The Poet Líadan

The ancient Kerry poet Líadan of Corca Dhuibhne flourished in the 7th century, and is associated with the historical Saint Cumméne. The evidence we have of Líadan and her poetry is gathered in the Medieval Irish romance Comrac Líadaine ocus Cuirithir. In this lecture, poet John W. Sexton examines her short tragic life and looks at the traditions and translations surrounding her, in an attempt to reclaim her story from the various Patriarchal and Christian agendas that surround her.