‘Be Thou My Vision’

The popular hymn’s ancient origin offers a view into the culture of early Christian Ireland.

"The Vision of God," 19th century, by John Linnell after William Blake. Yale Center for British Art, Hew Haven. Public Domain

Each year, the Christian hymn “Be Thou My Vision” is sung in churches across the world. The cherished song focuses on God’s comforting presence and powerful protection. It remains one of the most popular hymns in the UK, but its origin dates all the way back to medieval Ireland.

The lyrics open a window to the past, shedding light on the cultural traditions of some of the country’s earliest Christians that paved the way for contemporary worship today.

Early Irish Christian Poetry

Only two manuscripts exist of the original version of “Be Thou My Vision.”

The hymn began as a poem, and speculation on the time of its origin continues today. Many historians believe the original poem was written in the eighth century. But some scholars believe the date goes back even further, to the sixth century, and cite the original author as Saint Dallan Forgaill, a highly revered ancient Irish poet and scholar. Forgaill is attributed to writing “Rop tu mo baile,” an Old Irish poem, the earliest form of the hymn so often sung today.

While the poem is attributed to Forgaill, the two known manuscripts do not designate his authorship. One manuscript contains no attribution and is located at the Royal Irish Academy library. This text dates to either the 10th or 11th century.

(L) An excerpt from folio 25v of "MS G 2 ("The O Cianain Miscellany")," 14th century, by Adhamh O Cianain. The National Library of Ireland, Dublin. (R) A detail of "The Vision of God," 1825, by William Blake. Engraving on India paper. National Gallery of Art, Washington. Public Domain

The other manuscript is housed at the National Library of Ireland in Dublin. This handwritten document dates to the 14th century and is in the penmanship of historian Adhamh O Cianain. While the original poem was spoken in Old Irish, O Cianain’s manuscript is written in Middle Irish. It would later serve as the foundation for an important translation.

An English Translation and Early Christian Life in Ireland

“Rop tu mo baile” existed in relative obscurity for centuries until it was finally translated to English in 1905 by Irish scholar Mary Elizabeth Byrne. Her translation from Ó Cianáin’s Middle English manuscript shone a light on several clues that gave scholars insight into the lives of Ireland’s earliest documented Christians.

The original Old Irish poem was written as a “lorica,” a text meant to call on God’s protection. In Early Christian Ireland, these types of poems were common among the culture due to constant, ongoing clashes among neighboring clans.

A manuscript leaf of The Right Hand of "God Protecting the Faithful against the Demons," circa 1452–1460, by Jean Fouquet. Tempera and gold leaf on parchment. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City. Public Domain

Symbols used throughout the stanzas like a battle-shield and sword were included to call on the power of God as protector. In Medieval Irish poetry, God is portrayed as a hero and defender of clans and villages, and this poem embodies that ancient theme.

Byrne’s translation gave a solid form to the text, separating it into 16 powerful couplets. Lines like “O heart of my heart, whate'er befall me, O ruler of all, be thou my vision,” are recited as moving, melodic reminders of God’s presence, love, and sanctuary.

A Folk Transformation

Studies of a woman praying, early to mid-19th century, by Ludwig Emil Grimm. Graphite and watercolor. The Metropolian Museum of Art, New York City. Public Domain

Byrne’s translation paved the way for the ancient, enduring poem to ultimately be put into song form. Not long after Byrne published her English translation simply titled, “A Prayer,” in the Irish scholarly journal, Eriu, Eleanor Henrietta Hull versified the poem into lyrical format in 1912.

Hull’s opening line for the verse was “Be Thou My Vision,”  and it was a motif throughout the song. This repetition stuck with listeners, so Byrne’s “A Prayer” is often referred to as the hymn’s memorable opening lyric.

The tune was combined with a traditional Irish folk song known as “Slane,” which was named after an Irish village where many believe it originated. The melody of this tune goes back in time as far as the sixth century.

An aerial view of the hill of Slane, a significant site in Ireland. ianmitchinson/Shutterstock

Like Saint Forgaill’s poem, “Slane” sprang up from the depths of antique history. Some date it all the way back to A.D. 433, when the melody was supposedly created to honor Saint Patrick, a historic missionary now recognized as the patron saint of Ireland.

The melody has been used with lyrics to various songs in Irish musical culture. Its first official publication is found in Patrick W. Joyce’s 1909 collection, “Old Irish Folk Music and Songs,” where it is listed as the ballad, “With My Love on the Road.” However, its most memorable pairing would ultimately be with an Irish poem from the distant past.

New Interpretations

The first publication of "Be Thou My Vision" (from the translated  Irish poem to the traditional Irish tune "Slane") in the 1919 "Church Hymnal with Accompanying Tunes." Public Domain

When the words to “Be Thou My Vision” were first published alongside the melody to “Slane” in the Church of Ireland’s “Church Hymnal: with Accompanying Tunes” in 1919, the adaptation quickly became a congregation favorite. The comforting words acted as a strengthening prayer for worshippers, and its new melody enriched the lyrics, making the experience that much more moving.

More than a poem, song, or translation, the newly published adaptation represented a transformation and lead to a transformative experience for churchgoers. It uniquely honored the country’s medieval Christian roots, while also giving a nod to its historic culture of folk music so endearing to the Irish.

The song went through several more adaptations, with David Evans’ widely embraced 1927 version further extending the song’s popularity.