Uncovering the Remarkable Journey of St Brendan: The Geoffrey Ashe Histories

For centuries, tales of extraordinary journeys have captivated our imaginations. They reveal the indomitable human spirit, defying odds and pushing beyond the boundaries of the known world. One such remarkable story is the voyage of St Brendan to America, as chronicled by the eminent historian Geoffrey Ashe. In this article, we delve into the depths of this fascinating journey, piecing together the fragments of history and retracing the steps of the legendary St Brendan.

Ancient Legends and Spiritual Quests

The story of St Brendan's voyage has its roots in ancient Irish mythology and Christian spirituality. Born in County Kerry in the 5th century, St Brendan was a renowned Irish monk and navigator. Inspired by the lives of his predecessors, he embarked on a quest to find the earthly paradise – the Garden of Eden – mentioned in Christian scriptures. With his unwavering faith and a fearless heart, St Brendan set sail, ready to face the unknown.

The Curious Vessel and the Mysterious Land

Legend has it that St Brendan and his fellow monks embarked on their voyage in a small wooden boat known as a curragh. These early boats, made of animal hides stretched over a wooden frame, were remarkably light and flexible. With their simple craftsmanship, the curraghs were ideal for navigating treacherous waters and shallow shores.

Land to the West : St Brendan's Voyage to America (The Geoffrey Ashe Histories)

by Wolf Gregis(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3379 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
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After spending years at sea, St Brendan and his companions arrived at a mysterious and fantastical land. Ashe's historical accounts, based on ancient texts and folklore, describe a vibrant wilderness teaming with wildlife, strange creatures, and bountiful resources. The tales of this "land of promise" have fueled speculation about whether St Brendan and his crew truly reached America.

Geoffrey Ashe and the Historical Analysis

The exploration and documentation of St Brendan's voyage would not have been possible without the meticulous research of Geoffrey Ashe. A celebrated historian and author, Ashe spent years studying ancient texts, legends, and historical records related to St Brendan's journey. His groundbreaking book, "The Quest for America: The Discovery of the Americas by Irish Monks," shed light on the compelling evidence that supports the theory of St Brendan's arrival in America.

In his book, Ashe provides detailed historical analysis of the various accounts of St Brendan's voyage, uncovering similarities between the descriptions of the "land of promise" and regions of North America. He connects the dots between ancient Irish folklore, early Irish settlements in America, and geological evidence found in those regions.

Evidence and Controversy: Evaluating the Possibilities

The claims presented in Ashe's work have sparked both interest and controversy in the scholarly community. Some argue that the descriptions offered in ancient texts are too fantastical to be believed, dismissing them as purely mythical. Others, however, acknowledge the plausibility of St Brendan's journey, given the extraordinary physical endurance and navigational skills of the Irish monks.

Supporters of St Brendan's transatlantic voyage point to the similarities between descriptions in ancient texts and the geography of regions like Newfoundland, Greenland, or even the Gulf Stream. The presence of Irish settlements and religious artifacts along the eastern coast of North America further adds credibility to the theory.

Legacy and Inspiration

Regardless of the debate surrounding the historical accuracy of St Brendan's voyage, its impact cannot be denied. Countless explorers and adventurers have been inspired by his story, pushing the boundaries of human exploration and discovery. The tale of St Brendan reminds us of the power of faith, determination, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge.

Geoffrey Ashe's meticulous research and dedication to uncovering the truth behind this ancient journey have opened new doors for historical inquiry. By delving into our past, we gain a deeper understanding of our human potential – the ability to embark on daring voyages, overcome obstacles, and unmask the mysteries of our world.

The Quest Continues

As we continue to navigate the vast oceans of history, the story of St Brendan's voyage to America remains a captivating enigma. The Geoffrey Ashe Histories provide a foundation for further exploration and study, encouraging scholars and enthusiasts to delve deeper into the annals of human history. Each discovery, each piece of evidence, brings us closer to unraveling the mysteries that surround us.

So, join us on this extraordinary journey as we unravel the myths and legends, scrutinize the historical accounts, and embark on a voyage of exploration and revelation. The tale of St Brendan will continue to ignite the spark of curiosity within us, reminding us that there is much more to discover beyond the horizon.

Land to the West : St Brendan's Voyage to America (The Geoffrey Ashe Histories)

by Wolf Gregis(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3379 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	347 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Was an Irish priest who lived some time during the fifth century the first European to travel to America? Eminent historian Geoffrey Ashe examines the legendary voyage of Saint Brendan.

The discovery of America is a question which has preoccupied historians for centuries. Long before Columbus brought his three little ships to the Bahamas, man had speculated about the existence of land over the Western Ocean. It is now accepted that the Vikings probably made the crossing, by a different route, sometime in the tenth century. But even before the Vikings, there was a tradition set forth in writing which affirmed that the Irish sailor-saint Brendan had found his way, hundreds of years earlier, to a mysterious coast straight out across the Atlantic from his native Ireland.

In the earliest full account of Saint Brendan’s voyage, the Navigatio Sancti Brendani, there are striking affinities between phenomena recorded as encountered by the saint and the real topography of the North Atlantic. Islands of sheep and birds, an isolated rock, an island of hellish fire and a crystal arch correspond closely with the Faeroes, Rockall, the volcano Hekla in Iceland, and a typical iceberg formation. How much of all this did Saint Brendan see with his own eyes?

Geoffrey Ashe investigates suspected megaliths in New Hampshire, Mexican ringed crosses oddly reminiscent of Ireland, and the famous bearded white men of South American sculpture and legend. Lastly, he tries to establish whether the story of Saint Brendan’s Voyage was a significant influence on the plans of Columbus.

The resulting book is not only a piece of exciting historical detection - in the manner of the author’s Arthurian studies - but a book to fire the imagination on man’s earliest exploration of the globe.

Praise for Land to the West:

‘Stimulating and exciting. Mr. Ashe has written a valuable account of an obscure period’ - The Times Literary Supplement

‘Wholly fascinating. As an example of intensive scholarship gracefully, luminously and sometimes humorously conveyed, his study deserves unqualified praise’ - D. B. Wyndham-Lewis, Time & Tide

‘Mr. Ashe has unravelled a mysterious and complicated tale with great skill and delicacy. He has a historical, reconstructive imagination of luminous clarity’ - John Connell, Evening News

Born in London in 1923, Geoffrey Ashe spent several years in Canada. He graduated from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, before continuing at Cambridge. He has written numerous books, many focused on the Arthurian legend. In 1963 he became a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and he was awarded an MBE in 2012. He is recognised as a leading cultural historian and author, and lives in Glastonbury, where he is an Honorary Freeman “in recognition of his eminent services to the place”, with his wife Patricia.