The Secret of Kells

In 9th-century Ireland, Brendan grows up in the fortified Abbey of Kells under the strict supervision of his uncle, Abbot Cellach. His uncle is preoccupied with building a massive wall around the Abbey to protect it from Viking threats, leaving Brendan curious about the world beyond its confines.

Brendan's fascination with the legendary Brother Aidan, known for his work on the Book of Iona, ignites as he learns about the unfinished Book of Kells. The tales of this illuminated manuscript, which symbolizes the transformation of darkness into light, captivate his imagination.

Brother Aidan arrives at Kells after escaping a Viking attack in Iona, bringing along his loyal white cat, Pangur Bán. Brendan is eager to learn from Aidan, who becomes a mentor to him in the craft of manuscript illumination.

One day, Brendan secretly enters the scriptorium and discovers the almost-complete illuminated manuscript. This moment marks the beginning of his deep involvement in the creation of the Book of Kells.

Under Aidan's guidance, Brendan embarks on a quest to gather gall nuts, which are essential for producing ink. This adventure takes him through hidden passages into the lush summer woods surrounding the Abbey.

While in the woods, Brendan encounters a pack of wolves and narrowly escapes with the help of Aisling, a mystical Aos Sí faerie. This encounter fosters a bond between Brendan and Aisling as they become unlikely allies.

As Brendan befriends Aisling, they face a looming threat in the form of Crom Cruach, an ancient deity of chaos. Aisling reveals the terror Crom holds over her past, complicating their mission to complete the Book of Kells.

After returning to the Abbey, Brendan learns from Aidan that their project is in jeopardy due to the loss of the Eye of Colm Cille—a vital magnifying lens lost during Aidan's escape from Iona. This revelation propels Brendan into action despite Cellach's orders.

Defying Aisling's warnings, Brendan decides to confront Crom Cruach to retrieve another Eye. This reckless venture culminates in a fierce battle where Brendan ultimately blinds the beast, leading to a significant victory for him.

As Brendan returns to Kells after his victory, the Abbey is soon threatened by an advancing Viking army. A messenger's warning sends dread throughout the Abbey, as it transforms from a sanctuary into a refuge for fleeing villagers.

In his anger, Cellach imprisons Brendan and Aidan in the scriptorium, just as the Vikings breach the Abbey's gates. The attack leads to chaos, culminating in the scriptorium catching fire and trapping Brendan and Aidan.

Amidst the chaos, Brendan and Aidan cleverly use green smoke from gallberry ink to escape the burning scriptorium. They flee into the forest, clutching the illuminated manuscript and accompanied by Pangur Bán.

During their flight, the Vikings capture the manuscript but recklessly destroy its ornate cover, discarding its pages. Aisling's wolves come to the rescue, aiding Brendan in recovering the last page amid the turmoil.

Over the next several years, Brendan and Aidan journey across Ireland, ultimately completing the Book of Kells. Aidan entrusts the finished tome to Brendan before passing away, leaving him to carry on their legacy.

Brendan returns to the ruins of Kells as an adult, where he finds a gravely injured Cellach amidst the wreckage of the Abbey. In a heartfelt reunion, Brendan shows Cellach the completed Book of Kells, symbolizing hope and resilience.