Byzantium

Epilogue

Aidan mac Cainnech returned to Skania, the land of his former captivity, and adopted it as his home. For nearly fifty years, he preached the Good News to the Danish tribes, establishing four churches during an active and eventful ministry. Of these, his favourite remained the church Jarl Harald and Gunnar built for him at Bjorvika, within sight of the sea.

In the third year of his sojourn among the Danes, Aidan was joined by his great friend and brother, Dugal, who served faithfully by his side for twenty-three years. The two monks spent many long northern nights together remembering their adventures as young men, and it was Dugal who persuaded Aidan to record his experiences for the amusement and edification of their kinsmen and friends in Eire and Britain.

Gunnar Silverbags and Ylva produced many fine children, contributing liberally to both the treasury and enrolment of Aidan's school at Bjorvika. Harald Bull-Roar, having returned from Byzantium with more wealth than he ever managed to spend, died at a theng from injuries sustained during a particularly exciting wrestling match.

In the year of Our Lord, 943, Bishop Aidan mac Cainnech made his third and final pilgrimage to Byzantium, accompanied by Abbot Ulf and his three sons, together with Harald Bull-Roar's grandson, Olaf Open-Hand, who had assumed command of his grandfather's sturdy fleet. Upon their arrival, all were warmly received by the Holy Roman Emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitus, a pious and godly man, who, in recognition of the venerable priest's long obedience, accorded him many honours.

Though far advanced in years, Bishop Aidan established the Caithair Culdich-Chair of the Culdees, or Cele De-at the Patriarchal School of Constantinople. There he spent his last days as teacher and advisor to the emperor's court, and there the esteemed monk died in the winter of 949, full of grace and wisdom.

Saint Aidan's tomb can be found in the Chapel of the Holy Fathers, in the shadow of the Hagia Sophia. Additional grave markers have been erected in the grounds of each of the four churches begun by him in what is now Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. A small memorial stone can also be found at Kells, and another on the island of Iona, ancient Hy, where some of his bones were taken for burial so that the Celtic Church might ever rejoice in the memory of Aidan mac Cainnech.