Move over beer, Jameson and a long drunken afternoon! The real St. Patrick has arrived – and he is actually pretty awesome. A far cry from the loud and drunk crowd out at pubs, he was not a leprechaun or a old, bearded shepherd. In fact (well, according to legen), he was more like Ireland’s resident superhero, for quite a few reasons…
- As a child, he was captured by Irish pirates.
Like most superheroes, St. Patty had a rough childhood. Legend has it, he was born somewhere in Great Britain. At around 16 years old, he was captured by Irish pirates and forced to be a slave. He was enslaven for six years. It was here that he learned to care for animals and plotted his next move.
- He concocted a plan to flee his masters.
Like most slaves, he longed to go home. He snuck away his masters and fled 200 miles where he convinced a ship’s captain to take him along. Three days later, he ported. With nothing, he convinced the crew to come with him, and together they walked through the wilderness. For 28 days, they followed Patrick – all close to starvation – before he led them to a herd of wild boar.
- He had visions.
It is said that Patrick often had visions of his ancestors or other saints who would guide his faith.
- He worked his way up – from nobody to somebody.
He started off as a wayward son of a deacon before finding his strength and embracing his powers.
- He banished all the snakes from Ireland
According to legend, St. Pat was responsible for banishing all the snakes in Ireland. He was fasting on top of a hill for many days when some snakes attacked him. Emboldened, he chased all of the snakes in Ireland into the sea. To this day, there are no snakes in Ireland.
- People fought over his body
After he died (on March 17), a battle broke out over ownership of his body. Mid-battle, a flood halted all fighting. When the water subsided, the two foes came together in peace.
So this week, when you drink to the Emerald Isle, do not just drink to the man. Drink to the superhero!
