Difference between revisions of "Brendan" - New World Encyclopedia

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|attributes=whale; [[priest]] celebrating [[Mass]] on board ship while fish gather to listen; one of a group of monks in a small boat<ref name="autogenerated1">[http://saints.sqpn.com/saintb21.htm Patron Saints Index: Saint Brendan the Navigator] Retrieved September 19, 2008.</ref>
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|attributes=whale; [[priest]] celebrating [[Mass]] on board ship while fish gather to listen; one of a group of monks in a small boat<ref name="autogenerated1">Patron Saints Index, [http://saints.sqpn.com/saintb21.htm Saint Brendan the Navigator.] Retrieved September 19, 2008.</ref>
 
|patronage=boatmen; mariners; sailors; travellers; whales; diocese of Clonfert; diocese of Kerry<ref name="autogenerated1" />
 
|patronage=boatmen; mariners; sailors; travellers; whales; diocese of Clonfert; diocese of Kerry<ref name="autogenerated1" />
 
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'''Saint Brendan of Clonfert,''' or '''Bréanainn of Clonfert''' (c. 484 &ndash; c. 577 C.E.), also known as "the Navigator," "the Voyager," or "the Bold" is one of the early [[Celtic Christianity|Irish monastic]] [[saint]]s whose [[legend]]s are deeply ingrained in [[Ireland|Irish]] folklore and history. He was one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland<ref>[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01632a.htm The Twelve Apostles of Erin] Retrieved September 19, 2008.</ref> who is chiefly renowned for his legendary quest to the Isle of the Blessed. Some believe that Saint Brendan discovered the Americas before [[Christopher Columbus]],<ref>Paul H. Chapman, ''The Man Who Led Columbus to America.'' Judson Press. 1973. ISBN 0914032011.</ref> and his voyage is still commemorated today.
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'''Saint Brendan of Clonfert,''' or '''Bréanainn of Clonfert''' (c. 484 &ndash; c. 577 C.E.), also known as "the Navigator," "the Voyager," or "the Bold" is one of the early [[Celtic Christianity|Irish monastic]] [[saint]]s whose [[legend]]s are deeply ingrained in [[Ireland|Irish]] folklore and history. He was one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland<ref>Catholic Encyclopedia, [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01632a.htm The Twelve Apostles of Erin.] Retrieved September 19, 2008.</ref> who is chiefly renowned for his legendary quest to the Isle of the Blessed. Some believe that Saint Brendan discovered the Americas before [[Christopher Columbus]],<ref>Paul H. Chapman, ''The Man Who Led Columbus to America'' (Judson Press, 1973, ISBN 0914032011).</ref> and his voyage is still commemorated in Ireland today.  
 
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{{toc}}
Saint Brendan is known as the Patron Saint of sailors and travelers and his [[feast day]] is celebrated on May 16 in the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]], [[Roman Catholic Church]] and within the [[Anglican Communion]].
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Saint Brendan is known as the Patron Saint of sailors and travelers and his [[feast day]] is celebrated on May 16, in the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]], [[Roman Catholic Church]], and within the [[Anglican Communion]].
  
 
==Early life==   
 
==Early life==   
In 484 C.E., Saint Brendan was born in Ciarraighe Luachra near the port of Tralee, in County Kerry, in the province of Munster, in the south west of [[Ireland]].<ref>{{cite book |title=North American Exploration: A New World Disclosed. Volume: 1 |author=Allen, John Logan |publisher=University of Nebraska Press |year=1997 |pages=p. 18}}</ref> He was baptized at Tubrid, near Ardfert, by [[Saint Erc]]. His early education was under [[Saint Ita]], ''"the Brigid of Munster"'', and he completed his studies under Saint Erc, who ordained him priest in 512 C.E. Between the years 512 and 530 St Brendan built monastic cells at Ardfert, and, at the foot of Mount Brandon, Shanakeel&mdash; ''Seana Cill'', usually translated as "the old church"&mdash; also called Baalynevinoorach. It was from here that he set out on his famous seven years [[voyage]] in search for the Land of Delight (The Garden of Eden). The old Irish Calendars assigned a special feast on March 22 to commemorate the voyage. The litany of St Aengus the [[Culdee]], composed at the close of the eighth century, invokes "the sixty who accompanied St. Brendan in his quest for the Land of Promise."
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In 484 C.E., Saint Brendan was born in Ciarraighe Luachra near the port of Tralee, in County Kerry, in the province of Munster, in the south west of [[Ireland]].<ref>John Logan Allen, ''North American Exploration: A New World Disclosed (University of Nebraska Press, 1997), 18.</ref> He was baptized at Tubrid, near Ardfert, by Saint Erc. His early education was under Saint Ita, "the Brigid of Munster," and he completed his studies under Saint Erc, who ordained him priest in 512 C.E. Between the years 512 and 530 St Brendan built monastic cells at Ardfert, and, at the foot of Mount Brandon, Shanakeel&mdash;''Seana Cill,'' usually translated as "the old church"&mdash;also called Baalynevinoorach. It was from here that he set out on his famous seven years voyage in search for the Land of Delight (The Garden of Eden). The old Irish Calendars assigned a special feast on March 22 to commemorate the voyage. The litany of St Aengus the Culdee, composed at the close of the eighth century, invokes "the sixty who accompanied St. Brendan in his quest for the Land of Promise."
  
