The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

SAINT BRENDON OF IRELAND

A SAINT MENTIONED IN THE SAGAS OF VIKINGS THIS LEGENDARY CHARACTER
SAILED TO THE NEW WORLD ON THREE OCCASIONS IN THE SIXTH CENTURY.
HE IS MENTIONED IN SPANISH MAPS (THE GREAT NAVIGATOR OF THE TIME )
WHERE HE IS CREDITED WITH THE DISCOVERY OF MANY ISLANDS. ON HIS
FIRST TRY, HE TRAVELED TO GREENLAND (WHERE THE REMAINS OF A CHURCH
IS STILL IN EXISTENCE.) HIS SECOND TRIP TOOK HIM TO NOVA SCOTIA
AND ON HIS FINAL TRIP, HE JOURNEYED TO THE MAINLAND ALL THE WAY DOWN
TO FLORIDA, WHERE HE FOUND ANOTHER IRISHMAN.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): HISTORICAL ; RELIGION

James Callow Keyword(s): BRENDAN ; IRONY ; SURPRISE ENDING

Date learned: 02-01-1968