Saint Otteran
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Odran or Odhran a descendant of Conall Gulban
, is usually identified with Odhron (also called Odhrán or Oran), who preceded Saint Columba
in Iona
. His death is recorded in 548 and his grave was greatly revered in Iona.
According to Irish tradition Odran served as abbot of Meath
and founded Lattreagh. He is described variously as companion, brother or son of Columba, and died soon after his arrival on Iona. Columba saw devils and angels fight over Odran's soul before it ascended into heaven.
Another legend tells that the chapel that Saint Columba wanted to build on Iona was destroyed every night. Finally he was told by a voice that it could never be finished until a living man was buried below. So Odran was buried alive willingly and the chapel could be finished. But one day he pushed his head through the wall and said that there was no hell as was supposed nor heaven that people talk about. Alarmed by this Columba let Odran's body be variously covered with earth more securely or removed with haste.
In a Hebridean
version of this tale the sacrifice is promised that his soul will be safe in heaven. Some time after the burial Columba wants to see Odran once more and opens the pit under the chapel. When Odran sees the world he tries to come out again, but Columba has the pit covered with earth quickly to save Odran's soul from the world and its sin.
In the song "Oran" in the 1997 Steve McDonald album "Stone of Destiny", he has Oran's disinterred head speaking the haunting lines: "Heaven is not what it is said to be. Hell is not what it is said to be. The saved are not forever happy, the damned are not forever lost." McDonald's albums feature many historical and legendary events from Scottish history.
These legends are one of the few instances of foundation sacrifice
in Great Britain.
The oldest remaining church on Iona is dedicated to Saint Odhran and the surrounding cemetery is called Reilig Odhráin in his memory.
He was chosen by the Vikings as patron of the city of Waterford
in 1096 and later became patron of the diocese
.
Odran's feast day is October 27.
Due to the similarity of the name some people have identified Odran with Saint Odran
, the first Irish Christian martyr
. There is a parallel in that each man voluntarily sacrificed himself to further the work of a better-known saint.
Conall Gulban
Conall Gulban was an Irish king who founded the kingdom of Tír Conaill in the 5th century, comprising much of what is now County Donegal. He was the son of Niall Noígiallach....
, is usually identified with Odhron (also called Odhrán or Oran), who preceded Saint Columba
Columba
Saint Columba —also known as Colum Cille , Colm Cille , Calum Cille and Kolban or Kolbjørn —was a Gaelic Irish missionary monk who propagated Christianity among the Picts during the Early Medieval Period...
in Iona
Iona
Iona is a small island in the Inner Hebrides off the western coast of Scotland. It was a centre of Irish monasticism for four centuries and is today renowned for its tranquility and natural beauty. It is a popular tourist destination and a place for retreats...
. His death is recorded in 548 and his grave was greatly revered in Iona.
According to Irish tradition Odran served as abbot of Meath
Roman Catholic Diocese of Meath
The Diocese of Meath is a Roman Catholic diocese in eastern Ireland. It is one of eight suffragan dioceses which are subject to the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Armagh...
and founded Lattreagh. He is described variously as companion, brother or son of Columba, and died soon after his arrival on Iona. Columba saw devils and angels fight over Odran's soul before it ascended into heaven.
Another legend tells that the chapel that Saint Columba wanted to build on Iona was destroyed every night. Finally he was told by a voice that it could never be finished until a living man was buried below. So Odran was buried alive willingly and the chapel could be finished. But one day he pushed his head through the wall and said that there was no hell as was supposed nor heaven that people talk about. Alarmed by this Columba let Odran's body be variously covered with earth more securely or removed with haste.
In a Hebridean
Hebrides
The Hebrides comprise a widespread and diverse archipelago off the west coast of Scotland. There are two main groups: the Inner and Outer Hebrides. These islands have a long history of occupation dating back to the Mesolithic and the culture of the residents has been affected by the successive...
version of this tale the sacrifice is promised that his soul will be safe in heaven. Some time after the burial Columba wants to see Odran once more and opens the pit under the chapel. When Odran sees the world he tries to come out again, but Columba has the pit covered with earth quickly to save Odran's soul from the world and its sin.
In the song "Oran" in the 1997 Steve McDonald album "Stone of Destiny", he has Oran's disinterred head speaking the haunting lines: "Heaven is not what it is said to be. Hell is not what it is said to be. The saved are not forever happy, the damned are not forever lost." McDonald's albums feature many historical and legendary events from Scottish history.
These legends are one of the few instances of foundation sacrifice
Human sacrifice
Human sacrifice is the act of killing one or more human beings as part of a religious ritual . Its typology closely parallels the various practices of ritual slaughter of animals and of religious sacrifice in general. Human sacrifice has been practised in various cultures throughout history...
in Great Britain.
The oldest remaining church on Iona is dedicated to Saint Odhran and the surrounding cemetery is called Reilig Odhráin in his memory.
He was chosen by the Vikings as patron of the city of Waterford
Waterford
Waterford is a city in the South-East Region of Ireland. It is the oldest city in the country and fifth largest by population. Waterford City Council is the local government authority for the city and its immediate hinterland...
in 1096 and later became patron of the diocese
Diocese
A diocese is the district or see under the supervision of a bishop. It is divided into parishes.An archdiocese is more significant than a diocese. An archdiocese is presided over by an archbishop whose see may have or had importance due to size or historical significance...
.
Odran's feast day is October 27.
Due to the similarity of the name some people have identified Odran with Saint Odran
Saint Odran
Odran was the charioteer of Saint Patrick and was the first Irish Christian Martyr. He lived about 430.There are two different versions given about Odran’s martyrdom...
, the first Irish Christian martyr
Martyr
A martyr is somebody who suffers persecution and death for refusing to renounce, or accept, a belief or cause, usually religious.-Meaning:...
. There is a parallel in that each man voluntarily sacrificed himself to further the work of a better-known saint.