Birth of Saint Columba
In a humble stone and wattle dwelling in Gartan, County Donegal, Eithne labors to give birth to a child who will become Saint Columba, one of Ireland's most revered saints. The midwife and family memb
Setting
A modest circular stone and wattle dwelling with a thatched roof in rural Gartan, surrounded by snow-dusted fields and distant hills. The interior is warmed by a central hearth, with simple furnishings and animal skins for insulation.
Characters
Eithne
primary
A woman in her late twenties, with a slender but strong build, her face flushed from exertion. Her dark auburn hair is damp with sweat and loosely tied back with a simple cloth strip. Her hands grip the birthing stool tightly, knuckles white with strain.
Midwife
primary
A sturdy woman in her late forties with weathered hands and keen blue eyes that have seen many births. Her dark hair is streaked with grey and tied back with a simple leather thong. She moves with the quiet confidence of someone who has guided countless souls into the world.
Fedelmid
secondary
A middle-aged man of sturdy build, with broad shoulders and weathered features that speak of a life spent outdoors. His dark brown hair is streaked with grey and tied back with a simple leather thong. Deep-set blue eyes betray his anxiety, and his hands are calloused from years of labor.
Servant Girl
background
A slender girl of about 14 years with sun-kissed skin and freckles across her nose. Her light brown hair is tied back in a simple braid, with loose strands framing her flushed face. She has wide, watchful eyes that dart between tasks, and small hands reddened from frequent exposure to warm water.
Dialog
Eithne
By Brigid's cloak... the pain is like Dagda's club upon my back...
Midwife
A stór, ride the wave now - the babe comes swift as the Boyne current!
Eithne
This child... burns like ember... in my womb...
Midwife
The saints whisper of great purpose - push now, daughter of kings!
Eithne
Christ's mercy... I see... a light...
Midwife
The veil is thin - the babe comes with heaven's breath!