Ollam Explained

An or ollamh (in Irish, Old (to 900); ˈol͈aṽ/; anglicised as ollave or ollav), plural ollomain, in early Irish literature, was a master in a particular trade or skill.[1]

Bard

Generally, ollam referred to a professional poet or bard of literature and history, and a member of the highest of the seven ranks of filí, 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 the Ó 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

The term was also used to refer to the highest member of any group; thus an ollam brithem would be the highest rank of judge, and an ollam the highest rank of king. Ollav was also applied to a druidic rank; meaning much the same as "professor", or person of great learning.[6]

There was an official post in ancient Ireland called the " Ollam" or "Ard Ollam" or Chief Ollam of Ireland. The holder of the post had a standing equal to the High King of Ireland.[6]

Ollamh Fodhla was the title of the mythical 18th High King of Ireland who is said to have first formed the assembly known as the Feis Teamhrach, or Feast of Tara around 1300 BCE.[7]

Literary fosterage

In Ancient Ireland, ollams taught children with or without compensation depending on the circumstance.[8]

See also

Notes and References

  1. https://www.teanglann.ie/en/fgb/ollamh Ó Dónaill, Niall. "Ollamh", Foclóir Gaeilge-Béarla, Foras na Gaeilge
  2. Breatnach, P. A., 'The Chief's Poet', Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, 83 (1983), 37–79
  3. Breatnach, Liam. Uraiceacht na Riar: The Poetic Grades in Early Irish Law (Dublin, 1987)
  4. https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/acref/9780198609674.001.0001/acref-9780198609674 MacKillop, James. A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology, OUP, 2004
  5. The Book of Glendalough, Rawlinson MS B 502 Oxford, Bodleian Library c. AD 1130
  6. Web site: Sacred text archives . Internet Sacred Text Archives . 2013-09-28.
  7. Book: Marsh . Richard . The Legends & Lands of Ireland . 2006 . Sterling Publishing Company Incorporated . New York, New York . 33 . 9781402738241 . 15 August 2022.
  8. Web site: Fosterage in Ancient Ireland . Library Ireland . 2012-06-16.