Part 3

(P. 21): According to the “Tripartite Life,” it was Patrick’s Strong Man, Macc Cairthinn, who became a bishop, not Keth Magach.—_Tr._

METHEGLIN (p. 47): Also called mead, “was made chiefly from honey: it was a drink in much request, and was considered a delicacy.... It was slightly intoxicating.”—_Joyce._

POPULATION (p. 25): “For the people were very numerous in Ireland at that time, and so great were their numbers that the land could afford but thrice nine ridges to each man in Erin: viz., nine of bog, nine of field and nine of wood.”—_Book of Hymns (Todd)._

PRESBITER BESCNA (p. 13): Named, with all the members of Patrick’s household, in the “Tripartite Life.”—_Tr._

RED BRANCH KNIGHTS (p. 20): According to Joyce and other authorities, this was an order created by Concobar Mac Nessa, a very ancient king of Ulster, and whose greatest commander was Cuculainn, the mightiest hero of Irish romance.—_Tr._

SHANACHY (p. 26): “The people ... took delight in listening to poetry, history and romantic stories, recited by professional poets and shanachies.”—_Joyce._

STANDARDS OF VALUE (p. 44): As in many other countries in ancient times, a cow, or an ox, was the standard of value. It seems probable, therefore, that the Legend is correct in using sheep, pigs and geese for the “fractional currency” of the period.—_Tr._

STRONG MAN (p. 14): These Strong Men, or champions, like the smiths and other metal-workers, appear frequently in the old annals as distinguished also for their knowledge of law and history, and for their story-telling ability.—_Tr._

TARA (p. 10): Seat of the Irish Over-Kings. Old Erin’s centre of government, of learning and of chivalry. Then, as now, the most eloquent of all words descriptive of Ireland’s ancient glory. In poetry, imperishable in the line: “The harp that once thro’ Tara’s halls.” The scene of St. Patrick’s first efforts to redeem Ireland from paganism.—_Tr._

TOBERNAGALT (p. 48): “Drinking of the water of Tobernagalt (the lunatics’ well), and eating of the cresses that grew along the little stream, the poor wanderers get restored to sanity.... There is a well called Stroove Bran, which was thought to possess the same virtue as Tobernagalt.”—_Joyce._

WURRA-WURRA (p. 18): The authorities do not specifically mention the existence of an idol having that name; but they agree that idols were worshipped in all parts of ancient Ireland.—_Tr._

The Irish up to that time (St. Patrick’s) “had worshipped only idols and abominations.”—_St. Patrick’s Confession._

“The destruction of idols in various parts of the country was an important part of St. Patrick’s lifework.”—_Joyce._

(P. 80): Some Gaelic scholars hold that the familiar exclamation, “Wurra-wurra!” is the nearest approach in that tongue to the conventional invocation of the Blessed Virgin. The Legend, however, makes it, in that sense, an adaptation—evidently intending a tribute to St. Patrick’s well-known policy of harmonizing his teachings, as far as possible at the start, with ancient customs and beliefs.—_Tr._