Bridget of Ireland

Bridget of Ireland

Bridget was born of a nobleman and his wife. The moment her parents looked down upon her, they knew she would be a special child, for the light within her was bright. She was born in times of darkness. The people of her village prayed that someday one would come who would bring warmth to their hearts. And Bridget was still very young when those who knew her began to wonder if, perhaps, she was not the one for whom they had waited so long.

Bridget was a lovely child. Her hair was golden as the sun and her eyes reflected the blue of the sky. When she came of age, many young men from far and wide asked for her hand in marriage. But Bridget was saddened by their attentions. Since she was very young Bridget longed only to help those in need. She knew that if she married, she would not be able to attend to those who desired her care.

One night, she prayed that she be made ugly. And, when she awoke, she was startled by the hideous reflection looking back at her. Her wish had been granted. With her newly disfigured form, her suitors soon left her and Bridget was free to follow her heart.

She left her home, taking only the cloak around her shoulders, the color of the woodland forest to give her warmth in her travels. Everywhere she went, she looked inside of herself to see if this was where her work should begin, for she believed that her heart would know. Many weeks and months she traveled, but she was not alone. Bridget had discovered that she understood the animals of the forest and they soon learned to trust her kindness. The animals did not fear her misshapen form and loved her from the moment she entered their forest home.

The animals were not the only ones who saw Bridget’s good heart. As she traveled from town to town there were four maidens who put down their daily tasks and set about to follow Bridget on her journey. They understood that here was one who would bring hope to all who knew her.

One day, Bridget came upon the castle of the King of Leinster. He was known as a cruel and greedy man and so it was that when Bridget arrived at his court in naught but a ragged cloak, tattered clothes and a form that was frightful to behold, all the lords and ladies snickered. "What ever could this young woman be thinking?" They said to themselves. "She and her maidens shall be tossed out on the street!"

But Bridget only quietly begged to seek audience with the king. He relented, for he was curious to see what this creature had to say. "My king," Bridget bowed her head, "I have come to ask for a parcel of land. It is here that I am to build a shelter for those in need." The court was silent.

All at once laughter burst forth from the room. "What!" the King roared, "Why on this earth should I give you, a beggar woman, a scrap of land!"

"Because, my lord," Bridget answered simply, "It is what must be done."

Silence fell. This little one was serious. And, strangely, it seemed she was quite certain of herself. What’s more, everyone in the court who beheld this deformed woman began to feel, well, strangely content. It was as if the darkness that had descended on the land had begun to lift, if only a little.

"What is your name?" the king stammered.

"Bridget, my lord."

"Well, Bridget. How much land is it that you ask of me?"

"Just as much as my cloak may cover, my lord." With this, there was a nervous titter in the crowd. Whatever did this young woman mean?

"Bridget," the king sneered, for he felt as though he were getting the best of this strange being, "You may have what you request, but see that you take only that which your cloak touches."

"Thank you, my lord." With that, Bridget turned, and with her maidens, left the King’s court. All of the lords and ladies, squires, knights, washing women and cooks ran after her, for they were enchanted by this one called Bridget.

Bridget walked and walked with the entire court behind her, until she came to a wide clearing. It was good, fertile land, the best in the kingdom, and the King’s pride. Bridget took off her cloak and motioned to her maidens. Each maiden took a corner of her cloak and, at Bridget’s command, each began to walk. The court stood amazed as the cloak appeared to widen. It covered the field, it covered the stream and still the maidens walked. It wasn’t until Bridget called forth "That is far enough!" that the maidens stopped and let the cloak fall to the ground. The cloak covered acres and acres of land, more than enough to build her shelter. And build she did.

When those of the town heard of this wondrous lady, everyone rushed to the hooded one’s aid. It was not long before a great building stood on the grounds, along with a field of crops that burst forth with food. So it was that on this field, Bridget looked up at the clear sky, and threw back her hood. The people gasped, for before them stood Bridget; more lovely than she had ever been.

"Now, it is time." Her voice rang out like a silver bell. "Let us begin our work."