Story Archaeology: Recent Episodes
Chris Thompson and Isolde Carmody
Story Archaeology combines the breadth of knowledge and skills of the storyteller with academic exploration of ancient texts. We focus on the Irish tradition, peeling back the layers of modern folklore to unearth the potsherds and treasuries of our heritage. At https://storyarchaeology.com, you will find regular podcasts and articles about Irish Mythology by the Story Archaeologists; Chris Thompson and Isolde Carmody.
The story of Sinann, who gave her name to the river Shannon, was first recorded, in written form, in the Metrical Dindshenchas, 'the Lore of Prominent Places'. Such tales morph and shapeshift as they are retold through time yet still retain unexpected applicabilities. Join Chris as she traces her own meandering journey in Sinann's company.A transcript for this episode is availableA selection of Story Archaeology links for this episodeIsolde and I shared two conversations on the story of Sinann. Mythical Woman 1 ~ Sinann was the first episode we ever recorded. Later in series 5 we added a lot of new information to the topic in Revisiting Sinann .The Sinann Poems from the Dindshenchas with translations by IsoldeMore poems about Sinann from the Metrical DindshenchasThe re-telling of the story as written in the Barrel Store by the Shannon Conversations with Ralph Kenna. The first covers Myths and Maths and the Arts for Sinann competition The second introduces and discusses the ÉIRÍ projectThe Kyiv Bylyny Cycle: a new paper from Professor Ralph KennaThe Extraordinary Story of Sinann, a paper led by Ralph Kenna in 2023A Conversation with Professor Patrick NunnA short video based on the presentation given at the 2023 International Association for Comparative Mythology Conference at RathcroghanArts Projects: Links on Story ArchaeologyThe Arts Projects page contains links to The Arts for Sinann, and ÉIRÍ project, Celtic Eye, Clare Millege's Sinann installation and much more.For more recent and upcoming projects involving the story of Sinann. listen to A Conversation with Tamlyn Young, a Limerick lecturer and artist specialising., especially in her current project on augmented reality art and storytelling or A Conversation with Philippa Klaiper an artist, specialising in photography.I add my current video children's version of the Sinann story belowhttps://youtu.be/cSjIrlrwyCc?si=xTLdHaumrjEFGrpL
William Robinson: Tallanbanna with cloud front. 1988The Irish Otherworld goes by many names, Tír na mBeo, the Land of the Living, or Emhain Abhlach, the Plain of Apples, for example. It is a world that, in Irish mythology, lies unseen, adjacent to our own, a source of beauty and fertility and occasionally, danger. Join Chis as she explores its boundaries and wonders if it is, indeed, unique. This audio article is based on a paper I wrote a while back now, but for some reason was not published on Story Archaeology. A transcript with notes included is available for this episode.Links for this episodeEchtrae Nerai Story 1 ~ Corpse Carrying For Beginners Story 2 ~ Dindshenchas Episode: 08Tochmarc Étaíne (Dindshenchas: Episodes 09, 10 and 11)The Story Of Macha Compert Con Culainn Circling the Táin 03: The Birth Pangs of UlsterDownload the transcript for this episode containing notes and further references.
s explanation of the many grades of poet that existed, File, Bards, and even Bramble HoundsA useful article on the background to pre-Norman, early Irish law. The Lost Legal System: Pre-Common Law Ireland and the Brehon Law by Dr Noelle HigginsFled Bricrenn: The Road to Cruachan
modern re-telling of the Cath Maige Tuired designed for a wider audience including, but not limited, to older children.A telling of the Táin bó FraíchThe Well and the Cheese ~ The unlikely story of Medb and her sistersIf you explore further into the Story Archaeology archive You will encounter plenty of other articles, translations and information concerning the Mythological Cycle.
t have had more thoughtful and interesting companions. Your insights and interests really enhanced the whole experience. Thanks also to our guide KiKi who was knowledgeable , patient and, well, fun!Thanks also to Travel the Unknown a company I would highly recommend for their friendly, easily accessed support, choice of trips, and flexibility.
