Praying with Blathmac

The mid-eighth-century Old Irish text known as the poems of Blathmac is a long devotional composition meditating on mystery Christ’s cross and its significance for salvation history. Since discovery subsequent publication nearly six decades ago, work has garnered considerable scholarly interest linguistic socio-historical value, but many aspects orientation remain less systematically explored. This article examines poems’ discourse by focusing intersections martyrdom memory in Blathmac’s composition. Taking starting point text’s intended use prayer, discussion considers how overarching exemplary acts self-sacrifice relates to practices ritual commemoration, these strategies collective convey sustain shared understanding Christian identity.