In last of three episodes about early Irish writing, Tyler discusses the sources for Early Irish Law (a.k.a Breton law). He emphasises the importance of tradition, Christian influences, and the nature of manuscript culture in how these sources have come down to us. The law texts will serve as an important lens through which we can understand medieval Irish society.

Main topics addressed: manuscripts, Early Irish Law (Brehon Law)

Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_S03Lgi2WFZZ6vWfQZtEI4hGjavHkeCc-GjBqbVRCSc/edit?usp=sharing

References and Suggested Media:

Best, R. I. 1910. ‘The Settling of the Manor of Tara’, Ériu 4, pp. 121-172

Carey, John. 1994. ‘An Edition of the Pseudo-Historical Prologue to the Senchas Már’, Ériu 45, pp. 1-32.

Cross, T. P.  & Brown, A. C. L. . 1918. ‘Fíngen’s Night Watch’, The Romanic Review IX, §4

Kelly, F. 2020. A Guide to Early Irish Law. Dublin: Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, especially pp. 225-241.

Macalister, R. A. S. (1939) Lebor Gabála Érenn vol 2. Dublin: Educational Co. of Ireland. pp. 181, 197, and 203.

Medieval Irish History Podcast on law and society: https://open.spotify.com/episode/10nfUgLHjZLLM9f46O0Wpb?si=feb8ec51bc31456b