THE SCENE: The magical procedure for stopping rain in Munster is surprisingly specific and mundane.
THE TEXT: There is a well in Munster, and if one touches or even looks at it, the whole province is deluged with rain. The rain will not cease until a priest, who is a virgin both in mind and body and specially chosen for the purpose, celebrates Mass in a chapel not far from the well and known to have been erected with this end in view, and appeases the well with a sprinkling of holy water and the milk of a cow of one colour. This is certainly a barbarous rite, without rime or reason.
– The History and Topography of Ireland, Gerald of Wales, 12th Century AD
