Discusses the numerical correspondences used in the ‘apple scene’ of the Irish narrative, and examines their parallels with those mentioned in the fourth book of the Anglo-Saxon Handbook. Appendixes contain (1) the two versions of the Irish text (RIA MS 23 P 16 and TCD MS H 3. 18), with English translation, and (2) the relevant passages of Byrhtferth (Latin text with English translation).

Studies the development of the motifs of the Passion (in particular the ‘Five Wounds’) and Death of Christ in devotional bardic verse, and argues that this genre shows that bardic poetry evolved and was subject to external influences during the 1250-1650 period.