In Praise of the Bees

by Kristin Gleeson

  She gives it thought and the moments stretch. ‘I’m not sure. There is much to be said for duty and obligation, but I am not brave enough for them.’

  ‘Where does duty and obligation call you?

  Cuimne grimaces. ‘Some would view it my obligation to return to my cousin and help bring evidence against my brother’s killer.’

  ‘But you would rather not do that?’

  She considers this seriously, laying aside her promise to Óengus. Her brother’s death still causes her pain, but now she can imagine the argument that led to the deadly exchange between the hot-headed men. Would she be any less fearful of Óengus if he was forced to pay smachta for Diarmait’s death?

  ‘I would rather not do that,’ she says.

  Máthair Gobnait nods. ‘And the other paths people would have you take?’

  ‘I-I guess there is the path I’m now on. And the part I have in supporting the settlement between Epscop Ábán and Fiacra that Ailill has so thoughtfully made for me. I will help the bishop’s plan to expand the Church and Fiacra to link into a network of increasingly influential people.’

  ‘You are happy about that path, of course.’

  Cuimne nods and murmurs her agreement.

  ‘But there are other paths?’

  Cuimne pauses a moment and wonders if she should speak. Her eyes fill and then the words tumble out in a low voice. ‘It is Bruinech. She would have me ask Colmán to divorce her in favour of me so that I can give him sons and she can join this community.’

  The words hang in the air and Cuimne closes her eyes. They cannot be retracted but she wishes it was possible.

  Máthair Gobnait finally speaks. ‘I see. I guessed Bruinech might have asked you something of the sort when I heard she’d spoken to you.’

  ‘You guessed?’

  ‘She’d talked to me recently about hoping to join the community. She expressed a genuine calling in her search for a closer link to God and a love of prayer and meditation. But she has a true concern for her husband and his welfare. It would be natural to think of you as a way for her to join us. His care and love for you is obvious.’

  ‘Is it?’ She knows the answer before she poses the question.

  Máthair Gobnait doesn’t repeat the affirmation and asks another question instead. ‘Does Colmán know of her request?’

  ‘I don’t know. She didn’t say.’

  ‘And your vocation here? Do you still desire the life Siúr Áine would lead or has Cuimne’s the stronger draw?’

  ‘I-I don’t know.’ She realizes now that she has never been certain of this path. Óengus’s visit has only confused her more.

  ‘Epscop Ábán would never tie you here out of obligation, you know. You can still practice your faith outside our community.’

  Cuimne says nothing, but tears run silently down her face.

  Máthair Gobnait lifts Cuimne up to face her. ‘The woman I see before me now is strong, possessing a wonderful voice, a loving heart and a gentle soul. She is not the quiet, fearful Áine that graced our community and shadowed Siúr Sodelb. But neither is she the fierce, spirited and impulsive Cuimne that grew up motherless. Now she is something in between, but most assuredly a good woman.’

  ‘She is a woman torn and a little bit afraid, that much I know.’

  ‘She is a woman who now has great sympathy for others.’

  ‘Please tell me what I should do.’

  Máthair Gobnait shakes her head. ‘You must make the decision yourself.’

  ~

  She shifts her position on the bench so that she doesn’t cast her needlework in shadow. The work is delicate, a piece of embroidery too special to risk any knots or stray stitches. It is an altar cloth, a gift of her work for Máthair Gobnait that she’s been working on for some time now.

  ‘Cuimne.’

  She looks up and shields her eyes. ‘Colmán.’ The surprise of his appearance gives her a jolt, one made sharper by the fact he’d just been in her thoughts. She’d asked Máthair Gobnait to send word to him that she wished to see him, but she’d not expected him this soon. She feels unprepared and only hopes that she can see this conversation through with some dignity and little distress to either of them.

  ‘You are well?’ she asks. ‘And your family, too?’

  He takes a seat beside her, his manner stiff. ‘We are all well.’ He gestures to the needlework that lies untouched in her lap. ‘And you? You seem to be thriving here.’

  She looks down at the embroidery with its intricate cross design and fingers it. ‘I’ve enjoyed working on this piece. It’s for Máthair Ab, a cloth for the altar here.’

  ‘I’m sure she’ll appreciate it and everyone will admire the fine work of the cailecha who made it.’

  ‘I’m not a cailech.’

  ‘But soon will be.’ His eyes flicker for a moment. ‘Máthair Gobnait said you wanted to see me.’

  ‘Yes, yes, I did.’ She falls silent, searching for the words. ‘I’m not certain you know, but Bruinech came here to speak with me not so long ago. She wanted ask something of both you and me. Something we might find difficult to give her.’

  ‘I see. And what is that thing or things she would ask of us?’

  She opens her mouth to speak the words but fails. She sighs. ‘I’m sure you know how unhappy Bruinech has been. There is no one to blame for this and it appears the children she’d hoped for so long will never come to pass.’

