Introduction -- I. ORDAINING KINGS: THE POLITICS OF ROYAL RITUAL IN IRELAND CIRCA 700 A.D -- 1. The Ordination of Aidán in Adomnán's Vita Columbae -- 2. The Concept of Ordination in the Collectio canonum Hibernensis -- 3. Adomnán, Ruben and Cú Chuimne: The Personal Aspect -- 4. Kingship and the Church: The Politico-Historical Background of the Iona Ordination References -- 5. Results -- II. THE COLLECTIO CANONUM HIBERNENSIS AND THE ORIGIN OF ROYAL ANOINTING IN FRANCIA -- 1. The Transmission Problem -- 2. Pippin and Virgil of Salzburg -- III. ORDAINING PIPPIN: POLITICAL PROPAGANDA AND THE RECEPTION OF THE UNCTION CONCEPT IN FRANCIA -- 1. The Historical Background and the Arguments of the Anti-Pippin Opposition -- 2. Biblical Kingship, the Papacy and the Franks -- 3. The Powers of Kings and the Powers of Holy Oil -- 4. The Royal Touch -- IV. CONCLUSIONS -- Abbreviations -- Bibliography -- Index of Personal Names and Places.