> From: Salvador Ryan [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
>
> I am not focussing on any one area of Ireland. However, I have decided to
> deal only with the Gaelic world where possible, as, this world has not, to
>
> date, been explored in any great depth in the area of popular belief.
>
Agreed.
You may also want to look at the images of mermaids, such as Li-ban,
the Irish goddess (she appears in Serglige Con Chulainn) who becomes St.
Li-ban the mermaid baptized by Patrick. These figures are traditionally
shown in Irish batehdrals as bare-breasted and their heads are rubbed for
"luck."
I'd also take at least a quick look at the relationship of these
saints to white cows who give heavenly milk. Brighid is the obvious example,
but also look at Altram Da Trighe (did I spell that correctly?).
Francine Nicholson
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