About Me

Who is Green of Eye, Sharp of Claw?

I'm a green eyed Irish female currently living in Canada. Enthralled with the idea of world domination. Pursuer of mental stimulation and inspiration; whether it's in the form of art, films, literature, fashion, music, culture, people or places. My interests are numerous and constantly changing. I started An Cathach in July 2008.

Likes: Music, sarcasm, stuffed olives, people, gigs, photography, jaffa Cakes, whiskey, vinyl, dipping my fingers in wax, reading in bed, chai tea, sleep, fire spinning/poi, vintage clothing, bikram yoga, arguing, art, playing the piano and harp, talking to dogs on the street, tattoos, shoes, storms, strolling in the rain and mythology.

Dislikes: Being told what to do, dishonesty, velvet, early mornings, parsnips and people who chew with their mouth open.

What is An Cathach?

I named the site after an early seventh century Irish Psalter for 2 reasons.

The first: it's the oldest surviving book/manuscript in Ireland and the second oldest collection of the Psalms in the world.

The second: it was the first recorded case of copyright infringement in history (even more relevant in this day and age) and the resulting dispute led to the Battle of Cul Dremhe in 561.

‘An Cathach’ is an Irish term meaning ‘The Battler’. It’s pronounced as An (On) Cathach (Ka-hah). It was said to protect and guarantee victory in war and was used in battle. The original is still intact, as is the casket in which it was carried. The manuscript is in the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin, while the casket is in the National Museum of Ireland.

A brief history:

It is traditionally associated with St. Columba (also known as Colmcille). He borrowed the psalter of Saint Finnian under the pretense of reading it and began to copy it closely. Upon discovering this, Finnian demanded both the original and the copy back. Colmcille resisted and claimed that it was made from a miraculous light. Finnian was furious and brought the matter to the High King of Ireland, Diarmait Mac Cerbhaill.

The king examined the original psalter and its clone after which he proclaimed, "To every cow belongs her calf, therefore to every book belongs its copy.” The book and copy was returned to St. Finnian, much to Colmcille's annoyance. This led to the Battle of Cul Dremhe in 561 where supposedly thousands died and where Colmcille eventually gained the book back.