Saint Patrick: The Man, The Myth

Saint Patrick: The Man, The Myth recounts the evolution of Patrick, a Church cleric, to mythic proportions. It explains how Patrick became the symbol of Ireland, and through the efforts of later clerics, a legend of Christianity. Saint Patrick: The Man, The Myth examines both the man and the myth, and how the man was transformed into a symbol of protection and guardianship. This documentary would be useful for classes on European History, Religious History, Folk History and Cultural History. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

• banished
• benevolent
• consensus
• daunting
• deity
• depict
• despicable
• edict
• entourage
• foray
• homage
• indiscretion
• litany
• maligned
• manipulate
• pagan
• poignant
• preeminence
• prestigious
• relented
• retinue
• rhetorical
• sanctioned
• secular
• tribulations
• vindicate
• visionary
• vituperative

1. When the Romans invaded Ireland, they immediately started to destroy the Druids. Why were the Druids such as threat to the Romans? Why did they need to be destroyed? Were the Romans successful in their attempt?

2. The Celtic people were originally pagans who practiced spirit and animal worship. How did Christianity come to the Celtic people, and how were they converted?

3. Patrick was a privileged young man of aristocratic birth. How did Patrick's life of ease and privilege come to an end?

4. The mythic proportions of Patrick are largely a fabrication created by clerics two centuries after Patrick's death. How did they use Patrick as a symbol? Why do you think the clerics made Patrick divine?

5. How is pagan myth and legend incorporated into the Christian image and portrayal of Saint Patrick?

6. The Celtic cross is a cross with a circle. What is the origin of this cross? How does it encompass two different cultures?

7. Why did Patrick return to Ireland after his escape?

8. If there were no snakes in Ireland, then why is Saint Patrick known as the man who drove the snakes from Ireland?

9. Why are the modern day celebrations of Saint Patrick's Day associated with leprechauns, drinking and revelry?

1. Create a visual display (such as a poster, etc.) of icons associated with Saint Patrick and explain how these things came to be associated with the patron saint of Ireland.

2. On a map of Great Britain, trace the route of Patrick from his capture in his homeland to his return to Ireland.

3. Imagine that you are Patrick and write a diary or journal detailing your period of enslavement.

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