Ollam
Anollamorollamh(Old Irish:[ˈol͈aṽ];anglicised asollaveorollav), pluralollomain,inearly Irish literature,was a master in a particular trade or skill.[1]
Bard
[edit]Generally,ollamreferred to a professional poet or bard of literature and history, and a member of the highest of the seven ranks offilí,achieved after at least twelve years of study,[2]
As part of a king's court, the ollam might combine the functions of poet, story-teller, and historian, including an accurate recitation of genealogies.[3]The calling to the vocation was usually a family tradition.[4]
As early as 574 members of theÓ hUiginn(O'Higgins) clan were recorded as hereditary poets in the courts of Irish Princes and Chiefs.[5]As such they were accorded a status of nobility second in rank only to the King and were entitled to wear the same number of colours in their robes.
Other uses
[edit]The term was also used to refer to the highest member of any group; thus anollambrithemwould be the highest rank of judge, and anollamríthe highest rank of king. Ollav was also applied to adruidicrank; meaning much the same as "professor", or person of great learning.[6]
There was an official post in ancient Ireland called the "RíOllam "or" Ard Ollam "orChief Ollam of Ireland.The holder of the post had a standing equal to the High King of Ireland.[6]
Ollamh Fodhlawas the title of the mythical 18thHigh King of Irelandwho is said to have first formed the assembly known as theFeis Teamhrach,or Feast of Tara around 1300 BCE.[7]
Literary fosterage
[edit]InAncient Ireland,ollams taught children with or without compensation depending on the circumstance.[8]
See also
[edit]
References
[edit]- ^Ó Dónaill, Niall. "Ollamh",Foclóir Gaeilge-Béarla,Foras na Gaeilge
- ^Breatnach, P. A., 'The Chief's Poet',Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy,83 (1983), 37–79
- ^Breatnach, Liam.Uraiceacht na Riar: The Poetic Grades in Early Irish Law(Dublin, 1987)
- ^MacKillop, James.A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology,OUP, 2004ISBN9780198609674
- ^The Book of Glendalough,Rawlinson MS B 502 Oxford, Bodleian Library c. AD 1130
- ^ab"Sacred text archives".Internet Sacred Text Archives.Retrieved28 September2013.
- ^Marsh, Richard (2006).The Legends & Lands of Ireland.New York, New York: Sterling Publishing Company Incorporated. p. 33.ISBN9781402738241.Retrieved15 August2022.
- ^"Fosterage in Ancient Ireland".Library Ireland.Retrieved16 June2012.
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