St Máedóc of Ferns and the fifty bishops of St Davids: an anecdote from the Book of Leinster

Abstract

An edition, translation and discussion of a humorous anecdote from the Book of Leinster, with reference also to a shorter version preserved in the commentary to Félire Óengusso. The anecdote concerns a group of British bishops from St Davids who visit St Máedóc at Ferns and insist on eating meat during Lent. An ingenious scriptural justification for this breach of discipline is offered. Besides the anecdote, other traditions regarding the controversial place of meat at St Davids are also discussed here.