The symbolism of food and drink in early Irish tradition

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to discover if the depiction of food and drink in early Irish tradition has a symbolic value and to determine what that value might be. By analysing various motifs associated with food and drink in Irish narrative tales during the linguistic period of early Irish (c. 600-1200 A.D.), it will be demonstrated that the symbolic value of these motifs is not solely the product of Christian influence. Comparison with pre-Christian cultures, such as Indo-European, often suggests a common origin. A synthesis of Christian and pre-Christian traditions is apparent in the depiction of the apple in Echtrae Chonnlai. Superficially, the gift of an apple appears to be a direct adaptation of a Biblical motif. However, it will be argued that it is in fact an example of the motif of heavenly food which renders a human immortal. Moreover, the gift of an apple also appears in many traditions as a fertility ritual. In addition, the cauldron is an object which demonstrates the ritual nature of feasting in Irish tradition. Its uterine form represents the Feminine Principle and it is therefore connected with fertility. Certain tales feature a ritual which mimics intercourse, an act which symbolises the renewal of fecundity. Therefore, the feast is a ritual whereby the provision of the earth’s bounty is guaranteed. Furthermore, liquids such as milk, blood, water as well as wine and beer are linked by their ability to confer special powers by means of ingestion or immersion. In addition, taboos against the consumption of certain foods suggest the existance of a complex set of sacred rules which controlled society in early Ireland.

Date of Award	Jul 2007
Original language	English