The Patron Saint of Ireland | Theory Of Irony

In the year 401, half a continent away from Rome, a fleet of raiders sailed quietly out of Pagan Ireland, then sacked Britain’s west coast and absconded with thousands of terrorized prisoners to be auctioned off in the slave markets back home.  Among the poor souls swept up in the raid was a civilized, 16-year-old, Christian, middle-class, Romanized Briton, who found himself sold to an Irish “King” (or, petty warlord) for use in tending sheep.  This boy’s name was Patrick and he would change history, though Europe and North America would come to remember him in comical ways he would not understand (nor, do I).  For instance, contrary to popular belief, he never shepherded venomous snakes out of Ireland, for the Island had no…

Source: The Patron Saint of Ireland | Theory Of Irony