Schaffhausen Adomnán Challenge

Practice transcribing medieval Irish script!

Practice your transcription skills by transcribing the Life of Columba (Colum Cille) from the famous Schaffhausen manuscript, which was written by Dorbbéne in Iona around the year 700. This manuscript is not only a unique early witness to the literary production of the community of Iona, but also an excellent example to use to familiarize yourself with early Irish minuscule script. In addition, this year we are celebrating the centenary of Colum Cille's birth, so what better way to finish the year than by completing this challenge? Enjoy!

For the purpose of this transcription challenge the entire manuscript has been made available. That means there are 136 pages of late seventh/early eighth-century script to choose from. For those of you with interests in the antiquarian history of the manuscript, later notes have been included as well.

To get started, open the manuscript and select a page. Instructions are found below every page.

Purpose of the project

This transcription challenge project helps you learn how to read early medieval Irish manuscripts by focusing on practice. It offers anyone interested a chance to get familiar with Irish script by offering simple introductions and a user-friendly transcription platform. Read more...