded by the cross-bearer, and bearing aloft beau- tiful banners—those of the Blessed Virgin, St. Brandon, St. Ita, St. Patrick and St. Bridget, being most conspicuous—formed a procession. Singing a litany, they proceeded to St. Brandon's Oratory, and formed around the altar.
At the western end of the oratory and within its precincts, but more in view of the multitude, a temporary altar was erected. Here, the Bishop celebrated a first Mass, assisted by Father Brosnan and Father Arsenius. It was then deemed advisable, to remove somewhat lower down the mountain, so as to be more within view of the masses there. Another temporary altar was erected, at which Father Arsenius officiated. Solemn Mass,^? ^ coram episcopo^ was then sung by Father Brosnan. After all the Masses had ended, an eloquent sermon, suited to the occasion, was preached by the Very Rev. Father Eustace, O. P. , Prior of Holy Cross Abbey, Tralee. Afterwards, his Lordship, the Bishop of Kerry, addressed the multitude present, in very eloquent terms. When he had concluded this discourse, Dr. iMoriarty then pronounced the Episcopal Benediction, and gave a forty days' Indulgence. ix\ concluding these grand ceremonies, Father Brosnan addressed the people, in the Irish language, treat- ing at length on the origin of that religious movement and its objects. To
'75 Father Irwin stopped at Clogliane, to celebrate Mass in the Parish Church, at 12 o'clock ; but, though this was announced for the convenience of those who might be
daunted on seeing the mountain, compara- tively few availed themselves of the con- siderate accommodation,
''^ The highly efficient choir from Tralee
—
•May 1 6. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
No
470
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i6.
satisfy their feelings, so far as they could, many of the far-west people went down to Cloghane, to join his Lordship's escort, when all was over. Thence back again to the summit, they travelled on the way to Dingle and Kilmalchedar/7^ All present were filled with delight and animated with religious enthusiam.
The ad venturous and holy career of St. Brendan was the subject, not alone of Irish—butofEuropean—wonderandadmiration. InIreland,wherestoriesof transatlantic voyages and these of long continuance were prevalent,'? ^ this fame ofSt. Brendan'sNavigationhaditsearliestdevelopment; andsoon,itwascom- mitted to writing, but with all the grotesque adornments of fancy and of fic- tion. The voyages of St. Barrindan and of St. Brendan, however, are tlie earliest of an authentic character, on record, regarding the intercourse of Europeanswiththewesternhemisphere. Theirwell-establishedrenownand romantic character afterwards led adventurers from Ireland and from other coun- tries, on that waste of waters, as the researches of historians now seem to de- monstrate. '79 According to some, St. Brendan landed, somewhere about the Virginian capes, or where the American coast tends eastward, and forms the New England States. However, from the vagueness of account, contained in the narrative of his voyage, it should be vain to speculate on the tract of country, through which he passed; while, the land of flowers and the birds of bright plumage might lead rather to a supposition, that he reached a territory, nearer to the tropics. Not alone evidences adduced from early European traditions, but proofs drawn from ancient and indigenous remains '^° indicate, tliat Irishmen had settled in the Southern portion of North America, at a very early period, and had introduced civilization, of which we have traces to-day, centuries before the era of the Spanish colonization. It has been stated,'^' that there was a wonderful affinity, between the spoken language of the Indian people of Darien, and that of the primitive Irish. We are told,'^^ likewise, that a people, speaking the Irish language, were found in Florida, so far back as the eighth century. Moreover, we are informed,'^^ according to a proba-
assisted in rendering Mozart's Twelfth Mass. Never was a more sublime scene presented, than that offered to the honour and glory of God, as the high priest C(. 'lebrant elevated the consecrated Host. Muny tliousand wor- shippers—all animated by the same holy feelings, from the venerable mitred prelate down to the peasant child—bent to the earth in lowly adoration. Wlien the grand Z(Z«- date was sung, at the close, every one pre- sent felt as it were a foretaste of that exalted bliss, belonging to the angelic choirs, and for the eternal enjoyment of which man was created.
''' The foregoing description is drawn from a small tract, printed at Tralee, 'that same year, and intituled, "Mount Saint Brandon Religious Celebration ; the Scenery, Antiqui- ties, and History of West Kerry," pp. 19, 20.
''*Thus, in the " I-eabhar na h-Huidhre" —edited by John T. Gilbert, in 1870— there is a story, about the wanderings of Mael- duin's ship, in the Atlantic, for three years and seven months. This occurrence, it is said, took place, in the eighth century. He was the son of a Munster chief, and a num- ber of young men accompanied him. There
is only a fragment of this tale, in the " Leab-
har na h-Uidhri," beginning at p. 22, col. I, line 31 ; but, a full copy will be found, in that Manuscript, classed H. 2, 16, in Trinity College, Dublin.
''' Towards the close of St. Olafs reign, one Gudleif is said to have been cast away in a storm, from the west coast of Ireland far into Uie western ocean, and towards the south- west. Himself and his Icelanders touched land, and were met by inhabitants, wlio>e language seemed to them to border on the Iri-h. See Grimr Johnson Thorkelin's "Fragment of English and Irish History in the Ninth and Tenth Century," part ii. , Irom theEyrbyggia,cap. c\ii. ,pp. 62,63. Lon- don, 17S8, 4to.
'"""See "The Discoveiy of America by the Northernmen in tlie Tenth Century, with Notices of the Early Settlements of the Irish in the Western Hemisphere,"' by N. Ludlow Beamish, F. S. A. , published in London, A. u. 1841.
