It Could Happen Here CZM Book Club: The Abbot of Druimenach
May 25, 2025
Discover an intriguing Irish fairy tale about gender transformation, where an abbot turns into a woman, and unpack its connections to modern issues of identity and sexuality. The conversation bridges this folklore with discussions on women's sexual health, underscoring the importance of seeking medical advice. Delve into medieval Ireland's cultural complexities as the speakers reflect on friendship, social allure, and the duality of gender roles, offering a rich tapestry of historical insights and personal experiences.
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Abbot's transformation story
- The story tells of a young abbot who wakes up transformed into a woman with female attributes.
- Initially, he believes it is magic or shape-shifting and struggles to accept his new gender.
Life and resolution after transformation
- The transformed abbot lives as a woman, marries, and bears seven children over seven years.
- Upon returning to his original form, a legal dispute over the children is resolved amicably.
Unique oral tradition in tale
- The story blends fairy tale elements with realistic oral tradition, lacking typical repetitive fairy tale structure.
- It suggests medieval Irish oral tradition influenced the recorded versions significantly.