Ep 1. Saint Patrick: The Man, The Myth

The show Editors' Picks takes viewers on a journey through history, exploring the stories of various people and events that have shaped our world. In season 1 episode 1, titled "Saint Patrick: The Man, The Myth," we dive into the tale of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to the man behind the legend. We learn that Saint Patrick was not Irish, but was actually born in Britain in the late 4th century. He was kidnapped by Irish raiders at the age of 16 and taken to Ireland as a slave, where he spent six years herding sheep. During this time, he turned to religion for comfort and eventually escaped back to Britain.

But Patrick did not stay in Britain. He returned to Ireland years later as a Christian missionary, determined to convert the pagan Irish to Christianity. We see the challenges he faced in this mission, including resistance from local rulers who were wary of his message and language barriers that made it difficult to communicate with the people. However, his persistence paid off and he was eventually successful in converting many Irish to Christianity.

The episode also explores the myths and legends that have sprung up around Saint Patrick. We learn about the famous story of him driving the snakes out of Ireland, which is actually a metaphor for his mission of converting the pagans to Christianity and "driving out" their old ways. We also see how the celebration of Saint Patrick's Day has evolved over time, from a religious holiday to a secular celebration of Irish culture.

Throughout the episode, we hear from experts on Saint Patrick and Irish history. They provide context and detail to help us better understand the man and the legend. We also see stunning footage of Ireland's landscape and landmarks, from rolling green hills to ancient churches and monasteries.

By the end of the episode, viewers will have a deeper understanding of the man behind the myth. We see how Saint Patrick's legacy has endured over centuries, from his mission of converting the Irish to Christianity to the modern-day celebrations of his life and work. Overall, "Saint Patrick: The Man, The Myth" is a fascinating exploration of one of history's most intriguing figures.