Note 37 — Chapter II · The Kingdom of Scotland—843–900.

Most of the materials for this sketch have been taken from “Martin’s Western Isles,” the “Irish Annals,” and the “Works of the Irish Archæological Society,” particularly the “Hy Fiachrach,” where the subject is ably illustrated by Mr. O’Donovan in Appendix L. The “Circuit of Murketagh” contains an interesting account of the manner in which hostages and tribute were exacted, and the different methods of proceeding with kinsmen, allies, and rivals. The theory of Tanistry extended to ecclesiastical offices, and we meet with Tanist bishops and Adbhar abbots; the former signifying, apparently, the successor actually chosen, the latter one eligible to be chosen. Thus, and in many other ways, the old Celtic principle of division appears to have gradually pervaded their branch of the church. Even the careful separation of sacerdotal authority from practical power seems to have clung to the Gaelic people for some time after their conversion; for while the Hy Nial for centuries monopolized the supreme power, the Primacy was the exclusive appanage of the Clan Colla, a race excluded from the throne.