Feminae: Medieval Women and Gender Index


  • Record Number: 16267
  • Author(s)/Creator(s): Bray , Dorothy Ann.
  • Contributor(s):
  • Title: Saint Brigit and the Fire from Heaven [The author argues that the fire miracles in the life of St Brigit confirm her connections with a pre-Christian deity, but also are related to her status as a Christian saint. Title note supplied by Feminae.].
  • Source: Études Celtiques 29, ( 1992): Pages 105 - 113.
  • Description:
  • Article Type: Journal Article
  • Subject (See Also): Brigit, Abbess of Kildare, Saint Fire, Image of Hagiography Ireland Miracles Women in Religion
  • Award Note:
  • Geographic Area: British Isles
  • Century: 6-May
  • Primary Evidence:
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  • Table:
  • Abstract: Miracles with fire or supernatural light phenomena have, in the past, associated the saints of Ireland with pagan beliefs and rituals, solar myths and fire cults. On the other hand, biblical precedents an be found to restore the saints to Christian tradition. Miraculous fire and light in both Irish pagan and Christian traditions symbolize not only the presence of the deity on earth but also the illumination of the mind and spirit. The similarity which appears between the saint and the goddess Brigit may connect her fiery miracles to the ancient cult of the goddess, patron of poetry, medicine and metalwork ( a craft made possible by fire) and to the heart and foundation of Irish culture itself.
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  • Author's Affiliation:
  • Conference Info: - , -
  • Year of Publication: 1992.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN/ISBN: 03731928