While taking an online course on Celtic Spirituality with
the Oates Institute, I have been doing some reading and research on the saints,
traditions, and arts connected to the Celtic expression of the Christian
faith. I was surprised to happen upon a
series of mystery novels that give unique insight into the “Golden Age” of
Celtic Christianity. Set in the seventh century C.E., the Sister Fidelma series
by Peter Tremayne (the pseudonym of Peter Berresford Ellis, a scholar and
expert on the ancient Celts) introduce the reader to the rich culture of the
Irish church during its time of conflict with the Roman church.
The protagonist is not only a sister of the community of
St. Brigid of Kildare, but she is also a dalaigh or advocate of the ancient law
courts of Ireland. Not only does she
find her religious tradition in conflict with the Roman church, but she discovers
that the rest of the world is not ready for a strong, intelligent woman who
likes to “solve puzzles” or mysteries. Fidelma
has grown up in a world where women, even female slaves, have certain rights
and the High King is first among equals who governs at the will of other clan
leaders. The learning of the Irish is
highlighted when an eclipse takes place. The Irish all seem to understand what is happening while Romans, Saxons, and
others quack in fear.
In the initial book of the series, Absolution by Murder,
Fidelma finds herself at the Council of Whitbea (Whitby) where Roman and Celtic
church leaders provide arguments over which tradition shall be predominant among
the Saxons of Britain. She is tasked to
work with Brother Eadulf, a Saxon monk, to find a murderer. Eadulf is not only a foil for her but he also
interprets for her the unfamiliar and often savage customs of the Saxons.
Although the mystery itself is not that complex, Tremayne’s
vivid descriptions of the settings and customs of the period are
fascinating. He uses a number of
accepted set pieces of the mystery genre
in telling his story. For example, the
final disclosure of the murder’s identity takes place in a drawing room setting
that Agatha Christie could have written.
If the other books in the series are like the first, they
will provide the reader a painless and enjoyable introduction to the Christian
world of the seventh century.
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