"" By Lionel Wafer, who lived for several months in the Isthmus of Darian, and who relates many inteixsting specialities, toestab- lish Ins oi)ini()n, reg. irdiiig an early Irish colonization of the great western continent.
'*= By Professor Kafn, of Copenhagen.
May 1 6. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
471
ble conjecture/^^ tlie country which lay along the coast, reaching from Chesa- peake Bay, and extending down into the Carolinas and Florida, had been peopled by Irishmen, This early and yet informal inference from actual facts created an idea, so long entertained by the Irish, that America was the PromisedLandofSt. Brendan. Norwasearlybelieflessfallible,whenthat great region was supposed to be constituted of an insular group, called the Fortunate Isles. '^s I3ut, that embryo of knowledge, first obtained in Ireland, was destined to produce more complete and satisfactory discoveries. The people of Iceland and the northern races of Europe have since many remote ages preserved national documents,'^^ called Sagas, in which are very curious narratives of discoveries and navigations, and relating to America, long ante- cedent to the times of Christopher Columbus. '^? The earlier historians of the New World were long unacquainted with their contents, as serving to throw light on the origin and antiquities of that Continent. ^^^ A country, situated still farther south than Vinland, was named by the Scandinavians, " Land of the White Men," or " Great Ireland. "'^9 Now it has been supposed, 's** that this country represented the present States of North and South Carolina, of Georgia and of Florida ; as also, that there were races of people in that tract of country besides the Indians, who were unlike them in language, in dress, and in manners. The most significant feature about those narrations is the concurrence of testimony, that the Irish were, beyond doubt, in advance of the Danish and Norwegian adventurers, when obtaining a foot-hold on this continent. The Scandinavians uniformly designated the far-off western land as"IrlanditMikla,"ortheGreatIreland. '^i TheNorwegiansclaim,thatLief Erickson, an adventurer from the coast of Norway, discovered the present United States, in 1000, and that with his companions, he resided in Massachu- setts,forseveralyears. '9^ Curiousfactshavecometolight,regardingtheearly Norwegian discoveries, and about the Northmen's presence, near Fall River, Taunton, and New Port, nearly 500 years before Columbus landed, at Cat Island, intheBahamas. ^93 TheNorwegianscontinuedtomakevoyagestothecoastof
'^^ By Dr. Von Tschudi, in his work on " Peruvian Antiquities. "
'^'' The writer states, in a note, towards the latter part of that work, to which refer- ence has been made, that a manuscript was found, before he finished his book, which converted the conjecture into a certainty.
'^5 In Rev. S. Baring-Gould's curious
"Myths of the Middle Ages," Second
Series, there is a very interesting dissertation "
on 'l"he Fortunate Isles. " See pp. 259 to 295.
'^° See C. C. Rafn's " Antiquites Ameri- caines d'apres les monuments historiques des Islandais et des anciens Scandinaves. '' Kopenhagen, a. d. 1S45, '" ^^o- -^^^ Jean George TheodoreGraesse's"Tresorde Li vres Rares et Precieuxou Nouveau L>ictionnaire Bibliographique," tome i. , p. 149.
'^7 Readers who are inquisitive will con- suit '• Antiquitates Aniericause sive Scrip- tores Septentriorales Rerum Ante-Colum- bianaium in America. " This work has been ably edited, by C. C. Rafn, a member of the Royal Society of Northern Antiquaries. The documents are found in the Latin, Danish and Icelandic tongues, with plates and maps included. It was published, at Hafn, A. D. 1837, in 4to.
'^^ It seems strange, with all the oppor- tunities for obtaining correct information, and with his fine literary taste and research, one of the most elegant writers in tlie wide circle of English literature—himself an American—could have so far overlooked mediceval records and traditions, which serve to illustrate the early history of the great Western Continent. True, indeed, Washing- ton Irving alludes to the legends of Scan- dinavian voyagers and their mysterious Vin- land, supposed to have relation with our present Labrador or Newfoundland. But, he rather too hazardously observes, tliat so far as authenticated records extend, nothing was known about terra finiia and the islands in the Western Hemisphere, until they had been actually (iiscovered by maritime ad ven- turers, towards the close of the fifteenth cen- tury. So writes Washington Irving, in his " Life of Christopher Columbus. "
'®' See Von Humbolt's " Kosmos. "
'^o
£y Professor Rafn.
'^i "From what causes," argues Mr.
Beamish, "could the name of Great Ireland have arisen, but from the fact of the country having been colonized by the Irish ? "
''"^ Before the first centenary of American Independence, the Norwegian settlers were
—
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i6.
Massachusetts and of Rhode Island, and possibly to New York harbour, down to 1447, which was six years after Columbus was born. '9* It is known, also, that an Arabian geographer of the twelfth century, named Abdullah Mohammed Edrisi—who was born at Ceuta, in 1099, and who pursued his studies at Cordova—mentions "Great Ireland," in a remarkable book, which
he wrote in that age. The Normans, at the Court of Palermo, no doubt, furnished much storied tradition for his information. It was at the invitation of Roger II. , King of Sicily,'55 that he undertook an account of the earlier voyages to that Western land.
The singing birds, the green vegetation, and the tropical luxuriance, with other particulars so grealy celebrated in the " Golden Legend," are frequently mentioned, in the letter of Columbus to his sovereign. In that mystical sense used by Jacobus of Voraggio, the Promised Land is described.
