Reading Notes - Saints: The Wolf-Mother of Saint Ailbe, Part B

·      Story begins with background on the Irish baby

o   the author includes details that make the reader sympathize with the child

·      The mother wolf and her activities are described in a manner that makes it feel almost as if she were identical to a human mother

·      The wolf mother feels compassion for the child

·      Author describes Ailbe as the wolf-mother’s pet – why?

·      Ailbe is able to communicate with the wolves despite the species barrier

·      Ailbe went from being a wild child to growing up with royalty

·      Despite Ailbe’s many accomplishments, he still remembers his roots – the wolf mother

·      Ailbe isn’t portrayed as the perfect and kind individual. He thought of some visitors as stupid, which most of the audience should be able to relate with

·      Wow, this story is really getting to me emotionally

·      Despite the long time apart, both wolf mother and human son recognize each other

·      Now the roles have reversed, and it is the son’s turn to protect the weak wolf mother, which he does

·      Ailbe treats the wolves as one would a real family, and they feast together

Saint Ailbe. Source: Stanford University.

Bibliography: This story is part of the Saints and Animals Unit. Story source: The Book of Saints and Friendly Beasts by Abbie Farwell Brown (1900).