In this episode, we look at the life – a legendary voyage – of Irish monk Saint Brendan of Clonfert (aka Brendan the Navigator, Brendan the Voyager, and Brendan the Bold). We dive into the text of Brendan’s voyage to paradise – and investigate what – if any of it – has a place in the real world. Could Brendan have reached North America a thousand years before Columbus? And 500 years before the Vikings?
Download this episode or listen online.
Resources
The Voyage of St Brendan the Abbot (PDF) – this is an English translation of Brendan’s story – Navigatio sancti Brendani abbatis.
Brendan’s Fabulous Voyage by John Patrick Crichton Stuart Bute. From 1893, this is actually lecture going through Brendan’s voyage – and quite informative – especially considering its age.
The Brendan Voyage by Tim Severin. This book chronicles the author’s construction of a traditional curragh and his voyage across the Atlantic.
Images
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