An animated feature film follows the creation of the Book of Kells, an illuminated Celtic Gospel book in Latin containing the four Gospels of the New Testament. The Book is considered a masterpiece of Western calligraphy and Insular illumination. Its vibrant colors and intricate illustrations combine traditional Christian iconography with the ornate swirling motifs typical of Insular art.

Book of Kells (Codex Cenannensis / Leabhar Cheanannais) also known as Book of Columba, is an illuminated Celtic Gospel book in Latin, containing the four Gospels of the New Testament and several passages from the earlier Vetus Latina Bible. It is believed to have been created around 800 AD. The Book of Kells surpasses other Insular Gospel books in the extravagance and complexity of its illustrations and ornamentation, which combine traditional Christian iconography with the ornate swirling motifs typical of Insular art. Figures of humans, animals, and mythical beasts, together with Celtic knots and interlacing patterns in vibrant colors, enliven the manuscript’s pages. The Book of Kells is regarded as a masterwork of Western calligraphy and the pinnacle of Insular illumination. It takes its name from the Abbey of Kells, County Meath, where it was housed for centuries.

Set in the 9th century, the Northmen attack Ireland, destroying everything in their path in search of gold and the island of Iona, believed to be the home of Brother Aidan, creator of the Book of Iona, which was first established 200 years ago by Saint Columbkille

Brendan (Evan McGuire), an apprentice in the scriptorium of the monastery at Kells, lives under the care of his stern uncle, Abbot Cellach (Brendan Gleeson). The Abbot is obsessed with building a wall around the abbey to protect it from Viking attacks.

Aidan (Mick Lally), accompanied by his white cat, Pangur Bán, arrives in Kells after his monastery at Iona is destroyed by a raid. Abbot Cellach is concerned that the Northmen may follow Aidan to Kells, putting everyone in danger, as Aidan carries the Book of Iona, an unfinished but highly revered national treasure.

Brendan, curious about the Book, eagerly assists Brother Aidan, who tasks him with retrieving gall nuts from the woods. Despite being forbidden to leave the abbey’s walls, Brendan sneaks out into the woods with Pangur Bán. As they venture deeper into the forest, they are cornered by a pack of hungry wolves. Fortunately, they are saved by the fairy Aisling (Christen Mooney) who also leads them to the gall nuts, which are used to create emerald green ink for the Book.

Aidan confesses that he has become too old, his eyes go weary, his wrist is not what it used to be. Seeing Brendan as a suitable apprentice, he wishes to train Brendan to finish the Book. But the Eye of Columbkille was destroyed while Aiden fleeing from the Northmen attack.

To complete the Book, Brendan must venture into the Cave of Crom Cruach, a Celtic pagan deity residing in a strange realm of darkness, to retrieve the remaining eye.

The Secret of Kells is the first animated feature film from Cartoon Saloon that Tomm Moore co-founded with Nora Twomey and Paul Young. The film showcases uniquely beautiful hand-drawn images with intricate details and masterful use of color. The captivating story, albeit unsuitable for young children at times, is elevated by the enchanting music of French composer Bruno Coulais, which perfectly captures the mood and tone of the film. The ending also leaves a lasting impression.

The Secret of Kells premiered at Internationale Filmfestspiele Berlin on 8 February 2009. The film was theatrically released in Belgium and France on 11 February and in Ireland on 3 March.

Awards

• Directors Finders Award — Directors Finders Series in Ireland (2008)
• Audience Award — Annecy International Animated Film Festival (2008)
• Audience Award — Edinburgh International Film Festival (2009)
• Roy E. Disney Award — Seattle’s 2D Or Not 2D Film Festival (2009)
• Grand Prize — Seoul International Cartoon and Animation Festival (2009)
• Audience Award — Kecskemét Animation Film Festival (2009)
• Best Animation Award — Irish Film and Television Awards (2010)
• European Animated Feature Award — British Animation Awards (2010)