Brigid the Poetess

I’ve regularly spoken and written about Brigid the Smith, mainly because that’s the primary connection I have with Brigid, as an engineer. However, I do also have a connection to the Poet. Now, I’d say most people reading this blog are aware of Brigid and her many, many roles in life, the universe etc. And I appreciate that.

But today I want to explore how Brigid the Poet can interact with the modern world. We’re going to look at what was a poet in Iron Age Ireland (as best we can tell from the manuscripts that are left to us. Not to mention translated!) We’ll take a look at the law, satire, activism and education. And we’ll look at how we can work with the poet, outside of actually writing poetry, in modern life. (I have written about one file in particular before now, but this is a more general post)

Poets in Iron Age Ireland

Now, we need to be a bit exact about poets in Iron Age Ireland. There were layers and levels and grades and all sorts. Eleanor Hull describes the file, or poet, as “combining in his person the functions of magician, lawgiver, judge, counsellor to the chief, and poet.” (Textbook of Irish Literature) So there was a lot going on there.

It’s also accepted that along with the law, a poet’s role included genealogies and praise poems for the chiefs and important people around the place. I’m hesitant to use the word “king” because it just appears too grand for this portion of Irish history. It could be accurate in terms of power, though. Just, not in terms of “king” like in the Tudors – that came later. While clever improvements and hyperbole was expected, the accepted facts of the matter could not be changed. No matter how important the file.

Now, Hull does mention that by the time St. Patrick arrived on the scene, the file had split up a bit. Brehons dealt with law and legal decisions. The Druids dealt with the supernatural, magic, prophesying and priest-type functions. The file was dealing with poetry and philosophy. So, it appears that further specialisation was necessary. Not overly surprising, given this was an entirely oral tradition.

I mean, my darling Dad had 2 brothers and 2 sisters. I can never keep my first cousins straight. Can you imagine trying to do that for 20+ generations of a family? Not to mention all the marriages, and cousins to the nth degree, etc, etc, etc.

Brigid the poetess, whom all poets worship

In Cormac’s glossary, we get the description of Brigid as “poetess, whom all poets worship”. She offered them great protection it was said. Fairly vital in a world with physical as well as more intangible dangers. Poets traditionally travelled a lot. And the roads in Ireland were even worse then than they are now. Our modern Irish word for road, bóthar, literally means “cow track”. It gives you some idea of how the routes of our roads were decided…

So, not only was Brigid a poetess in her own right, but she was revered by poets in general as well. Now, I’m going with my gut here, ok? We don’t know who Brigid’s mother is. And, if ye remember correctly, she’s been fairly firm with me that it’s none of my business.

But the Morrigan is known for speaking prophesy. And had a relationship of a carnal nature with the Dagda. Who was Brigid’s Da. (That’s definite!) So it’s entirely possible that the Morrigan had been in contact with Brigid growing up. And, possibly more relevant here, given her instruction in prophesy and poetry. Please, please please, note: I am not saying this is what happened!! I’m saying I could imagine this happening.

And the Morrigan was well known for her skill in prophecy. Sure, she’s the one that declaimed at the end of Caith Maigh Tuireadh 2. (Where this comes from) So, it makes sense to me that Brigid could have received training there.
And, if poets are anything like engineers, she would have gotten a lot more respect for being able to do the job. Rather than relying on parental fame. So, while the protection part of Brigid is important, I think the skill part would need to be fulfilled for poets to sign on, as it were.

So, in modern life?

Well here’s the thing. I’ve said before that I think Brigid covers all areas of modern life. Or at least all areas of the modern university campus. So in that, I think the Poet aspect of Brigid is looking at the Arts and Humanities. As well as crafts, to be fair. OK, so I got this list from Wikipedia, but it’s as good as any as a starter for ten.

• Classics
• Dance
• Education
• History
• Language
• Law
• Literature
• Musicology
• Performing Arts
• Philosophy
• Religion
• Theatre
• Visual Art

Now, I can’t say whether the poets of ancient Ireland danced, but I do know they studied music. And while there’s no evidence of theatre as such in Ireland, putting on a ritual involves many aspects of theatre. Not to mention the poets had to be entertainers. Yes, the poets used these stories to convey messages and learnings. But they also had to meant to be entertaining.

Look at duchas.ie for the slight-more-modern version of this. While the stories are interesting, they all include a lesson in there as well. But people are more likely to remember a good story, than a dry legal discussion.

Activism

When we look at Brig Ambue, Brig of the Cowless, we see someone looking out for those who don’t have a voice. What else is that, but activism? Using our own power and privilege to help others. Preferably as they ask us to help, mind you. Not just tearing in with a white saviour hat on, telling people what they need. (This is a problem we can all have. Thinking we know exactly what this group or that group needs. Honestly, they know far better than you do. Trust me.)

So, yes, you can ask Brigid for help in activism. This can take the form of any sort of writing – poetry, letters to politicians, songs, music, ritual… It can also take the form of protests, financial aid, volunteer hours. There are a lot of ways and means to help a cause you are interested in. Include it in your your spiritual practice! (As I discuss in this course, starting soon!)

Helping and supporting other activists is another way of being an activist yourself. Donating your professional expertise. Assisting with costs. Therapy. Being a sounding board. Using your network to help.
Changing laws and social expectations both broach on Brig Ambue’s territory, and definitely on the Poetess’ territory. Don’t hesitate to use them!

Conclusion

Brigid the Poetess is a powerful source of protection and inspiration. For her to be the deity that poets revered, she had to be powerful. She is a source of inspiration for modern poets and activists and educators. (and those in the legal profession and the arts and all sorts of other areas as well).

You don’t necessarily have to be writing poetry to connect with her. Think about working on a quilt. You can be painting. Volunteering at a youth group, or marching in a protest. None of the three sisters in Cormac’s Glossary are narrow in focus, and Brigid the Poetess is definitely not the exception!