This audio re-telling of ‘The Battle of Moytura’ is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In this final part. The heroes Ogma, the Dagda along with Lugh set out to put things right ensuring the land will become green and growing once more.Discover more about the The Cath Maige TuiredNotes for this storyIn this final section. Lugh, The Dagda and Ogma go to an un-named Fomoire feasting hall to recover the Dagda's harp. The Irish harp became a symbol representingIreland from the fouding of the Irish Free State in 1922 and had appeared on flags representing national and cultural identity long before that. It still appears on passports, coins and many official documents. Whether the symbol of the harp refers back to the Dagda's 'Harp of the Four Quarters' is doubtful but the Irish harp and the unique skills and knowledge of the early harpers is certain.If you would like to read the poetry of the Morrigan in translation you can find Isolde's unique translations here. These are very hard to find elsewhere as the early Irish is very obscure.Moytura secion 162 -167Appologies for the slightly husky voice. I will re-record once my voice has recoveredStatue of Turlough O'Carolan in Mohill LeitrimMusic: Lamentum from SacrumProfanum , Ben Dwyer
his audio re-telling of 'The Battle of Moytura' is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In part 11: The Great Battle, the Dé Danann, and the Fomoire come to blows and we discover what happens when the giant, Balor's withering eye is finally opened.The Labby rockDiscover more about the The Cath Maige TuiredThe Labby rock is a portal Domen. In folklore it is said to be the place where Nuada was buried.You can find the site where the Moytura story is set on the high plain to the east of Lough Arrow in County Sligo.Moytura 127 - 161Music: Lamentum from SacrumProfanum , Ben Dwyer
Heapstown CairnThis audio re-telling of 'The Battle of Moytura' is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In part 10: The Well and the Forge, Dian Cécht and Goibnu keep their promises but there are tragic results for Ruadhán, son of Bres when the Fomoire strike back.Discover more about the The Cath Maige TuiredFind out more about The Well of Octriul: Heapstown Cairn Notes for this storyYou can still see Octriallach’s cairn. It is near Loch Arrow. and today it is known as Heapstown cairn. It is a megalithic passage tomb around 5000 years old and was once much higher than it is today.Keening was a traditional Irish form of vocal lament for the dead practiced by women until the early part of the 20th C. This tale suggests that it was connected with Brig.Cath Maige Tuired: 122 -126Music: Lamentum from SacrumProfanum , Ben Dwyer
This audio re-telling of 'The Battle of Moytura' is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In part 9: The Muster, Lugh gathers together the finest heroes and craftsmen from the Tuatha Dé Danann to find out just what marvels they can offer!Discover more about the The Cath Maige TuiredNotes for this storyPart 9 is shorter and just offers the one story. Although nothing much happens it represents an important 'breathing space' before the events of the main battle begin. This is one of the sections of the text that demonstrates the tales oral origins.It is there to remind the audience of the main characters and all their special abilities. Cath Maige Tuired: 95-121Music: Lamentum from SacrumProfanum , Ben Dwyer
This audio re-telling of 'The Battle of Moytura' is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In part 8, What the Dagda Did Next , the 'Big Man' gets to consume a whole cauldron of food all by himself goes on to and encounters two extraordinary women Battle Poets.Discover more about the The Cath Maige TuiredNotes for this storyI have had to take a slightly 'Lady Gregory' approach to this section as the description of the encounter between Dagda and Indech's daughter is, somewhat, explicit, and I want to ensure these re-tellings are fully appropriate for an older primary age-group, as well as an adult one.This encounter includes an example of a poetic 'battle-rap.' The original sequence which begins with the Dagda's name wordplay has the quality of early Rosc poetry where each short alliterative line re-translates the one that goes before. For more listen to this podcast conversation or read Isolde's post on the Names of the Dagda.It is well worth re-telling these stories as they introduce two of these powerful battle poets and illustrate the inportant roles expected to be undertaken by women in these early stories.Cath Maige Tuired: 83 - 94Music: Lamentum from SacrumProfanum , Ben Dwyer
