Unit 5: Ireland in the 11th and 12th Century

Mellifont Abbey, the first Cistercian abbey in Ireland

The Romanesque church at Kilmaldedar

Readings and Activities

• Read Moody, chapter 7, pages 81-94
• Read Arnold, part of chapter 2, pages 37-48
• Read Dunne, The Origin of the Battle of Clontarf (194-195), Fionn Goes Hunting (364-365), The Pursuit of Diarmaid and Gráinne (366-369).
• Read the following (electronic reserve):
  The Enchanted Deer: The Birth of Oisin
  Oisin in the Land of Youth
  The Praise of Fionn
  Oisin
• Retrieve and read the following articles from UMD’s electronic database:
  Kelly, Fergus. The Brehon Laws. World of Hibernia, vol. 6, no 3
  (Winter 2000), page 60.
  Harvey, Steenie. Wishing Wells. World of Hibernia, Autumn 1998,
  page 82.

Assignments

1. Locate the Battle of Clontarf on your map (on the map site, AD 1100). Describe the kingdoms of the time and how Brian Boru consolidated them.
2. Describe the reform and reorganization of the church during these two centuries. What changed? Who was involved? What/who influenced the reforms? What was the result by the end of the 12th century?
3. Summarize the two stories about Oisin from the Fenian cycle. How are these stories similiar to the ones you've read about Cuchulainn and Finn mac Cumhall? How are they different?
4. Compare the two poems The Praise of Fionn and Oisin,both set in time when Oisin returned from Tir na nOg. In one sentence for each, summarize the content. What feeling does Oisin invoke in each? How do you think he feels? Why?
5. Compare and contrast brehon law to your understanding of church law or modern law. For instance, brehon law stresses the importance of rank, whereas the church would say all are equal under the law. It may help you to make a chart.
6. Read the article about wishing wells. What do holy wells have in common with the Ulster and Fenian legends? What elements are rooted in modern society?
7. Choose one of the following pieces or sites, and describe its detail and history. What about it is unique to Irish culture? What about it is clearly 11th-12th century?
   • The Cross of Cong
   • Cormac's Chapel at the Rock of Cashel
   • The Shrine of St. Patrick's Bell
   • The Lismore Crosier
   • The church at Kilmaldekar
   • The Cistercian Abbey at Mellifont