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.
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.
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.
A Folk Transformation
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.
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.
New Interpretations
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.
