The Literary Figure of Fíthal Christopher Guy Yocum Ph. D. The University of Edinburgh 2009 Abstract This thesis explores the literary figure of the mythical early Irish judge, Fíthal, from the earliest literary reference to him, c. 800, until MacPherson’s Ossian of the mid-eighteenth century. It does so by close study of the texts within which Fíthal appears, with close attention to their assumptions and purposes. From this series of close studies we can chart the developing character of Fíthal from juridical authority in the legal and legalistic texts to ideal judge or chief judge in the wider literary tradition. The thesis is divided into seven chapters, a general introduction, and one appendix. Chapter 1 contains a literature review of the major authors and disciplines which contributed to the thesis. Chapter 2 explains Fíthal’s position as a Wisdom Figure and the international background of Irish didactic literature. Chapters 3 and 4 contain the survey of Fíthal’s existence in Irish literature including discussion of the authorial intent underlying each manifestation. Chapter 5 is a new critical edition of the most important poem concerning Fíthal. Chapter 6 is a discussion of some hitherto unexplored but important facets of Fíthal’s character and an assessment of the theoretical writings which have implications for an understanding of his status. This thesis contributes to the continuing debate concerning the relationship between early Irish law and early Irish literature while simultaneously updating and revising scholarly knowl- edge concerning Fíthal. The thesis ranges widely over early Irish literature as it touches on Fíthal and explains his role in the literature in both its native and international context. It is hoped that this treatment of a relatively obscure but widespread figure will demonstrate how it is possible within the extant evidence to capture a character with a continuing presence in the tradition – a conclusion with considerable implications for our understanding of the tradition itself. This thesis is the result of research work undertaken at the Department of Celtic and Scottish Studies at the University of Edinburgh, and is submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. I, Christopher Guy Yocum, hereby certify and declare that all the work herein has been carried out by myself unless otherwise stated, and the thesis has been composed under the supervision of Professor William Gillies and Dr. James E. Fraser. March 2008 For My Grandmother and Parents Acknowledgements I would like to thank several people who were instrumental in the creation of this work: • Professor William Gillies who gave generously of his time, wise counsel, encouragement, and assistance with textual difficulties and difficult texts. • Dr. James E. Fraser who held me to the highest academic standards. • Nancy J. Fowler whose support was invaluable. • Brian and Arnot McDonald whose friendship has been at the core of my time in Scotland. • Karen Bek-Pedersen who provided a welcome insight into early Medieval thought and literature. Contents Contents i Introduction vii 0.1 Terminology . viii 0.2 Methodology . viii 0.3 Theoretical Considerations . ix 0.4 Fíthal the Judge . xi 0.5 Conclusion . xi 1 Literature Review 1 1.1 Early Scholars . 1 1.2 Modern Scholars . 5 1.3 Theoretical Scholars . 9 1.4 Archaeological and Anthropological Scholars . 11 1.5 Biblical Wisdom Scholars . 14 1.6 Vernacular Medieval Wisdom Literature Scholars . 15 1.7 Medieval Irish Biblical Studies Scholars . 16 1.8 Literary Criticism and Folklore Scholars . 18 1.9 Early Irish History Scholars . 20 1.10 Secondary Sources for Fíthal . 21 1.11 Conclusion . 22 2 Fíthal and Wisdom Literature in Early Ireland 24 2.1 Universal . 25 2.1.1 Styles of Universal Wisdom Literature . 26 2.1.2 Wisdom Figures . 29 2.1.3 Wisdom and The Law . 30 2.2 Biblical/Classical . 32 2.2.1 The Law in the Biblical and Classical Traditions . 38 i CONTENTS ii 2.3 The Irish . 42 2.3.1 The Unique Content of Irish Wisdom Literature . 45 2.3.2 Personification of Wisdom . 47 2.3.3 Saints and Wisdom Literature . 48 2.3.4 Historical Uses of Wisdom Literature . 50 2.4 Fíthal in Irish Wisdom Literature . 52 2.5 Conclusion . 55 3 Fíthal in Prose 60 3.1 Decision as to Cormac’s Sword . 61 3.1.1 Previous Scholarship . 64 3.1.2 The Text . 64 3.1.3 Fíthal in the Context of This Text . 65 3.1.4 Discussion . 66 3.2 Extract from the Book of Fermoy . 68 3.2.1 Previous Scholarship . 69 3.2.2 The Text . 69 3.2.3 Fíthal in the Context of This Text . 69 3.2.4 Discussion . 70 3.3 Forbuis Droma Damhghaire . 72 3.3.1 Previous Scholarship . 73 3.3.2 The Text . 73 3.3.3 Fíthal in the Context of This Text . 74 3.3.4 Discussion . 75 3.4 Bruiden na hAlmaine . 76 3.4.1 Previous Scholarship . 76 3.4.2 The Text . 77 3.4.3 Fíthal in the Context of This Text . 77 3.4.4 Discussion . 78 3.5 Advice for Finding a Good Wife . 79 3.5.1 Previous Scholarship . 79 3.5.2 The Text . 80 3.5.3 Fíthal in the Context of This Text . 81 3.5.4 Discussion . 81 3.6 Cormac’s Glossary . 83 3.6.1 Previous Scholarship . 83 3.6.2 The Text . 84 CONTENTS iii 3.6.3 Fíthal in the Context of This Text . 84 3.6.4 Discussion . 84 3.7 Cormac’s Dream . 85 3.7.1 Previous Scholarship . 85 3.7.2 The Text . 86 3.7.3 Fíthal in the Context of This Text . 86 3.7.4 Discussion . 87 3.8 Pseudo-Historical Prologue to the Senchas Már . 87 3.8.1 Previous Scholarship . 88 3.8.2 The Text . 89 3.8.3 Fíthal in the Context of This Text . 89 3.8.4 Discussion . 90 3.9 Finnsruth˙ Fíthail . 91 3.9.1 Previous Scholarship . 91 3.9.2 The Text . 92 3.9.3 Fíthal in the Context of This Text . 92 3.9.4 Discussion . 93 3.10 Acallam na Senórach . 95 3.10.1 Previous Scholarship . 95 3.10.2 The Text . 96 3.10.3 Fíthal in the Context of This Text . 96 3.10.4 Discussion . 97 3.11 Cambrensis Eversus . 98 3.12 Foras Feasa ar Éirinn . 99 3.12.1 Previous Scholarship . 99 3.12.2 The Text . 100 3.12.3 Fíthal in the Context of This Text . 100 3.12.4 Discussion . 101 3.13 Archaeological Evidence For Fíthal? . 102 3.14 Corpus Genealogiarum Sanctorum Hiberniae . 102 3.15 Aí Emnach . 103 3.16 Conclusion . 103 4 Fíthal in Poetry 106 4.1 Fíthal in Legal Poetry . 107 4.1.1 Fíthal’s Roscad Judgement in Favour of Cormac . 107 4.1.1.1 Previous Scholarship . 108 CONTENTS iv 4.1.1.2 The Text . 109 4.1.1.3 Fíthal in the Context of This Text . 109.