Tanaise Rig : An Alternative Interpretation

Abstract

The aim of this article is to suggest that, during the period from the beginning of the seventh century until the end of the tenth century, there were no heir-designates in Irish society and that the artificial introduction of the tânaise rig in the sevenfold division of the lay grades as well as the definition of his office as implying a right of succession were due to a clerical manipulation of the legal texts so as to promote the development of such an institution.