> From: Jane Connolly [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
>
> I guess that rather than asking if you know of examples of
> epilepsy/seizures as divine punishment, I should ask for examples of
> eating/swallowing/biting the tongue as punishment for speaking ill. Any
> ideas?
>
This probably isn't exactly what you were looking for, but it may
trigger some thoughts.
In the Lebor Gabala Erenn, Midhe is an invader who takes over the
sacred sanctuary at the Hill of Uisneach. His take-over is opposed by druids
of the sanctuary, so he cuts out their tongues and buries them in the hill.
Also, Suibhne Geilt is a king who opposes a saint. As punishment,
the saint curses Suibhne and he is struck with fear and madness that prevent
him from going into battle. Because he is no longer fit, he loses his
kingdom and flees into the wilderness, spending a great deal of his time in
trees. Beautiful nature poetry is attributed to him. He has moments of
lucidity, such as that when he meets up with his erstwhile wife and counsels
her to find another husband. He ends his life at a monastery where the monks
tend to his needs. Penitent, he insists on taking his meals--mostly
milk--out of the imprint of a cow's hoof in dung and eventually dies.
Francine Nicholson
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|