Brother Eadulf

Brother Eadulf is a fictional character created by Peter Tremayne ("nom de plume" of the Celtic scholar and author Peter Berresford Ellis). He appears in the Sister Fidelma series of mystery novels, set in 7th-century Britain.

A Saxon converted to Christianity by an Irish monk, Brother Eadulf has studied medicine at the great medical school of Tuaim Brecain in Ireland. He becomes the partner, companion, friend (and later husband) of the mediaeval "detective", Sister Fidelma. The two characters first meet in the novel "Absolution by Murder", which is set during the Synod of Whitby, and their relationship (both intellectual, philosophical and personal) develops throughout the series.

Tremayne uses Brother Eadulf's status as an outsider to the Celtic communities in which many of his and Fidelma's cases take place to provide explanations about legal and cultural matters to his readers. This allows Tremayne to include many fascinating details about the history of the Celtic church and society, without overtly appearing to educate.

Brother Eadulf is a stolid man and often provides a much-needed stability to Fidelma during emotionally difficult cases. His medical assistance is also often very valuable.