 
[[Image:Faroe stamps 252-253 Europe and the Discoveries.jpg|thumb|right|310px|Brendan discovering the Faroes and Iceland<br/>Stamp sheet FR 252-253 of [[Postverk Føroya]]<br/>Issued: 18 April 1994<br/>Artist: Colin Harrison]]
 
[[Image:Faroe stamps 252-253 Europe and the Discoveries.jpg|thumb|right|310px|Brendan discovering the Faroes and Iceland<br/>Stamp sheet FR 252-253 of [[Postverk Føroya]]<br/>Issued: 18 April 1994<br/>Artist: Colin Harrison]]
  
 
==Legendary journey==
 
==Legendary journey==
St Brendan is chiefly renowned for his legendary journey to The Isle of the Blessed (also called Tír na nÓg) as described in the ninth century ''Voyage of St Brendan the Navigator''. Many versions exist of this story, that tell of how Brendan set out onto the [[Atlantic Ocean]] with sixty [[pilgrim]]s<ref>One of these companions is said to have been [[Saint Malo (saint)|Saint Malo]], the namesake of Saint-Malo.</ref> (other versions have fourteen, plus three unbelievers who join at the last minute), searching for the Garden of Eden. If this voyage actually happened, it would have occurred in around the years 512-530 C.E., before his travel to the island of [[Great Britain]]. On his trip, Brendan is supposed to have seen a blessed island covered with vegetation. He also encountered a [[sea monster]], an adventure he shared with his contemporary Saint [[Columba]] (521-597 C.E.). According to legend, Brendan landed on an island which turned out to be a giant sea monster called [[Jasconius]] or Jascon. This too, has its parallels in other stories, not only in [[Irish mythology]] but in other traditions, from [[Sinbad the Sailor]] to [[Pinocchio]].
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St Brendan is chiefly renowned for his legendary journey to The Isle of the Blessed (also called Tír na nÓg) as described in the ninth century ''Voyage of St Brendan the Navigator''. Many versions exist of this story, that tell of how Brendan set out onto the [[Atlantic Ocean]] with sixty [[pilgrim]]s (other versions have fourteen, plus three unbelievers who join at the last minute), searching for the Garden of Eden. If this voyage actually happened, it would have occurred in around the years 512-530 C.E., before his travel to the island of [[Great Britain]]. On his trip, Brendan is supposed to have seen a blessed island covered with vegetation. He also encountered a sea [[monster]], an adventure he shared with his contemporary [[Saint Columba]] (521-597 C.E.). According to legend, Brendan landed on an island which turned out to be a giant sea monster called [[Jasconius]] or Jascon. This too, has its parallels in other stories, not only in [[Irish mythology]] but in other traditions, from [[Sinbad the Sailor]] to [[Pinocchio]].
  
One of the earliest preserved written versions of the legend is in Dutch ''Des Reis van Sint Brandaen'' (Dutch for ''The Voyage of Saint Brendan''), written in the 12th century. Scholars believe it derived from a now lost middle [[High German]] text combined with [[Celt]]ic elements from [[Ireland]] and combines [[Christian]] and [[fairy tale]] elements. ''Des Reis van Sint Brandaen''  describes "Brandaen," a monk from Galway, and his voyage around the world for nine years. The journey was begun as a punishment by an [[angel]] who had seen Brendan not to believe the truth of a book on the miracles of creation and saw Brandaen throw it into the fire. The angel tells him that truth has been destroyed. On his journeys, Brandaen encounters the wonders and horrors of the world, such as [[Judas]] frozen on one side and burning on the other, people with swine heads, dog legs and wolf teeth carrying bows and arrows, and an enormous fish that encircles the ship by holding its tail in its mouth. The English poem ''Life of Saint Brandan'' is a later English derivative of the [[Dutch language|Dutch]] version.<ref>Meijer 1971:9-10.</ref>
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One of the earliest preserved written versions of the legend is in Dutch ''Des Reis van Sint Brandaen'' (Dutch for ''The Voyage of Saint Brendan''), written in the twelfth century. Scholars believe it derived from a now lost middle [[High German]] text combined with [[Celt]]ic elements from [[Ireland]] and combines [[Christian]] and [[fairy tale]] elements. ''Des Reis van Sint Brandaen''  describes "Brandaen," a monk from Galway, and his voyage around the world for nine years. The journey was begun as a punishment by an [[angel]] who had seen Brendan not to believe the truth of a book on the miracles of creation and saw Brandaen throw it into the fire. The angel tells him that truth has been destroyed. On his journeys, Brandaen encounters the wonders and horrors of the world, such as [[Judas]] frozen on one side and burning on the other, people with swine heads, dog legs and wolf teeth carrying bows and arrows, and an enormous fish that encircles the ship by holding its tail in its mouth. The English poem ''Life of Saint Brandan'' is a later English derivative of the [[Dutch language|Dutch]] version.
  
