Brendan: Analysis of Major Characters
"Brendan: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the rich tapestry of figures surrounding Saint Brendan, an influential Irish saint credited with early explorations and the spread of Christianity in Ireland. Central to the narrative is Brendan himself, a determined monk who embarks on adventurous voyages, seeking to convert local chieftains and establish monasteries. His complex character is marked by a mix of strength, strictness, and a flair for storytelling, all while grappling with the consequences of a young monk's tragic death, which leads him on a quest for redemption.
Supporting Brendan are characters like Finn, the deaf peasant narrator whose sacrifices reflect loyalty and bravery, and Briga, Brendan’s encouraging sister who plays a key role in his later life. Bishop Erc and Abess Ita represent the early mentorship Brendan receives, shaping his spiritual journey. Meanwhile, Malo, a bitter monk with a tragic backstory, serves as both a challenge and a testament to the complexities of faith and suffering. The tale is further enriched by characters like Colman, a bard who becomes a monk, and Crosan, the jester who adds humor and perspective on Brendan's journeys. Together, these characters illuminate themes of faith, sacrifice, and the diverse paths that intertwine with Brendan's mission.
Brendan: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Frederick Buechner
First published: 1987
Genre: Novel
Locale: Central Ireland and the North Atlantic Ocean
Plot: Biographical
Time: Sixth century c.e.
Brendan, an Irish saint who lives from c. 484 to c. 578 c.e. and is rumored to be the first European explorer to reach the Americas. His birth is marked by a brush fire that, like the burning bush of Moses, leaves no evidence of anything being consumed. From his earliest days, he seeks to live a holy life and to help others do the same. The historical Brendan is known for founding numerous monasteries and convents and for his sailing adventures that may have taken him as far as the New World of the Americas. Brendan is a rough, strong monk who bravely faces the task of winning the Druid chieftains to Christianity. He helps ensure that Hugh the Handsome will become the first Christian king of Cashel, instead of his pagan cousin Hugh the Black. Although Brendan rarely misspeaks, he seems to have spoken rashly to a young monk, who subsequently drowned. Out of penance for having in some way caused this disaster, Brendan sails far and wide in search of Terrestrial Paradise, or Tir-na-n-Og. Upon his return, he slumps into depression for a season, but eventually he recovers to establish more monasteries and even visit Wales and the court of King Arthur to win more converts. Although Brendan is strict in establishing the moral and dietary practices of monks, he is creative in embellishing the tales of his adventures and is highly sought as a storyteller.
Finn, a poor peasant who narrates the novel. Finn is a brave companion of Brendan who sacrifices even the comforts of his own marriage for the sake of helping Brendan with his voyages and efforts to make new converts in Wales. As a result of a hard slap from his father, Finn is deaf in one ear, suggesting that the accounts he gives of Brendan's words may be less than precise.
Briga, Brendan's sister, for whom he builds a convent at Anaghdown. She gives him much encouragement and is with him when he dies.
Bishop Erc, a leader of the monks who trained directly under Saint Patrick. He chooses Brendan for spiritual service.
Jarlath, the abbot under whom Brendan trains after Ita finishes rearing him to early manhood. Jarlath's monastic order is strict, not allowing the creature comforts of fire to warm the rooms of the monks.
Abbess Ita, the nun responsible for the early training of Brendan, from his first birthday up to early manhood. According to one legend, she suckles him as a child. She serves as a spiritual counselor in later years and encourages his journeys abroad.
Malo, a bitter man who becomes a monk to spite God. Malo blames God for the torturous death of his wife and family at the hands of pagan neighbors who blamed their misfortunes on Malo and his family becoming Christians. At Ita's insistence, Malo serves as the thorn in Brendan's flesh during the last part of his ministry, following the tragic drowning of the young monk. According to legend, Malo later became an important leader in the monastic orders.
Colman, a Celtic bard named MacLennin who is renamed Colman upon his baptism. “Colman” means “little dove” in Latin; the name emphasizes the taming influence of the Holy Spirit in his life. Colman sails with Brendan on his first journey and later starts his own order of monks.
Crosan, a court jester who joins Brendan's group after Hugh the Handsome is safely placed on the throne. Crosan is the only individual to join Brendan for both sea journeys. Crosan serves as a lookout for much of the trip, then dies at the far end of the second journey.
Finnloag and Cara, the father and mother of Brendan. They give up their child at one year of age so that Erc can rear him to be a monk. Brendan discovers that the home of his parents has burned to the ground, but he learns later that they had fled safely and died while he was on his second long journey.