Page 12 - IRISH HISTOEY - CHAPT 1_Neat

A Bare Bones History of Ireland Chap 1

The Legend of the Pascal Fire
Saint Patrick is said to have come to Tara to confront the ancient religion of the pagans
at its most powerful site.

Patrick and his little company arrived at the Hill of Slane just 9 miles from Tara on
the north bank of the Boyne on Easter Eve, A.D. 433. Here he prepared to celebrate
the festival of Easter and towards nightfall, as was then the custom, he lighted the
Paschal fire on the top of the hill.
It so happened that at this very time the High King and his nobles were celebrating a
festival of their own at Tara and, as part of the ceremonial, the attendants were about
to light a great fire on the hill. Now there was a law at the time that while this royal
fire was burning no other should be kindled in the country all round on pain of death.
Accordingly when the king and his courtiers saw the fire ablaze on the Hill of Slane
they were much astonished at such an open violation of the law. The monarch
instantly called his druids and questioned them about it and they said: "If that fire
which we now see be not extinguished to-night, it will never be extinguished, but
will over-top all our fires and he that has kindled it will overturn thy kingdom"

Despite the orders of the King and the agency of the druids - they failed to extinguish
the Pascal Fire and Patrick, shielded by the Divine power, came unscathed from their
snares and assaults.

On Easter Day the missionary band having at their head the youth Benignus bearing
aloft a copy of the Gospels and followed by St. Patrick who with mitre and crozier
was arrayed in full episcopal attire, preceded in processional order to Tara. The
druids and magicians put forth all their strength and employed all their incantations
to maintain their sway over the Irish race, but the prayer and faith of Patrick achieved
a glorious triumph. Thus, was the final blow given to paganism in the presence of all
the assembled chieftains.

‘St Patrick Lighting the Pascal Fire on the Hill of Slane’, V. Waldré c.1801: Dublin Castle c. 1801.
This painting was commissioned to decorate the ceiling of St Patrick’s Hall in Dublin Castle.
Seen as a fitting topic to illustrate Irish history, it was accompanied by paintings of George III
accompanied by Justice and Liberty (to symbolize the Union) and Henry II meeting the Irish
leaders.

The Ard-Righ granted permission to Patrick to preach the Faith throughout the length
and breadth of Erin, and the druidical prophecy, like the words of Balaam of old,
would be fulfilled, the sacred fire now kindled by the saint would never be
extinguished.

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