Lugh: Jim FitzpatrickThe battle of Moytura is better known as the Mythological story cycle. This audio re-telling is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In part 7, The Arrival of the Ildánach , the looming dread of invadion by the Fomoire is met by the arrival of a remarkable stranger. But will this help?Discover more about the The Cath Maige TuiredNotes for this storyThis is a slightly shorter chapter, running at around 12 minutes but it is sometimes trick to find natural breaks in what is a continuous narrative.I haven't named all of Nuada's 'experts' but the meanings of their names are fascinating. Isolde's translations do shed so much light on early medieval society.Cath Maige Tuired: 52-82Irish mythological and hero tales were not originally written for a young audience. No they were intended for an adult audience gathered together at feasts, Óenachs and to mark special events,. Youngsters may well have been present, may have enjoyed them, but tales weren’t considered as juvenelia.However they contain so much that younger audiences will enjoy. They are full of adventures and wonders. They have characters, both male and female who show courage, compassion, and comradeship and who demonstrate a sense of wonder, a sense of purpose, and, most definitely a sense of humour.I tell all of these stories regularly in schools and libraries. I have also recorded them as audio stories and I am happy to share them. Why? Well first they need to be shared. Second, I love audiobooks. As a story teller, I think these stories work best in this format.Have fun. ChrisMusic: Lamentum from SacrumProfanum , Ben Dwyer
The battle of Moytura is better known as the Mythological story cycle. This audio re-telling is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. We find out what the Fomoire king , Elaha thinks of his son's actions among the Dé Danann and we hear the disturbing tale of Eithliu, daughter of Balor, and her baby son Lugh.Discover more about the The Cath Maige TuiredDiscover more about the The Cath Maige TuiredNotes for this story: The birth of Lugh on Balor's isle (Tory Island) is not included in the textual version of the story but has suvived as an orally transmitted story. I think this makes it extra interesting.Balor's daughter's name has several variants. You will find her refered to as Ethliu, Ethlinn, Ethlin or Ethne. Isolde favoured Ethliu.In one oral version, three babies are thrown into the sea. Lugh in Welsh, Lleu (Llew Llaw Gyffes) is a second, secret baby born to Arianrhod, the first, Dylan is also thrown to the sea. Read 'Lugh Who? Where did he come from?' to find out more.Cath Maige Tuired 44 -51Irish mythological and hero tales were not originally written for a young audience. No they were intended for an adult audience gathered together at feasts, Óenachs and to mark special events,. Youngsters may well have been present, may have enjoyed them, but tales weren’t considered as juvenelia.However they contain so much that younger audiences will enjoy. They are full of adventures and wonders. They have characters, both male and female who show courage, compassion, and comradeship and who demonstrate a sense of wonder, a sense of purpose, and, most definitely a sense of humour.I tell all of these stories regularly in schools and libraries. I have also recorded them as audio stories and I am happy to share them. Why? Well first they need to be shared. Second, I love audiobooks. As a story teller, I think these stories work best in this format.Have fun ChrisHave fun. ChrisMusic: Lamentum from SacrumProfanum , Ben Dwyer
Jim FitzPatrickThe battle of Moytura is better known as the Mythological story cycle. This audio re-telling is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In part 5, Betrayal, Coipre the chief poet, finally manages to find a way of getting rid of Bress. But Bress comes up with a deceitful plan involving dark consequences.10(ish) to adult!Discover more about the The Cath Maige TuiredCath Maige Tuired 36 - 43Irish mythological and hero tales were not originally written for a young audience. No they were intended for an adult audience gathered together at feasts, Óenachs and to mark special events,. Youngsters may well have been present, may have enjoyed them, but tales weren’t considered as juvenelia.However they contain so much that younger audiences will enjoy. They are full of adventures and wonders. They have characters, both male and female who show courage, compassion, and comradeship and who demonstrate a sense of wonder, a sense of purpose, and, most definitely a sense of humour.I tell all of these stories regularly in schools and libraries. I have also recorded them as audio stories and I am happy to share them. Why? Well first they need to be shared. Second, I love audiobooks. As a story teller, I think these stories work best in this format.Have fun ChrisMusic: Lamentum from SacrumProfanum: Ben Dwyer