[[Image:Iarthair Chorcaí 038.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Sculpture of St. Brendan, The Square Bantry, County Cork]]
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While it is generally assumed that the story is a religious allegory, there has been considerable discussion over the question of whether the legends are based on actual events, and whether the Isle of the Blessed that Brendan reached was actually America. There is a St. Brendan Society that celebrates the belief that Brendan was the first to discover America. Tim Severin demonstrated that it is possible that a leather-clad boat such as the one described in the ''Navigatio'' could have potentially reached [[North America]].<ref>Tim Severin, ''The Brendan Voyage: A Leather Boat Tracks the Discovery of America by the Irish Sailor Saints'' (McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1978, ISBN 0-07-056335-7).</ref> Some have alleged that [[Christopher Columbus]] relied on the manuscript "Navigatio sancti Brendani abbatis" that told of St. Brendan's travels across the Atlantic.<ref>Chapman, ''The Man Who Led Columbus to America'' (Judson Press, 1973, ISBN 0914032011).</ref>  
While it is generally assumed that the story is a religious allegory, there has been considerable discussion over the question of whether the legends are based on actual events, and whether the Isle of the Blessed that Brendan reached was actually America. There is a St. Brendan Society that celebrates the belief that Brendan was the first to discover America. Tim Severin demonstrated that it is possible that a leather-clad boat such as the one described in the ''Navigatio'' could have potentially reached [[North America]].<ref>Severin, Tim. ''The Brendan Voyage: A Leather Boat Tracks the Discovery of America by the Irish Sailor Saints''. McGraw-Hill Book Company. 1978. ISBN 0-07-056335-7.</ref><ref>(1964, Robert Reily) ''Irish Saints'' page:37, Wing Books, New Jersey, ISBN 0-517-36833-1</ref> Some have alleged that [[Christopher Columbus]] relied on the manuscript "Navigatio sancti Brendani abbatis" that told of St. Brendan's travels across the Atlantic.<ref>Chapman, ''The Man Who Led Columbus to America.'' Judson Press. 1973. ISBN 0914032011.</ref>  
 
  
As a genre, The Voyage of St. Brendan (in Latin, the ''Navigatio Sancti Brendani'') fits in with a then-popular form of literature, peculiar to Ireland, called an [[immram]], that describes a hero's series of adventures in a boat. For example, there appear to be similarities with ''[[The Voyage of Bran]]'' that was written much earlier. In the Navigatio, this style of storytelling meshed with a religious ascetic tradition in which Irish monks travelled alone in boats, the same way their desert brothers used to isolate themselves in caves.
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As a genre, The Voyage of St. Brendan (in Latin, the ''Navigatio Sancti Brendani'') fits in with a then-popular form of literature, peculiar to Ireland, called an [[immram]], that describes a hero's series of adventures in a boat. For example, there appear to be similarities with ''[[The Voyage of Bran]]'' that was written much earlier. In the Navigatio, this style of storytelling meshed with a religious ascetic tradition in which Irish monks traveled alone in boats, the same way their desert brothers used to isolate themselves in caves.
  
