Discusses the semantics and etymology of iomna, tiomna, udhacht; iomna, tiomna = ‘injunction, decreee’ > ‘mandatory will; udhacht = ‘declaration, statement of fact or desire’ > ‘will’ in general sense of ‘dying statement’.
Mac an Bhaird (Alan): Dán díreach agus ranna as na hannála 867-1134.
InÉigse 17/2 (Geimhreadh, 1977–1978), pp. 157–168.
Based on verse mostly from AFM and AU¹, illustrates the gradual development of dán díreach from the ninth to twelfth century. Fifteen verses / excerpts ed. from printed editions of AFM and AU, with Engl transl. and notes. First lines: 1. Flann mac Conaing cosnaidh ríogh; 2. Ba congbhaidh Cearbhall do ghréas; 3. Brónach inniu Éire uagh; 4. Sudrall Muighe (maith re bágh); 5. Lasar Laighean lir go tráigh; 6. Má ro bíoth ua Breasail Bhric; 7. Ó ad-bhath Donnchadh, deilm do raoi; 8. Macha mhainbhtheach meadhraid muaidh; 9. Duibhlitir dionn eagna uaigh; 10. Flann a prímhchill Bhuithe bhinn; 11. Rángadar Laighin Luimneach; 12. Dubhthach duine dlightheach dúr; 13. Cumha ardríogh in Áth Cliath; 14. Ní chuala coinnmheadh n-eimhir; 15. Moghéanar duit id dheathaigh.
Earliest recension of story of Cormac son of Tadhg mac Céin and the badgers (occurring under the lemma Gaileng in Sanas Cormaic), ed. with Engl. transl. and notes from MSS RIA D ii 1 (Book of Uí Mhaine), TCD 1318 (H 2.16; YBL), RIA 23 P 16 (Leabhar Breac). Story reflects a dietary taboo based on older original meaning of tadhg ‘badger’.