The Instructions of King Cormac

Posted bySusie j FolmerPosted inThe Great Poets, Scribes, Authors & ArtistsTags:,
King Cormac in a stained glass window in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, designed by Sarah Purser and painted by Alfred Ernest Child

I was a listener in woodsI was a gazer at stars

I was blind where secrets were concerned

I was silent in a wilderness

I was talkative among many

I was mild in the mead-hallI was stern in battle

I was gentle towards allies

I was a physician of the sick

I was weak towards the feeble

I was strong towards the powerfulI was not close lest I should be burdensome

I was not arrogant though I was wise

I was not given to promising though I was strong

I was not venturesome though I was swift

I did not deride the old though I was young

I was not boastful though I was a good fighter

I would not speak about any one in his absenceI would not reproach, but I would praiseI would not ask, but I would give

For it is through these habits that the young become old and kingly warriors.

Cormac Mac Cuileannáin
King and Poet of Cashdel 836-907 AD

King Cormac Mac Airt ‘Ireland’s Greatest King’ by Brehon Academy
Stained glass window of Cormac mac Cuilennáin, Emly.

© Susie J Folmer

Published by Susie j Folmer

~ Writer, Researcher, Photographer, Artist ~ ~ Academic Studies include: Sociocultural Anthropology, History, Sociology, Psychology, Indigenous Cultures, Criminology, Philosophy, Sociocultural & Sociological Research Academic Status Socio-cultural Anthropologist (PhD - Monash University), Sociologist (Monash University), Academic Researcher & Writer (Published), Social Scientist (Masters Postgraduate Monash University), Double Major Psych & Sociology BA - UTAS), Medieval Icelandic Sagas Studies with the University Of Iceland, Reykjavik, Creative Writer (Published), Photographer, Artist Research Interests Animism, Paganism, Heathenism, Shamanism, History, Old Norse/Germanic/Icelandic Worlds, Literature with an emphasis on Old Icelandic Literature. Personal Spiritual Practices Shamanic Animism, Paganism, Spiritualism

One thought on “The Instructions of King Cormac”

Leave a comment