ceramic on glass by Chris ThompsonThe battle of Moytura is better known as the Mythological story cycle. This audio re-telling is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In part 4,The Healers, we discover how Nuada achieves another shot at the kingship, the sad fate of Miach, Dian Cécht's son and we meet his sister, Aimed, a gifted herbalist.10(ish) to adult!Discover more about the The Cath Maige TuiredListen to the podcast episode on AirmedNotes for Part 4: The healers: When Isolde and I were working on this text we did wonder if this episode conerning Miach's death and 'rebirth' in the form of new plant growth might have once had an alternate context. Etymologically speaking. Dian Cécht has the meaning 'Eager Plough.' Miach and Airmid are both words used for measures of grain. So the cutting down of Miach, his burial and the regeneration of new geowth from the site where he was 'planted' has much in common with a number of agrarian myths; for example, Isis and Osiris or even, in the Uk, John Barleycorn.In this audo re-telling. I have just kept to the story, as it is given in the text(s), concentrating on the characters, their actions and their relationships rather than any inherant symbolism that they may carry.Cath Maige Tuired 33 -35a gift from AbydosMusc: Lamentum from SacrumProfanum: Ben Dwyer
The battle of Moytura is better known as the Mythological story cycle. This audio re-telling is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In part 3, Wasteland, Dagda tells how the Dé Danann were mistreated and starved and we meet the terrifying one-eyed Formoire giant Balor and discover his strange story,10(ish) to adult!Discover more about the The Cath Maige TuiredCath Maige Tuired: 26 - 32Irish mythological and hero tales were not originally written for a young audience. No they were intended for an adult audience gathered together at feasts, Óenachs and to mark special events,. Youngsters may well have been present, may have enjoyed them, but tales weren’t considered as juvenelia.However they contain so much that younger audiences will enjoy. They are full of adventures and wonders. They have characters, both male and female who show courage, compassion, and comradeship and who demonstrate a sense of wonder, a sense of purpose, and, most definitely a sense of humour.I tell all of these stories regularly in schools and libraries. I have also recorded them as audio stories and I am happy to share them. Why? Well first they need to be shared. Second, I love audiobooks. As a story teller, I think these stories work best in this format.Have fun. ChrisMusic: Lamentum from SacrumProfanum: Ben Dwyer
The battle of Moytura is bettter known as the Mythological story cycle. This audio re-telling is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In part 2, Shadow of the Fomoire, we meet the the young warrior Bres. We discover just how he came to be chosen as the Dé Danann king and gets to uncover a dark Formoire secret!.ten(ish) to adultDiscover more about the The Cath Maige TuiredCath Maige Tuired 15 -25Irish mythological and hero tales were not originally written for a young audience. No they were intended for an adult audience gathered together at feasts, Óenachs and to mark special events,. Youngsters may well have been present, may have enjoyed them, but tales weren’t considered as juvenelia.However they contain so much that younger audiences will enjoy. They are full of adventures and wonders. They have characters, both male and female who show courage, compassion, and comradeship and who demonstrate a sense of wonder, a sense of purpose, and, most definitely a sense of humour.I tell all of these stories regularly in schools and libraries. I have also recorded them as audio stories and I am happy to share them. Why? Well first they need to be shared. Second, I love audiobooks. As a story teller, I think these stories work best in this format.Have fun ChrisMusic: Lamentum from SacrumProfanum , Ben Dwyer
