Muirchú's Poisoned Cup: A Note on Its Sources

Abstract

Abstract:In his account of events in Tara on Easter Sunday 432, Muirchtúhas Patrick involved in a miracle, whereby Patrick is unharmed by a poisoned cup of wine. While the ultimate source of this miracle is biblical, it has many variants in the tradition of hagiography. Muirchú knew this tradition and adapted it to his purposes in the Vita Patricii. His usage of this tale of the poisoned cup demonstrates both part of his library and his method of composition. Furthermore, the way that he portrays Patrick's reaction to the attempted poisoning illustrates particular qualities that Muirchú wished to associate with his subject.