Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Iona explained
This chapter describes the small island of Iona, its historical significance as a seat of civilization and religion in Northern Europe, the arrival of Columba and his twelve followers in 563 AD, the establishment of a monastery, the practic
What happens
This chapter describes the small island of Iona, its historical significance as a seat of civilization and religion in Northern Europe, the arrival of Columba and his twelve followers in 563 AD, the establishment of a monastery, the practices of the Culdees (including their allowance of marriage and rejection of celibacy and poverty), the island's decline due to Viking raids and the suppression of the Culdees, its later use as a nunnery, and its eventual status as a tourist destination for its ecclesiastical ruins and Druidical cairns.
Themes in this chapter
Cultural Transmission and Education
The Culdees were dedicated to preaching the gospel and teaching youth, preserving and spreading Christian learning in a time of widespread heathenism.
Hospitality and Its Violation
The legend of St. Senanus repelling a woman from the sacred island illustrates a violation of hospitality, as the saint refused shelter to a female seeker.
Characters to notice
- Columba
Founder of the monastery on Iona, native of Ireland, who landed with twelve followers in 563 AD and spread Christianity in Scotland.
Key passages
“For on thy deck, though dark it be, A female form I see; And I have sworn this sainted sod Shall ne’er by woman’s foot be trod.”
The speaker sees a woman on the boat and declares that he has vowed no woman shall ever set foot on this holy ground.
This is from Moore's Irish Melodies, recounting the legend of St. Senanus refusing a woman entry to the island.
“That man is little to be envied whose patriotism would not gain force upon the plains of Marathon, or whose piety would not grow warmer amid the ruins of Iona.”
A person whose patriotism is not strengthened by visiting Marathon or whose devotion is not deepened by the ruins of Iona is not to be envied.
Samuel Johnson's reflection on the inspiring power of ancient sites.