  ‘Yes, I know,’ he says in a low voice. ‘What would you have me do?’

  ‘Her situation caused her to look for a different path than the one originally chosen for her.’ She looks over at him. ‘She would like to come here and join the community. Become a Christian and pledge herself to God.’

  ‘Become a cailech, like yourself?’

  ‘Not like me.’ She speaks the words without thinking, but realizes they are truer than she first thought. ‘No,’ she says more slowly. ‘Not like me at all. She is certain that she has a real calling, a real place here among the other women.’

  ‘And you are not certain?’

  ‘No. I am a Christian, but am I to practice my faith here, as a cailech?’

  ‘No, you aren’t going to be a cailech, or no. you’re not certain about it?’

  She gives a weak smile. Colmán was ever the legal representative, clarifying statements and words. ‘She would have you grant her a divorce so that she can leave you and come here.’

  ‘A divorce? We spoke about that some time ago and I told her my answer then.’

  ‘She wants you to divorce her in favour of me.’

  ‘You.’

  Cuimne nods. ‘She won’t leave you and become a cailech unless you are content and have children in your future. She feels that by marrying me you will have that.’

  ‘And what have you to say to that?’ He turns away from her, his expression unreadable.

  ‘She says you love me. Is this true?’

  ‘You haven’t answered my question.’

  Suddenly she is nervous. ‘I-I would need to explain some things. I am a Christian, Colmán, and nothing will change that now. I don’t know if I’m able to bear children, so Bruinech may be wrong in that. I would also like to know if there are any other alternatives you would consider.’

  ‘That’s an answer I would expect from a legal representative.’

  ‘I would say the same for you. You haven’t answered my question, either.’

  ‘But I am a legal representative.’

  ‘Not at this moment. At this moment I would have you be Colmán, son, brother and someone who might want to woo a woman.’

  ‘I’m not my brother.’

  ‘I’ve never doubted that. And should there be any doubt, I’m not Áine.’

  ‘Well praise the gods for that.’

  ‘Is this your idea of wooing?’

  ‘You might ask Bruinech about that.’ He blushes a moment. ‘No, don’t ask her, please. I was worse then.’

  ‘You mean you behaved wo
rse than this and she still married you?’

  He nods. ‘But then I made no objection to the ridiculous bride price.’

  ‘There’s no bride price for me.’

  ‘I’d pay it, anyway.’

  She smiles at him. ‘I have no fine gowns either. I left them with Sárnat.’

  ‘You’d seldom find the time to wear them, I would see to that.’ He blushes again.

  She laughs. ‘It is settled then. We will make a match.’

  She is glad now they have found ease in each other’s company and for the moment she can see herself content in this arrangement. This man makes her feel safe. And there is much to be said for safety. He will support her, but she no longer has to hide behind his strength. She will contribute her own. She looks down along at the row of beachair and hears the distant hum of the bees. They have collected their dew and are making the honey and wax. The king bee is busy with his work, ensuring the continuation of the community. Cuimne knows now that these bees work together. They support each other. Each one works hard to ensure the hive remains safe and survives.

  Glossary

  adaltracht – second wife

  aigne –type of lawyer, fulfils some functions of modern judge

  aire déso – lord of vassalry

  anam cara – soul friend, a confessor

  a stor – treasure (form of endearment)

  Aon scéal agat – have you any news

  ban sídh – woman spirit who foretells death

  banóircindeach –formal term for abbess

  banríon – queen

  bastún – lout

  beacha – bees

  beachair- hive

  Bealtaine – May 1/ month of May

  bóaire - prosperous rank of farmer

  bothach - cottier

  bratacha

  brithen –trained lawyer, judge, arbitrator appointed by king for tuath

  Buíochas le Dia – thanks be to God

  cailech – nun (literally wearing a veil)

  cailín – girl

  cáin –set of laws

  capall –pony/common horse

  cern - millstone

  cétmuinter – primary wife

  coibche – dowry

  craic – fun

  cráthur -creature (as in ‘poor thing’)

  cumal – highest unit of value in commerce, originally a female slave

  derbfine – immediate family including 3 generations

  Dia dhuit –God be with you

  dún – fort

  Eóganacht –tribe/race of people

  Episcopus Vagans – travelling bishop

  Epscop –bishop (ancient form)

  Érainn – tribe/race of people

  Fáilte arais –welcome back

  faithche –sacred surround in monastery

  fidchell- board game similar to chess

  Fidgenti – tribe/racial group

  file- high level of druid/poet

  fingal- kin slaying

  fuidir – semi-freeman, tenant at will

  goba- smiths

  léine – shift/under dress

  loég- calf (old)

  lorica – protection prayer

  lubhghorteoir – gardener

  Lus na gCnámh mBriste - comfrey

  manach – monks

  manaigh – monks (pl)or people working on monastery land

  Máthair- mother

  medcuisec –soured milk drink

  mo storín – my treasure

  muimme – foster mother

  nemed- academy for learning law, poetry, history

  ócaire –rank of farmer less prosperous than bóaire

  oenach- fair

  ráth –fort, earthen rampart

  rectaire – steward

  seanachaí –story teller

  Siúr –sister (nun)

  smachta – fine/penalty/recompense

  Táinaiste – heir (usually for kings or leaders)

