Tara
On Patrick's
return to Saul, after the horrifying incident in Slemish
with his former master.... Patrick was informed that the chieftains
of Ireland had been summoned to celebrate a special feast at Tara
by Leoghaire.
During Patrick's journey to Tara, the son of the chief named Secsnen, Benignus (Benen) was baptised and became a companion of Patrick. On Easter Sunday, in 433, the feast at Tara by Leoghaire was to begin, and a decree went forth that from the preceding day the fires throughout the kingdom should be extinguished until the signal blaze was kindled at Tara. Patrick arrived at the opposite end of the valley at the hill of Slane on the Eve of Easter. In insubordination and preparation for the feast, Patrick it a fire on the summit.
The King ordered the death of those who has lit the fire and that
the fire be extinguished. But the fire was not extinguished and Patrick
came away unharmed. Ledged has it that on Easter morning, Patrick
and his followers proceeded to Tara to preach to the Druids about
Christianity. The druids tried to stop Patrick by the use of darkness
and magic. But their efforts were in vain, they did not stop nor hinder
Patrick. Twice Patrick pleaded his case before Leoghaire in but again
his pleas were falling on deaf ears. The king had given orders that
no sign of respect was to be extended to the strangers, but a royal
page arose to show him respect; and when all the chieftains were assembled,
the chief-bard showed the same admiration to Patrick. It was here
that the myth of Patrick using the Shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity
came about - however this is thought by many to have been simply a
tale told by monks to show Patrick's importance. Leoghaire found something
in Patrick's words and granted he permission to preach the Faith throughout
the length and breadth of the land
