T H E T E A R S O F D Y M P N A
Ireland ca. mid-7th century A.D.
A vial containing a clear liquid, rumored to bring clarity to women fleeing violence, fleeing persecution, grants clarity of thought to a woman in distress.
This vial has appeared throughout history in ancient potions books and books of lore and legend. It is unclear whether ‘Tears of Dympna’ is a potion which can be brewed or a substance handed down throughout history. Its name is derived from the story of Dympna, the patron saint of the mentally ill; those driven insane by male violence, rape, and, violation; orphans; sleepwalkers; epileptics; mental healthcarers; those who have no group with which they are welcome.*
A note mentioning ‘Tears of D’ is recorded in the record books kept by Meryl O’Connell, dated November, 14, 1983.
*(Information taken from Rosi Braidotti’s “Dympna and the figure of the woman warrior, 2009)