Folk Tale Friday

Keeping with the schedule, it is folk tale Friday.  This is the story of St. Patrick and St. Odran.  St. Odran has the distinction of being the first Irish Christian Martyr.  (Not to be confused with St. Odhran of Iona)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Long ago, Saint Patrick roamed the country of Ireland, preaching the word of God, converting pagans, and performing miracles.  During his travels, he was often accustomed to walking, but at times, when the journey was particularly long, he rose in a chariot driven by his disciple. Odran.

Now, Patrick came to County Kildare, where a chieftain worshiped a terrible idol.  Patrick, claiming the spot of God, destroyed the idol and converted the populace.

The chieftain was enraged, and ordered that Patrick be killed.  He called a secret meeting in the woods with his assassin, and instructed him to throw his spear at Patrick when he passed by the spot in his chariot.  The assassin agreed, and took his spot in the brush.  Unbeknownst to the plotters, Odran was gathering food for himself and Patrick in the, and he overheard the evil plan.

That morning, the chariot set out for the next county.  Odran had not forgotten what he had heard, but he did not wish to worry his teacher.  A mile or so away from the place where Patrick was to be killed, Odran stopped the horses.

"Dear Master, I have become tired and I believe that I am becoming sick.  Could you take the reins from me so I may rest?"

When Patrick obliged, Odran thought that just a change of places would not be enough, so he carried his plan further.

"Dear Master, I am cold, could I please wear your cloak to keep me warm while I rest?"

Patrick, being more than happy to help his friend, draped his green and gold cloak around Odran's Shoulders.

Then, when they passed by the place, a lance flew forth from the briar and struck Odran in the heart, killing him.

When Patrick learned what Odran had done, he was very sad and wept for his loyal friend.  He buried his friend and built a church over his grave.  Patrick never forgot the sacrifice of Oran, and he was made a saint.