Ollam
An ollam or ollamh (anglicised as ollave or ollav), in early Irish literature, is a member of the highest rank of filí. The term is used to refer to the highest member of any group; thus an ollam brithem would be the highest rank of judge, and an ollam rí the highest rank of king. Ollav was also applied to a druidic rank; meaning much the same as "professor", or person of great learning.[1] Typically the ollav/ollam was endowed with a distinction equal to that of a king, and could therefore wear six colours.
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There was an official post in ancient Ireland called the "Rí Ollam" or "Ard Ollam" or Chief Ollam of Ireland. The holder of the post had a standing equal to the High King of Ireland. One of the most famous Ollav/Ollam of Ireland was Ollav Fala, eighteenth descendant of Érimón, in around 1000 BC.[2]
Ollamh Fodhla, meaning "great teacher", was used to designate various prominent men throughout history.
Literary fosterage
In Ancient Ireland, ollams taught children either for payment or for no compensation.[3]
See also
References
- "Sacred text archives". Internet Sacred Text Archives. Retrieved 2013-09-28.
- "Sacred text archives". Internet Sacred Text Archives. Retrieved 2013-09-28.
- "Fosterage in Ancient Ireland". Library Ireland. Retrieved 2012-06-16.