Animals and Sacred Bodies in Early Medieval Ireland: Religion and Urbanism at Clonmacnoise

John Soderberg's book explores how animals were essential for Clonmacnoise's development as a thriving settlement and sacred space, and how transformations emerging from animal encounters created the sacred bodies of early medieval Ireland.

Format: Hardback
Length: 262 pages
Publication date: 15 January 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

Clonmacnoise, a remarkable site in early medieval Ireland, stood as one of the busiest, most economically complex, and profoundly sacred places. In his book, Animals and Sacred Bodies in Early Medieval Ireland: Religion and Urbanism at Clonmacnoise, John Soderberg makes a compelling argument that animals hold the key to understanding the remarkable development of Clonmacnoise as a thriving settlement and a sacred space. Situated on the banks of the River Shannon, this sanctuary city played a vital role in providing food and raw materials, and animals were prominently featured in religious objects. By drawing from emerging theories about the intersections between religion and economics, Soderberg delves into how transformative encounters with animals shaped Clonmacnoise into a sacred settlement and gave rise to the sacred bodies of early medieval Ireland.

The significance of animals in Clonmacnoise's economy cannot be overstated. They served as a vital source of food and raw materials, providing sustenance for the growing population and supporting various industries. The abundance of animal bodies at Clonmacnoise is evident in the extensive depiction of animals on religious objects, such as crosses, manuscripts, and sculptures. These depictions not only served a decorative purpose but also had religious and symbolic meanings, representing the interconnection between humans, animals, and the divine.

One of the key insights offered by Soderberg is the idea that animal encounters played a significant role in shaping Clonmacnoise's religious identity. The interactions between humans and animals, whether through hunting, domestication, or religious practices, created a sense of awe and reverence towards these creatures. This reverence, in turn, led to the sanctification of certain areas and objects associated with animals, making them sacred spaces. For example, the hill of Tara, which was believed to be the dwelling place of the Irish goddess Medb, was closely associated with animals, particularly horses. The annual festival held at Tara, known as the "Cattle Raid of Cooley," celebrated the interdependence between humans and animals and emphasized the importance of animal sacrifice in religious rituals.

Furthermore, Soderberg explores how the transformations emerging from animal encounters contributed to the creation of the sacred bodies of early medieval Ireland. The bodies of animals, particularly those sacrificed in religious rituals, were considered sacred and were treated with utmost respect. They were often buried in special cemeteries or memorialized in art and literature. These sacred bodies became a source of pride and identity for the communities that worshipped them, and they played a crucial role in shaping religious practices and beliefs.

In conclusion, Clonmacnoise's significance as a thriving settlement and a sacred space can be attributed in large part to its relationship with animals. Through their abundance, depiction, and interconnections with humans, animals played a vital role in shaping the religious, economic, and cultural landscape of early medieval Ireland. John Soderberg's book offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of this remarkable site by exploring the complex interplay between religion, economics, and animal encounters.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793630391