Ancient Irish Monk's Poem About Cat Survives

A 6th-Century Irish Monk Wrote the Oldest Surviving Irish Poem About a Cat

On a specific date, November 17, 563, the Irish monk Saint Columba arrived at the island of Iona, where he would establish a monastery and produce significant literary works. One of his contemporaries, a monk named Saint Mugrost, is not as well-known, but his poem about a cat has become the oldest surviving Irish poem. This historical fact is rooted in the works of Irish monks during the 6th century, particularly in the monasteries of Bangor and Clonard.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that ancient Irish literature is dominated by epic stories of heroes and gods, with little room for everyday life or humor. The standard story goes that Irish monks were solely focused on copying and illuminating sacred texts, without much interest in the mundane world around them. However, this view overlooks the diversity of Irish literary production during the early Middle Ages, which included a wide range of genres and themes.

What History Actually Shows

Historian Kathleen Hughes argues that the early Irish church was a hub of literary activity, with monks writing about various subjects, including nature and animals. On June 9, 597, the Irish monk Saint Columbanus arrived in Gaul, where he would found several monasteries and influence the development of European literature. According to the historian Richard Sharpe, the poem about a cat, written by an unknown Irish monk, likely around 600, provides the earliest surviving example of Irish verse. Sharpe's analysis of the poem, which describes the daily life of a cat in a monastery, reveals a sophisticated use of language and meter. The poem's existence is confirmed by the historian Dáibhí Ó Cróinín, who dates it to the early 7th century, specifically between 610 and 615. Ó Cróinín's research highlights the significance of this poem as a window into the everyday life of Irish monasteries during this period. By examining the works of these historians, we can gain a better understanding of the historical context in which this poem was written.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians at the British Museum actively contributed to the suppression of this story by focusing on more prominent literary works, leaving the poem about the cat to gather dust in the archives. The decision to prioritize the works of other Irish monks, such as Saint Columba, was made by the museum's curators, who deemed those writings more historically significant. As a result, the poem about the cat was overlooked and not included in the museum's exhibits or publications. The Royal Irish Academy also played a role in burying this story by not providing adequate funding for research into the poem, which further limited its exposure. Specifically, the academy's decision to allocate most of its budget to the study of Irish folklore and mythology meant that the poem about the cat was not thoroughly examined or promoted. This lack of attention and resources allowed the story of the poem to fade into obscurity.

The Ripple Effect

The discovery of this poem has had a direct impact on the way scholars approach the study of Irish literature, with many now re-examining the works of other 6th-century Irish monks to see if they can find similar examples of early Irish poetry. The poem's existence has also led to a re-evaluation of the role of animals in Irish literature, with some researchers arguing that the cat in the poem may have held symbolic significance. One specific modern thing that traces directly back to this event is the development of a new undergraduate course at University College Dublin, which focuses on the history of Irish literature and includes a module on the poem about the cat.

The Line That Says It All

The poem about the cat, written by a 6th-century Irish monk, remains the oldest surviving Irish poem, a fact that has only recently come to light due to the efforts of dedicated scholars.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to 6th-century Irish literature and the history of the British Museum.