 
==Further travels==
 
==Further travels==
In his later life, St. Brendan travelled to [[Wales]] and the holy island of [[Iona]], off the west coast of [[Scotland]]. It is said to have left traces of his apostolic zeal at Kil-''brandon'' (near Oban) and Kil-''brennan'' Sound. After a three years' mission in Britain he returned to Ireland, and did more proselytizing in various parts of Leinster, especially at Dysart ([[County Kilkenny]]), Killiney (Tubberboe), and Brandon Hill. He established churches at Inchiquin, County Galway and at Inishglora, [[County Mayo]]. He founded a [[bishop]]ric at [[Galway City|Annaghdown]], where he spent the rest of his days. Centuries later this diocese was merged into the [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tuam|Archdiocese of Tuam]]. Having established the bishopric of Ardfert, St Brendan proceeded to Thomond, and founded a monastery at Inis-da-druim (now Coney Island), in the present parish of Killadysert, County Clare, about the year 550 C.E.  
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[[Image:Iarthair Chorcaí 038.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Sculpture of St. Brendan, The Square Bantry, County Cork.]]
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In his later life, St. Brendan travelled to [[Wales]] and the holy island of [[Iona]], off the west coast of [[Scotland]]. It is said to have left traces of his apostolic zeal at Kil-''brandon'' (near Oban) and Kil-''brennan'' Sound. After a three years' mission in Britain he returned to Ireland, and did more proselytizing in various parts of Leinster, especially at Dysart (County Kilkenny), Killiney (Tubberboe), and Brandon Hill. He established churches at Inchiquin, County Galway and at Inishglora, County Mayo. He founded a [[bishop]]ric at Annaghdown, where he spent the rest of his days. Centuries later this diocese was merged into the Archdiocese of Tuam. Having established the bishopric of Ardfert, St Brendan proceeded to Thomond, and founded a monastery at Inis-da-druim (now Coney Island), in the present parish of Killadysert, County Clare, about the year 550 C.E.  
  
Saint Brendan's most celebrated foundation was [[Clonfert Cathedral]], in the year 563 C.E., over which he appointed St. Moinenn as Prior and Head Master. St Brendan was interred in Clonfert.
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Saint Brendan's most celebrated foundation was Clonfert Cathedral, in the year 563 C.E., over which he appointed St. Moinenn as Prior and Head Master. St Brendan was interred in Clonfert.
  
 
==Modern re-enactment==
 
==Modern re-enactment==
In 1976, Irish explorer [[Tim Severin]] built an ox [[leather]] [[Currach|curragh]] and over two summers sailed her from Ireland via the [[Hebrides]], [[Faroe Islands]] and [[Iceland]] to [[Newfoundland (island)|Newfoundland]] to demonstrate that the saint's purported voyage was feasible. On his voyage, he encountered various sights such as [[iceberg]]s and sea animals such as whales and porpoises which he suggests are factual counterparts to the fantastic sights from the legends of Brendan.<ref>See ''The Brendan Voyage'', ISBN 0-349-10707-6.</ref>
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In 1976, Irish explorer Tim Severin built an ox [[leather]] curragh and over two summers sailed her from Ireland via the [[Hebrides]], [[Faroe Islands]] and [[Iceland]] to [[Newfoundland]] to demonstrate that the saint's purported voyage was feasible. On his voyage, he encountered various sights such as [[iceberg]]s and sea animals such as whales and porpoises which he suggests are factual counterparts to the fantastic sights from the legends of Brendan.<ref>Tim Severin, ''The Brendan Voyage'' (ISBN 0-349-10707-6).</ref>
  
 
==Appearances in popular culture==
 
==Appearances in popular culture==
* The Brendan Voyage is an orchestral suite for [[Uilleann pipes]], written by Irish composer Shaun Davey in 1983 and based on [[Tim Severin]]'s book of the same name.
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* The Brendan Voyage is an orchestral suite for ''Uilleann Pipes,'' written by Irish composer Shaun Davey in 1983 and based on Tim Severin's book of the same name.
  
* Novelist Patricia Kennealy-Morrison features St. Brendan in her book "The Deers Cry," retelling his story with a science fiction twist.
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* Novelist Patricia Kennealy-Morrison features St. Brendan in her book, ''The Deers Cry,'' retelling his story with a science fiction twist.
  
* Novelist Frederick Buechner retold the story of Brendan's travels in his 1987 novel Brendan.
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* Novelist Frederick Buechner retold the story of Brendan's travels in his 1987 novel, ''Brendan.''
  
* The [[Celtic music|Celtic band]] [[Iona (band)|Iona]] made an entire recording inspired by the voyage of Saint Brendan called [[Beyond These Shores]], now available as part of the recording The River Flows.
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* The Celtic band Iona made an entire recording inspired by the voyage of Saint Brendan called "Beyond These Shores," now available as part of the recording, ''The River Flows.''
  
* Singer songwriter Sarana VerLin wrote an instrumental song titled "St. Brendan's Reel" that appears on several albums including "Amadon Crest."
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* Singer songwriter Sarana VerLin wrote an instrumental song titled "St. Brendan's Reel" that appears on several albums including ''Amadon Crest.''
  
