Summary

In “Monastery,” six strangers “come to Cluain Mhic Nóis” monastery the day after Easter (3). The hall is filled with people and everyone is feasting. Always hungry, Trian cannot wait to eat the “roast swan and onions” (3). While eating, he watches the scholar, Artt, in the distance. He is “the most famous visitor” to come here (4). He has “been carrying the light of the Gospel from Ireland across a pagan-gripped continent” and is known for his travels and studies (4).

When the Abbot notices Artt is not eating, he demands to know if the food is okay. Artt says he is fasting. Trian feels guilty for eating the swan. Then the Abbot calls for Trian and Cormac, a monk who plays the lyre, to entertain everyone.

That night, Artt has a dream he relays to the Abbot. In the dream, he and two...