The third-person narrative describes a vision of heaven and hell attributed to Adamnán (d. 704 AD), abbot of Hy and Iona and primary biographer of Saint Columba.
He is led by his guardian angel on a tour of heaven, an intermediate dwelling place, and hell,[10] which is positioned to the west.
For the birds and the Archangels lead the music, and then the Heavenly Host, with the Saints and Virgins, make response.Birds often embody spiritual beings or serve as messengers in Celtic hagiography.
[16] Clergy who break their vows are regarded as impostors, and every hour they are borne upward toward the clouds and then cast into the depth of hell.
[21] The reverse is true for sinners: the bridge seems wide-open at first, but becomes so narrow that they fall into the waiting jaws of "eight red-hot serpents" with eyes like burning coals who lurk below.
[23] Adamnán is prepared to take his rest in heaven, but is abruptly charged with relating what he has seen to the people of Earth, and is returned to his body.