* In the 2005 film [[Beowulf & Grendel]], a travelling monk named Brendan the Celt sails to Denmark circa 521 C.E.
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* In the 2005 film, ''Beowulf & Grendel,'' a traveling monk named Brendan the Celt sails to Denmark circa 521 C.E.
  
* The [[cream liqueur]] ''"Saint Brendan's"'' is named after him.
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* The cream liqueur Saint Brendan's is named after him.
  
* The Irish rock band ''The Elders'' have a song on their album "Racing the Tide" called "Saint Brendan Had a Boat."
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* The Irish rock band, The Elders, have a song on their album "Racing the Tide" called "Saint Brendan Had a Boat."
  
 
===Veneration===
 
===Veneration===
Naturally, the story of the seven years voyage was carried about, and soon crowds of pilgrims and students flocked to Ardfert. Thus, in a few years, many religious houses were formed - at Gallerus, Kilmalchedor, Brandon Hill, and the Blasket Islands - in order to meet the wants of those who came for spiritual guidance to Saint Brendan.  
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Naturally, the story of the seven years voyage was carried about, and soon crowds of pilgrims and students flocked to Ardfert. Thus, in a few years, many religious houses were formed--at Gallerus, Kilmalchedor, Brandon Hill, and the Blasket Islands--in order to meet the wants of those who came for spiritual guidance to Saint Brendan.  
  
In the [[Sicily|Sicilian]] town of Bronte there is a Church dedicated to Saint Brendan, whose name in the local dialect is ''"San Brandanu"''. Since 1574, the "''Chiesa di San Blandano''"( or ''Church of Saint Brendan'') replaced a homonymous Chapel that existed previously in the same location. The real devotional reasons of such entitlement are still unknown.
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In the [[Sicily|Sicilian]] town of Bronte there is a Church dedicated to Saint Brendan, whose name in the local dialect is ''"San Brandanu."'' Since 1574, the "''Chiesa di San Blandano''" (or ''Church of Saint Brendan'') replaced a homonymous Chapel that existed previously in the same location. The real devotional reasons of such entitlement are still unknown.
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
{{Reflist}}
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<references/>
{{ref-list}}
 
  
 
==References ==
 
==References ==
* ''The Anglo-Norman Voyage of St Brendan'', ed. Brian Merrilees and Ian Short (Manchester, 1979)
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* Bray, Dorothy. "Allegory in the ''Navigatio Sancti Brendani,''" ''Viator 26'' (1995): 1-10.
* ''The Anglo-Norman Voyage of St Brendan by Benedeit'', ed. E.G. Waters (Oxford, 1928)
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* Donnchadha, Gearóid Ó. ''St Brendan of Kerry, the Navigator. His Life & Voyages.'' Open Air, ISBN 1851828710
* Barron, W.R.J. and Glyn S. Burgess (eds.) Trans. in ''The Voyage of Saint Brendan: Representative Versions of the Legend in English Translation'',  (Exeter, 2002)
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* Esposito, M. "An Apocryphal Book of Enoch and Elias as a Possible Source for the ''Navigatio Sancti Brendani,''" ''Celtica'' 5 (1960): 192-206
* Bray, Dorothy, "Allegory in the ''Navigatio Sancti Brendani''," ''Viator 26'' (1995), 1-10.
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* Illingworth, Robin N. "The Structure of the Anglo-Norman ''Voyage of St Brendan'' by Benedeit." ''Medium Aevum'' 55(2) (1986): 217-29.
* Burgess, Glyn S, and Clara Strijbosch, ''The Legend of St Brendan: A Critical Bibliography'' (Dublin, 2000)
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* Jones, Robin F. "The Mechanics of Meaning in the Anglo-Norman ''Voyage of Saint Brendan,''" ''Romanic Review'' 71(2) (1980): 105-13.
* Donnchadha, Gearóid Ó. ''St Brendan of Kerry, the Navigator. His Life & Voyages.'' Open Air, ISBN 1-85182-871-0
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* Moult, D. Pochin. "St Brendan: Celtic Vision and Romance." ''Ireland of the Saints'' (London, 1953): 153-70.
* Dumville, David, "Two Approaches to the Dating of ''Nauigatio Sancti Brendani''," ''Studi medievali'', third s. 29 (1988), 87-102
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* Ritchie, R. L. G. "The Date of ''The Voyage of St Brendan.''" ''Medium Aevum'' 19 (1950): 64-6.
* Esposito, M., "An Apocryphal Book of Enoch and Elias as a Possible Source for the ''Navigatio Sancti Brendani''," ''Celtica'' 5 (1960), 192-206
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* Severin, Tim. ''The Brendan Voyage: A Leather Boat Tracks the Discovery of America by the Irish Sailor Saints.'' McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1978. ISBN 0070563357
* Illingworth, Robin N., "The Structure of the Anglo-Norman ''Voyage of St Brendan'' by Benedeit," ''Medium Aevum'' 55:2 (1986), 217-29
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* Sobecki, Sebastian. "From the désert liquide to the Sea of RomanceBenedeit's ''Voyage de saint Brandan'' and the Irish ''immrama''." ''Neophilologus'' 87(2) (2003): 193-207.
* Jones, Robin F., "The Mechanics of Meaning in the Anglo-Norman ''Voyage of Saint Brendan'',‟ ''Romanic Review'' 71:2 (1980), 105-13
 
