The hymn "Be Thou My Vision" has its origins in Ireland and dates back almost fifteen hundred years. It is a traditional Christian hymn with deep historical roots. The fascinating story:

1. Attribution to Saint Dallán Forgaill:
- The original poem, which forms the basis of the hymn, is often attributed to Saint Dallán Forgaill, an early Irish poet.
- Monks chanted his poetry, and someone much later used it as the foundation for this beloved hymn.

2. The Middle Irish Poem:
- The hymn's words are based on a Middle Irish poem that has traditionally been associated with Saint Dallán Forgaill.
- The poem, known as "Rop tú mo baile" or "Rob tú mo bhoile" in Old Irish, reflects aspects of life in Early Christian Ireland (around 400-800 AD).
- It belongs to a type of prayer called a lorica, which is a protective prayer invoking God's power and safeguard.

3. Heroic Imagery and Symbolism:
- The poem uses heroic imagery to describe God, portraying Him as a chieftain or High King (Irish: Ard Rí).
- This depiction draws on medieval Irish poetry, where God is cast as a protector of His people or clan.
- The use of a battle-shield and a sword symbolizes God's power and protection, inspired by Saint Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians (Ephesians 6:16–17).

4. Translation and Versification:
- In 1905, the Old Irish poem was translated into English by Mary Elizabeth Byrne in the journal Ériu.
- The English text was then versified in 1912 by Eleanor Hull, president of the Irish Literary Society.
- Hull's versification, paired with the lovely traditional Irish tune "Slane", became the most common version used.

5. The Melody "Slane":
- The hymn is commonly sung to the Irish folk tune "Slane".
- The melody is from a non-liturgical source, Patrick Weston Joyce's "Old Irish Folk Music and Songs" (1909).
- Since its inclusion in hymnals, it has become one of the most popular hymns in the United Kingdom.

"Be Thou My Vision" beautifully combines ancient Irish poetry, Christian symbolism, and a timeless melody, making it a cherished hymn across generations and cultures