Finding Columba in the Book of Kells

Abstract

Saint Columba’s association with the Book of Kells has a long history. The earliest evidence may date to 1007 when we read about ‘the Great Gospel of Colum Cille.’ Past interpretations suggest this book (probably Kells) was written by the saint. Scholars now agree this is impossible and support instead the notion that this eighth/ninth-century Gospel book was created to honour Columba around 200 years after his death (d.597).

The paper investigates the possibility that several sources of evidence in Kells link it with Columba. The first considers the iconography of ff. 2v-3r in Kells’ Canon Tables, which reference relics traditionally associated with the saint (his white robe, flabellum, stylus, and a shrine). The second examines the possibility that the manuscript known as the Cathach influenced Kells. While the most prominent feature is an unusual decorative motif from the older book, attention is also drawn to several other correspondences between the two manuscripts. A prolific scribe, Columba, was traditionally believed to have written the Cathach, which, unlike Kells, may be contemporary with him. The evidence presented here strengthens the links between Kells and the saint, suggesting it rightly deserves to be called ‘the Great Gospel of Colum Cille.’