Dog, Woman, Law: Inis Samir

 A couple of ideas for this entry are swirling around in my head- Ireland, women's legal rights, the law, and a dog. According to the Lebor Gabála Érenn, the"first judgment" of Brehon Law indicated the "high position women held in Ireland from the earliest times.”  Especially in contrast to some other early societies in regards to women's legal rights, property rights, and sometimes being viewed as property by their husbands.  Not so with Delgnat, wife of Parthalon.  

According to the myth, Parthalon was one of the first settlers in Ireland and set up residence on a tiny island on the present-day river Erne.   While Parthalon was away surveying Ireland, his wife, Delgnat was home alone on her little island and ended up having an affair with a servant.  When Parthalon returned he found out and killed the lover and his wife's dog.  It was decided by Brehon Law that the husband's offense of murder and taking the law into his own hands was greater than the wife's infidelity and required Parthalon to pay damages.  Delgnat was given the island which she renamed "Saimer" after her dog.  The present-day island in Northern Ireland is still called “Inis Saimer.” Power to women and their dogs!

 Though I like dogs, I vowed I would never have another animal in my condo due to my present work schedule and commute.  I don't have time. My last goldfish died due to my neglect.  I am in a different stage in my life and don't want to add to my responsibilities.  So call me stupid, but right now I have two of my sons' puppies temporarily staying in my condo. I spent the larger portion of my day yesterday trying to prepare safe puppy spaces where they could be while being trained and hopefully not destroy my property.  Though they are a huge hassle, it’s pretty easy to feel connected while playing with them and enjoying their unique personalities.

 I also found out yesterday, that my condo storage parking lot is littered with yet another one of my husband's cars, RVs, boats, trailers, etc.  I'm not happy about it.  Instead of removing his possessions, he just keeps filling up my space with his stuff.  I believe he also views me as a personal possession he refuses to surrender.  I could use a little bit of Brehon law about now. 

 The Brehon law, or early Irish Medieval law, dealt with everyday life in civil matters such as payment of compensation for harm done, regulation of property, inheritance, and contracts.   These secular laws consisted of the collective decisions of the “Brehon” or judges guided by oral tradition.  I’m not going to delve into Brehon law, but some of my favorite Irish youtube videos come from the Brehon Law Academy.  I've really enjoyed their well-researched, professional, and entertaining approach to Irish mythology, history, and culture.  I am comforted to know we live by the rule of law instead of the rule of men, though at times I feel like the men in my life have too much power over me.  Right now the law is certainly on my mind as I try to prepare for an imminent divorce. I'm positive it will not result in receiving my own island to name after beloved puppies. Nevertheless, rest assured, the puppies will make their mark on my property.  Maybe I won’t hold on to the condo anyway. 

 But alas, my Ireland trip is quickly approaching in about 2 months. I've received many curious responses when I tell others I am going alone.  How could that be any fun?  Won't you be lonely?  It’s going to be a great adventure! It already has been. Pulling the trigger on this trip was the catalyst for a cascade of events leading up to my current situation.  It was a good thing, actually one of the best things. Though people circle the globe every day while traveling, going round and round in circles, the forward progress matters most.  I’m trying to travel each day by taking the necessary steps, as is my right and privilege as a woman.  At times I may feel like I’m the tiny island standing all alone like Inis Samir but hey, it’s currently for sale!

https://www.formerglory.ie/period-property-for-sale-in-ireland/inis-saimer-erne-estuary-ballyshannon-donegal/