* Mackley, Jude, ''Legend of Brendan: A Comparative Study of the Latin and Anglo-Norman Versions'' (Leiden: Brill, 2008)
 
* Moult, D. Pochin, "St Brendan: Celtic Vision and Romance,‟ in ''Ireland of the Saints'' (London, 1953), pp. 153-70
 
* Ritchie, R. L. G., "The Date of ''The Voyage of St Brendan''‟, ''Medium Aevum'' 19 (1950), 64-6
 
* Sobecki, Sebastian, "From the désert liquide to the Sea of Romance Benedeit's ''Voyage de saint Brandan'' and the Irish ''immrama''," ''Neophilologus'' 87:2 (2003), 193-207  
 
* Sobecki, Sebastian, ''The Sea and Medieval English Literature'' (Cambridge: 2008)
 
* Wooding, Jonathan, "St Brendan's Boat: Dead Hides and the Living Sea in Columban and Related Hagiography‟, in ''Studies in Irish Hagiography: Saints and Scholars'', eds John Carey, Máire Herbert and Pádraig Ó Riain (Dublin, 2001), pp. 77-92
 
* Wooding, Jonathan, ''The Otherworld Voyage in Early Irish Literature'' (Dublin, 2000)
 
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
*[http://www.irelandseye.com/irish/people/saints/brendan.shtm Biography from ''"A Little Book of Celtic Saints:"'' ''Saint Brendan the Navigator''] Retrieved September 19, 2008.
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All links retrieved November 20, 2023.
*[http://www.forteantimes.com/features/articles/262/the_voyage_of_beyond_the_sea.html  ''The Voyage of Beyond the Sea'']  Simon Young writes about St Brendan's journey in Fortean Times. Retrieved September 19, 2008.
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*[http://www.faroestamps.fo/?side=b6d3d096d981070acabd94f279a86586 Faroestamps.fo - Faroese stamp edition] (English, German, French, Danish, Faroese). Retrieved September 19, 2008.
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*[http://www.irelandseye.com/irish/people/saints/brendan.shtm Biography from ''"A Little Book of Celtic Saints:"'' ''Saint Brendan the Navigator'']  
*[http://www.gutenberg.org/files/17343/17343-h/17343-h.htm Brendan's Fabulous Voyage] Retrieved September 19, 2008.
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*[http://www.gutenberg.org/files/17343/17343-h/17343-h.htm Brendan's Fabulous Voyage]
  
 
[[category: Philosophy and religion]]
 
[[category: Philosophy and religion]]

Latest revision as of 22:58, 20 November 2023

Saint Brendan of Clonfert
Saint brendan german manuscript.jpg

St Brendan and the whale from a 15th century manuscript
Abbot
Born c. 484 in Ciarraighe Luachra near Tralee, County Kerry, Munster, Ireland
Died c. 577 in Anach Cuain (Annaghdown]), County Galway, Connacht, Ireland
Venerated in Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Anglican Communion
Major shrine Clonfert
Feast May 16
Attributes whale; priest celebrating Mass on board ship while fish gather to listen; one of a group of monks in a small boat[1]
Patronage boatmen; mariners; sailors; travellers; whales; diocese of Clonfert; diocese of Kerry[1]

Saint Brendan of Clonfert, or Bréanainn of Clonfert (c. 484 – c. 577 C.E.), also known as "the Navigator," "the Voyager," or "the Bold" is one of the early Irish monastic saints whose legends are deeply ingrained in Irish folklore and history. He was one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland[2] who is chiefly renowned for his legendary quest to the Isle of the Blessed. Some believe that Saint Brendan discovered the Americas before Christopher Columbus,[3] and his voyage is still commemorated in Ireland today.

Saint Brendan is known as the Patron Saint of sailors and travelers and his feast day is celebrated on May 16, in the Eastern Orthodox Church, Roman Catholic Church, and within the Anglican Communion.

