Prologue to "The Saints Lost Their Way"

Prologue - Ireland - A Bit of History

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Ireland has known little peace.  In truth, legend, and myth, it has been a land of battles, invasions, treachery and war for eons.  From the time the British Isles separated from the European continent to the retraction of the ice age glaciers, to the countless invasion, conquests, assimilations, and plantations, Ireland has been in turmoil.

                From the Caspian and Galacia, they came with strange names like Firbolg and Tuatha De Dannan. From Scandinavia came the name Eriu which morphed to Eire, Éireann, Erin, and Ireland.  The Norse pillaged but started commerce in an agrarian land.  From Gaul came a language, the Gaelic which became Irish.  The Romans avoided Ireland since they were spread too thin and rebellion in Rome called them home.  The origin of the Celts is still disputed.

            The invaders brought culture, spirituality, and fierce competition which evolved into myths and magic. Over time, English royalty brought the influence of the Saxons, the Normans, the Parliamentarians, and the Dutch.  Infighting among the Irish clans gave an advantage to the invaders; some of whom assimilated into the Irish culture.

            And into this land of shifting alliances, Mathe O’Doole was born and came of age.