  Tech Mor- main house of religious community

  termann –sacred area of religious community

  Tir na n’óg – mythical land of youth

  torc – necklace –gold ring with opening

  tuath – people, kingdom

  úan- lamb

  HISTORICAL NOTE

  There are many legends and traditions surrounding St Gobnait who came to Ballyvourney, probably around the late 6th or early 7th century and established a community of women. One legend says that she was descended from Conaire, High King of Ireland. In Kerry it is said that her father was a pirate and that she came ashore in Fionntráigh. An angel came to her and told her to travel until she saw ‘nine whatie deer grazing together,’ and that would be the place of her resurrection. Her travels took her many places in Munster and eventually she made her way to Borneach (Ballyvourney) and saw nine white deer grazing at Gort na Tiobratan. There she built her community and installed her bee hives. The bishop, St Abán, was her contemporary and some legends have it that he set aside the land for her to begin her community.

  During the course of her life in Gort na Tiobratan St Gobnait became known for her healing, using the honey the bees produced. She also performed many miracles, including sending a swarm of bees after cattle rustlers, throwing a bulla or heavy ball to raze a stone structure built by intruders, and the catching the gadai dubh, the dark robber who tried to steal her horse and the stone mason’s tools (his image is inscribed on a stone in the church ruins at St Gobnait’s shrine).

  Many of the religious communities of women in Ireland disappeared after the death of the primary woman who established it because the founder usually established it on her own land which would revert to her kin at her death. St Gobnait’s community was established independently of any kinship ties and the community continued after her death, but it is uncertain how long. The Synod of Kells, which met in 1152 and ratified the various bishopric sees and reorganised parishes, records a Romanesque church being built there at this time. The present ruin was built in the late Medieval period. During the Reformation the area was left undisturbed. Pope Clement VIII, in 1601, granted a ‘special indulgence’ of ten years and quarantines to the faithful who would visit the church on her feast day, February 11th. Later, a Protestant Church was built next to it.

  St Gobnait’s shrine is still a place many come to say prayers for healing and complete the ‘pattern’ or ‘rounds’, a series of prayers said at specific places. The rounds are also said on her feast day and on Whitsunday. The area includes the church, the well, and her burial site. There is also a twenty-seven inch 13th century wooden statue kept in the Sacristy of the Ballyvourney Parish Church which is brought out on her feast day and on Whitsunday.

  In telling this story I tried to keep faithful to the legends surrounding St Gobnait, but also to keep faithful to the time period in which she lived. I researched and talked to many historians. I also read and discussed the oral history with many of the local people and historians. The time period was one of great change where the old power structures of the pre-Christian faith were being supplanted by the Christian faith. There was some tension between the two groups and also some accommodation. The Brehon laws were being written down slowly at this time period and some of the Christian elements challenged age old custom. But it is through these written laws that some of the peculiar aspects of the ancient customs can be seen and life of the early medieval communities can be discovered.

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  I owe a great debt to many people who helped me make this book a better reflection of the time period and a clearer picture of St Gobnait. Thanks go to Lisa Bitel, scholar and woman’s historian for her great recommendations, Dáibhi Ó Chróinín, for his gracious help and recommendations, Áine Uí Chuíll for her help with the Irish, Peadar Ó Ríada, for his insights on bees and loan of the Bechbretha, Peadar and Eibhlín Ó Cheallaigh for the historical assistance, and Donal Healy for his lecture on St Gobnait. I also want to thank my group of readers including Tim, Julia, Jean, Jane
and Fan and also my editor, Jessica Knauss, and Jane Dixon-Smith for her wonderful cover design. Thanks also go to The Corning Museum of Glass for giving permission to use for the book’s cover the image of Harry Clarke’s goache design of St Gobnait for the stained glass window of Honan Chapel.

  AUTHOR’S NOTE

  Originally from Philadelphia, Kristin Gleeson lives in Ireland, in the West Cork Gaeltacht, where she teaches art classes, plays harp, sings in a choir and runs two book clubs for the village library. She holds a Masters in Library Science and a Ph.D. in history and for a time was an administrator of a national denominational archives, library and museum in America. She also served as a public librarian in America and in Ireland.

  Kristin Gleeson has also published a literary novel, Selkie Dreams, Along the Far Shores, and Raven Brought the Light, all of which are part the Celtic Knot Series and are available through Amazon. She has also published a commercial biography on a First Nations Canadian woman, Anahareo, A Wilderness Spirit, published with Fireship Press and available on Amazon.

  If you have enjoyed this book please post a review on Amazon. It helps so much towards getting the book noticed.

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  www.kristingleeson.com