Ten different cases of marriage, or sexual relations, were recognized by Brehon law. (lanamnus).

They are as follows:

1) union of equal rank. This was the ideal, and encouraged.

2) union of different rank, woman supported on man's property.

3) union of different rank, man supported on woman's property. The man, however, was not a "kept man", he needed to do the farming, etc., on the woman's property.

4) the concubine (ben charrthach, or loved woman). Rights were available to her.

5) man and woman who keep company with each other, but do not live together, nor do they wholey support each other.

6) the abducted woman. She has rights, as do any offspring that come of the adbuction.

7) the wandering soldier and his woman.

8) union of deception. The man bore specific obligations to a woman so taken advantage of (presumably via her being asleep, or passed out.)

9) forced union. The violence had to be repaired under brehon laws, and any restitution made for honor to the victim and her family. However, any offspring of this were recognized.

10) union of levity. Which is considered to be the union between lunatics, and those incapable of reason.

More later!