Snake Free: Irish

Ever heard of St. Patrick? He is the patron saint of Ireland for the miracles he did there, but the main one, is quite different: It is said that he drove the snakes of the Irish territory! In mid-fifth century he would have climbed to the top of a hill with his staff and led them all into the sea, where they drowned. And really, if you go to that island today, you'll only find snakes at the zoo ...

Saint Patrick: The anti-snake

 
This story of Saint Patrick is pure metaphor: A snake, in some cultures represent Paganism. Saint Patrick is so well known in that country, to eliminate these cultures in Irish territory. So if it was not, what is it? It's simple: When the snakes were formed 65 million years ago, Ireland was still under water, and the last time that Ireland was among the continent, it was 15,000 years ago, when the world was undergoing a severe Ice Age. If a snake had tried to get in there, would have frozen in less than 15 minutes. Probably today, if some want to go there, you have to swim 20 miles in the cold seas of the world! So dear snake, give up!