Abstract

This paper is devoted to the comparison of two stories from early Sri Lankan and medieval Irish narrative traditions to do with phenomena of religious conversion and change. Central to the narratives of conversion recorded in both traditions is the theme of the covering of the land by a mantle that belongs to the messengers of the new religion. The primary semantic content of the cloth-covering motif is investigated in relation to the key aspects of the typologically related early Irish and early Indian paradigms of kingship. These include the subjugation by a hero of the malignant aspect of the land to be conquered, the blessings of righteous kingship, and the related topic of abundance. He also discusses traditions relating to both Irish and Indian royal inauguration practices, including rituals and objects, and, in particular, land acquisition and ritual practice.