OS1/14/80/94
| List of names as written | Various modes of spelling | Authorities for spelling | Situation | Description remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Sculptured Stone Cross continued] | [continued from page 93] appears in the character and language as some of the inscriptions on stones at Iona and some others that have been satisfactorily deciphered. The lettering or inscription stands thus as near as I could hastily sketch them roughly [Sketch of inscription within box inserted here] This inscription serves in a great measure to remove much of the doubt and obscurity that for a long time past involved this class of Sculptured Stones. The inscription properly divided into words appears to me to be this AROITEN IRE UORET ETT FORCUR Here it appears is a mixture of Gaelic and Latin, very likely written by some of the monks of the time who had a knowledge of both Languages. The Latin "ett" being used instead of the Gaelic "is" or "agus". The first word of the Inscription viz. AROITEN, would read in modern Gaelic Oraidean i,e, Prayers, but on the letters of this word it is to be remarked that in ancient Gaelic or Irish MSS. [Manuscripts] the letters A, and O, are indiscriminately used for each other, The same remark applies to the letters D, &, T, It therefore plainly appears to be an humble request to pray, or for prayers , for two persons probably man and wife. The name UORET, I take to be the name Mary in the Gaelic "Moire" but with the initial consonant aspirated, would be pronounced nearly like Voreh as it would be in reading the inscription. Therefore the inscription in plain English is, "Prayers for Mary and Forcur" The latter is very likely the name Fearchur or Fearchard which appears to have been a popular name of men in the 6th. 7th. and subsequent centuries in Scotland. It is also possible that some of the sculptured figures on this and other stones of the same class may be emblematic of the bond of marriage, &c. |
Continued entries/extra info
[Page] 94Transcriber's notes
The current interpretation of the inscription on this stone, which is now called the Drosten stone, is:DROSTEN
IREUORET
ETTFOR
CUS
with the meaning, Drosten in the time (reign) of Uoret and Forcus.
Transcribers who have contributed to this page.
Alison James- Moderator, KBMW- Moderator
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