Celebrating Ireland with Armergin

Posted byRebecca BuddPosted inAmergin, I’m Reading Poetry, PoetryTags:, , ,

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Tradition maintains that on March 17, in the year 432, Saint Patrick, at the young age of 16, was captured by Irish pirates from his home in Great Britain and taken as a slave to Ireland. Little did the pirates know that this young man would be an agent for change and celebrated centuries after his passing. They had found a treasure greater than gold

I am celebrating by going back in Ireland’s long-ago history to meet up with Amergin, aka Glúingel (“white knees”) a bard, a Milesian prince and Druid. It is said it that he was a judge for the Milesians in the Irish Mythological Cycle.

“The Mystery” is a starting point for more research into the ancient stories. Thank you for joining me in a nature walk, reading Amergin’s poem, “The Mystery.”

In researching this poem, I have come across the renowned Isabella Augusta, Lady Gregory, Irish dramatist, folklorist and theatre manager.

This is Augusta, Lady Gregory’s translation of The Song of Amergin “The Mystery.”

“I am the wind on the sea;
I am the wave of the sea;
I am the bull of seven battles;
I am the eagle on the rock
I am a flash from the sun;
I am the most beautiful of plants;
I am a strong wild boar;
I am a salmon in the water;
I am a lake in the plain;
I am the word of knowledge;
I am the head of the spear in battle;
I am the god that puts fire in the head;
Who spreads light in the gathering on the hills?
Who can tell the ages of the moon?
Who can tell the place where the sun rests?”

Published by Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

13 thoughts on “Celebrating Ireland with Armergin”

  1. Thank you for reading this beautiful poem. I have listened at least three times and will keep it for future reference. I thought of Ireland and your father often during the readings. There was something about Ireland that your father enjoyed and loved, even though he never had the privilege to visit there. Bagpipes were mentioned. I remember, so well, when Thomas played them, what a joy. His busy and often frantic work load does not allow for recreation like that right now! ! Perhaps he will play later for times of recreation! ! That would be nice. Thank you, again, for this delightful poem

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I am delighted that this reading reminded you of Dad. Yes, he loved Ireland – the music, the poetry, the stories, which was interested given his Scottish roots. Thomas enjoyed playing in a pipe band and hopes to return to his piping, one day. He has his chanter close by to keep him company during his research. Thank you for joining me on a nature walk in Vancouver/Ireland. Sending hugs!

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  2. A beautiful poetic reading on a beautiful day. What a perfect spot to celebrate Creation through poetry. Not sure if St. Patrick would approve of the druid, but he’d no doubt appreciate the sentiment. Haha. I’m sure there a plenty of locations in Ireland that look like Vancouver. 🙂

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    1. I was thinking the same thing, Mary Jo!!!! Dear St. Patrick seemed to share Amergin’s thought on nature with these words:

      I arise today
      Through the strength of heaven:
      Light of sun
      Brilliance of moon
      Splendor of fire
      Speed of lightning
      Swiftness of wind
      Depth of sea
      Stability of earth
      Firmness of rock.

      It seems that these words reflect the universal theme expressed by Amergin. So glad you joined me in Ireland via Vancouver. Sending hugs!

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  6. Thank you for your reading of “The Mystery.” This is the first I’ve heard of Amergin. I was so glad to see a post from you tonight because earlier this evening I attended an informal Zoom “salon” at my college at which a professional bagpiper gave an incredible performance on the parlor bagpipes (so as not to annoy her apartment neighbors). I immediately thought of you and how much you would have enjoyed it. Her name is Sheila Liming, and here’s her website: http://www.sheilaliming.com/bagpipes.html.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Isn’t it wonderful to listen to the bagpipes!! Those parlor bagpipes have a marvelous tone without the immense sound of the highland bagpipes. Shiela has a great website and the names are familiar to us, especially my son. Thank you for the introduction to Sheila!!

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      1. In addition to the sweet sound Sheila was able to get from her bagpipes, her fingering was just incredible. You’re most welcome for the introduction to Sheila! She’s a talented writer as well.

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