Early life

In 484 C.E., Saint Brendan was born in Ciarraighe Luachra near the port of Tralee, in County Kerry, in the province of Munster, in the south west of Ireland.[4] He was baptized at Tubrid, near Ardfert, by Saint Erc. His early education was under Saint Ita, "the Brigid of Munster," and he completed his studies under Saint Erc, who ordained him priest in 512 C.E. Between the years 512 and 530 St Brendan built monastic cells at Ardfert, and, at the foot of Mount Brandon, Shanakeel—Seana Cill, usually translated as "the old church"—also called Baalynevinoorach. It was from here that he set out on his famous seven years voyage in search for the Land of Delight (The Garden of Eden). The old Irish Calendars assigned a special feast on March 22 to commemorate the voyage. The litany of St Aengus the Culdee, composed at the close of the eighth century, invokes "the sixty who accompanied St. Brendan in his quest for the Land of Promise."

Brendan discovering the Faroes and Iceland
Stamp sheet FR 252-253 of Postverk Føroya
Issued: 18 April 1994
Artist: Colin Harrison

Legendary journey

St Brendan is chiefly renowned for his legendary journey to The Isle of the Blessed (also called Tír na nÓg) as described in the ninth century Voyage of St Brendan the Navigator. Many versions exist of this story, that tell of how Brendan set out onto the Atlantic Ocean with sixty pilgrims (other versions have fourteen, plus three unbelievers who join at the last minute), searching for the Garden of Eden. If this voyage actually happened, it would have occurred in around the years 512-530 C.E., before his travel to the island of Great Britain. On his trip, Brendan is supposed to have seen a blessed island covered with vegetation. He also encountered a sea monster, an adventure he shared with his contemporary Saint Columba (521-597 C.E.). According to legend, Brendan landed on an island which turned out to be a giant sea monster called Jasconius or Jascon. This too, has its parallels in other stories, not only in Irish mythology but in other traditions, from Sinbad the Sailor to Pinocchio.

One of the earliest preserved written versions of the legend is in Dutch Des Reis van Sint Brandaen (Dutch for The Voyage of Saint Brendan), written in the twelfth century. Scholars believe it derived from a now lost middle High German text combined with Celtic elements from Ireland and combines Christian and fairy tale elements. Des Reis van Sint Brandaen describes "Brandaen," a monk from Galway, and his voyage around the world for nine years. The journey was begun as a punishment by an angel who had seen Brendan not to believe the truth of a book on the miracles of creation and saw Brandaen throw it into the fire. The angel tells him that truth has been destroyed. On his journeys, Brandaen encounters the wonders and horrors of the world, such as Judas frozen on one side and burning on the other, people with swine heads, dog legs and wolf teeth carrying bows and arrows, and an enormous fish that encircles the ship by holding its tail in its mouth. The English poem Life of Saint Brandan is a later English derivative of the Dutch version.

While it is generally assumed that the story is a religious allegory, there has been considerable discussion over the question of whether the legends are based on actual events, and whether the Isle of the Blessed that Brendan reached was actually America. There is a St. Brendan Society that celebrates the belief that Brendan was the first to discover America. Tim Severin demonstrated that it is possible that a leather-clad boat such as the one described in the Navigatio could have potentially reached North America.[5] Some have alleged that Christopher Columbus relied on the manuscript "Navigatio sancti Brendani abbatis" that told of St. Brendan's travels across the Atlantic.[6]

As a genre, The Voyage of St. Brendan (in Latin, the Navigatio Sancti Brendani) fits in with a then-popular form of literature, peculiar to Ireland, called an immram, that describes a hero's series of adventures in a boat. For example, there appear to be similarities with The Voyage of Bran that was written much earlier. In the Navigatio, this style of storytelling meshed with a religious ascetic tradition in which Irish monks traveled alone in boats, the same way their desert brothers used to isolate themselves in caves.

Further travels

Sculpture of St. Brendan, The Square Bantry, County Cork.

In his later life, St. Brendan travelled to Wales and the holy island of Iona, off the west coast of Scotland. It is said to have left traces of his apostolic zeal at Kil-brandon (near Oban) and Kil-brennan Sound. After a three years' mission in Britain he returned to Ireland, and did more proselytizing in various parts of Leinster, especially at Dysart (County Kilkenny), Killiney (Tubberboe), and Brandon Hill. He established churches at Inchiquin, County Galway and at Inishglora, County Mayo. He founded a bishopric at Annaghdown, where he spent the rest of his days. Centuries later this diocese was merged into the Archdiocese of Tuam. Having established the bishopric of Ardfert, St Brendan proceeded to Thomond, and founded a monastery at Inis-da-druim (now Coney Island), in the present parish of Killadysert, County Clare, about the year 550 C.E.

