Skellig Darwinian Spirituality

Compatibility of Darwinian Science and Blakean Spirituality: Healing through Physical and Metaphysical means in Skellig
Role of medicine in society has drastically grown and developed over the course of history having impact from our conception till our eventual death. The critically acclaimed novel, Skellig by David Almond medicine is a major motif that serves as the catalyst for the plot and theme of the novel. Medicine in the novel is presented such that it leads into two seemingly contrasting realms in terms of the healing that is observed with the physical and the spiritual aspect of healing. However, despite these contrasting aspects to medicine it is used seamlessly to create a positive outlook in the novel which leads to the healing
MacNabola. He has implied that healing for physical means for Skellig will not resolve his illness and he ironically acknowledges “the potential for healing through spiritual rather than scientific means—he has made it possible for the science that he represents to have equal validity with the supernatural world Skellig embodies” (Sahm 124). Blakean spirituality also appears when Dr. MacNabola’s makes reference to the William Blake. This opens a debate about the compatibility of spiritual views and scientific views which in major circumstances conflict with each. However, David Almond demonstrates that they can complement each other and can work synergistically when the other is insufficient in resolving the issue as is observed with spiritual healing of Skellig and eventually the physical healing of
Skellig breaks the idea of having a single epistemological system or tradition and suggests that children must need to understand entirely unique knowledge hierarchies, their benefits, their flaws and most importantly the fact that sometimes the more rational approach might not be able to explain everything. This is critical objectivity and unbiased approach to differentiate epistemological systems is essential in times of adversity as is seen with Michael who is dealing not only with trying to help Skellig become a heaven bound angel instead of one who is trapped on Earth. Almond seems to indicate several times that the outcome of Michael and Mina healing Skellig is intertwined with the fate of Michael’s sister, Joy. Michael feels powerless and is uncertain of his sister’s fate which places further emphasis on the active process with Mina in the healing of Skellig. Bullen and Parson summarize this by stating, “Michael is helpless to intervene or assist with the procedures imposed by the doctors who are caring for his sister, he and Mina are actively able to help Skellig”