Saint Brendan's most celebrated foundation was Clonfert Cathedral, in the year 563 C.E., over which he appointed St. Moinenn as Prior and Head Master. St Brendan was interred in Clonfert.

Modern re-enactment

In 1976, Irish explorer Tim Severin built an ox leather curragh and over two summers sailed her from Ireland via the Hebrides, Faroe Islands and Iceland to Newfoundland to demonstrate that the saint's purported voyage was feasible. On his voyage, he encountered various sights such as icebergs and sea animals such as whales and porpoises which he suggests are factual counterparts to the fantastic sights from the legends of Brendan.[7]

Appearances in popular culture

  • The Brendan Voyage is an orchestral suite for Uilleann Pipes, written by Irish composer Shaun Davey in 1983 and based on Tim Severin's book of the same name.
  • Novelist Patricia Kennealy-Morrison features St. Brendan in her book, The Deers Cry, retelling his story with a science fiction twist.
  • Novelist Frederick Buechner retold the story of Brendan's travels in his 1987 novel, Brendan.
  • The Celtic band Iona made an entire recording inspired by the voyage of Saint Brendan called "Beyond These Shores," now available as part of the recording, The River Flows.
  • Singer songwriter Sarana VerLin wrote an instrumental song titled "St. Brendan's Reel" that appears on several albums including Amadon Crest.
  • In the 2005 film, Beowulf & Grendel, a traveling monk named Brendan the Celt sails to Denmark circa 521 C.E.
  • The cream liqueur Saint Brendan's is named after him.
  • The Irish rock band, The Elders, have a song on their album "Racing the Tide" called "Saint Brendan Had a Boat."

Veneration

Naturally, the story of the seven years voyage was carried about, and soon crowds of pilgrims and students flocked to Ardfert. Thus, in a few years, many religious houses were formed—at Gallerus, Kilmalchedor, Brandon Hill, and the Blasket Islands—in order to meet the wants of those who came for spiritual guidance to Saint Brendan.

In the Sicilian town of Bronte there is a Church dedicated to Saint Brendan, whose name in the local dialect is "San Brandanu." Since 1574, the "Chiesa di San Blandano" (or Church of Saint Brendan) replaced a homonymous Chapel that existed previously in the same location. The real devotional reasons of such entitlement are still unknown.

Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 Patron Saints Index, Saint Brendan the Navigator. Retrieved September 19, 2008.
  2. Catholic Encyclopedia, The Twelve Apostles of Erin. Retrieved September 19, 2008.
  3. Paul H. Chapman, The Man Who Led Columbus to America (Judson Press, 1973, ISBN 0914032011).
  4. John Logan Allen, North American Exploration: A New World Disclosed (University of Nebraska Press, 1997), 18.
  5. Tim Severin, The Brendan Voyage: A Leather Boat Tracks the Discovery of America by the Irish Sailor Saints (McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1978, ISBN 0-07-056335-7).
  6. Chapman, The Man Who Led Columbus to America (Judson Press, 1973, ISBN 0914032011).
  7. Tim Severin, The Brendan Voyage (ISBN 0-349-10707-6).

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Bray, Dorothy. "Allegory in the Navigatio Sancti Brendani," Viator 26 (1995): 1-10.
  • Donnchadha, Gearóid Ó. St Brendan of Kerry, the Navigator. His Life & Voyages. Open Air, ISBN 1851828710
  • Esposito, M. "An Apocryphal Book of Enoch and Elias as a Possible Source for the Navigatio Sancti Brendani," Celtica 5 (1960): 192-206
  • Illingworth, Robin N. "The Structure of the Anglo-Norman Voyage of St Brendan by Benedeit." Medium Aevum 55(2) (1986): 217-29.
  • Jones, Robin F. "The Mechanics of Meaning in the Anglo-Norman Voyage of Saint Brendan," Romanic Review 71(2) (1980): 105-13.
  • Moult, D. Pochin. "St Brendan: Celtic Vision and Romance." Ireland of the Saints (London, 1953): 153-70.
  • Ritchie, R. L. G. "The Date of The Voyage of St Brendan." Medium Aevum 19 (1950): 64-6.
  • Severin, Tim. The Brendan Voyage: A Leather Boat Tracks the Discovery of America by the Irish Sailor Saints. McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1978. ISBN 0070563357
  • Sobecki, Sebastian. "From the désert liquide to the Sea of Romance—Benedeit's Voyage de saint Brandan and the Irish immrama." Neophilologus 87(2) (2003): 193-207.

External links

All links retrieved November 20, 2023.

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