Jim FitzpatrickThe battle of Moytura is better known as the Mythological story cycle. This audio re-telling is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In part 1, The First Battle, we meet the Firbolg champion, Streng and the Dé Danann king, Nuada and discover what happened when they met at the first battle of Moytura.ten(ish) to adultDiscover more about the The Cath Maige TuiredCath Maige Tuired 1-14Irish mythological and hero tales were not originally written for a young audience. No they were intended for an adult audience gathered together at feasts, Óenachs and to mark special events,. Youngsters may well have been present, may have enjoyed them, but tales weren’t considered as juvenelia.However they contain so much that younger audiences will enjoy. They are full of adventures and wonders. They have characters, both male and female who show courage, compassion, and comradeship and who demonstrate a sense of wonder, a sense of purpose, and, most definitely a sense of humour.I tell all of these stories regularly in schools and libraries. I have also recorded them as audio stories and I am happy to share them. Why? Well first they need to be shared. Second, I love audiobooks. As a story teller, I think these stories work best in this format.Have fun. ChrisMusic: Lamentum from SacrumProfanum , Ben Dwyer
Fergus was a man with a plan. He wanted to become, and remain, the most important king in Ulster. Discover how this got him into such trouble with a horrible water monster! This entertaining, and funny story also offers a chance to see just how life was organised in Ireland long before the Normans arrived.This is a ideal Introductory story which sets these wonderful tales firmly into their pre-Norman context.For eight and over's.Irish mythological and hero tales were not originally written for a young audience. No they were intended for an adult audience gathered together at feasts, Óenachs and to mark special events,. Youngsters may well have been present, may have enjoyed them, but tales weren't considered as juvenelia. However they contain so much that younger audience will enjoy. They are full of adventures and wonders. They have characters, both male and female who show courage, compassion, and comradeship and who demonstrate a sense of wonder, a sense of purpose, and, most definitely a sense of humour. I tell all of these stories regularly in schools and libraries. I have also recorded them as audio stories and I am happy to share them. Why? Well first they need to be shared. Second, I love audiobooks. As a story teller, I think these stories work best in this format. Have fun. Chris
Findabhair was the long suffering daughter of Medh of Connacht,. She was used to her mother's dramatic determination, but the quarrel she overheard one night, began a long series of events that eventually lead to war and destruction. The story is often known as 'The pillow talk'.For adults: Explore this link for more background on the Ulster Cycle storiesIrish mythological and hero tales were not originally written for a young audience. No they were intended for an adult audience gathered together at feasts, Óenachs and to mark special events,. Youngsters may well have been present, may have enjoyed them, but tales weren't considered as juvenelia. However they contain so much that younger audience will enjoy. They are full of adventures and wonders. They have characters, both male and female who show courage, compassion, and comradeship and who demonstrate a sense of wonder, a sense of purpose, and, most definitely a sense of humour.I tell all of these stories regularly in schools and libraries. I have also recorded them as audio stories and I am happy to share them. Why? Well first they need to be shared. Second, I love audiobooks. As a story teller, I think these stories work best in this format. Have fun Chris
Storytelling in changing timesKate LionisIt is always exciting when new scientific research is able to throw a new light on ancient stories. Join Chris in a new and wide-ranging ramble as she explores the extaordinary vistas of the early Irish Cath Maige Tuired (The Battle of Moytura) and contemplates a neolithic tragedy.Links for this podcast episodeStory Archaeology linksThe Battle of Moytura: Explore Series 2 (Episodes 1-6)The Battle of Moytura: Explore Series 2 Episodes 7-12Listen to a Conversation with Anthony Murphy from Mythical IrelandListen to a Conversation with Professor Patrick NunnExternal LinksNeil Carlin: Understanding Bell Beaker identities in Ireland - people, places and identities Repeated plague infections across six generations of Neolithic Farmers (Paper in 'Nature' July 24)Last Humans Standing with geneticist, David Reich (This particular talk does offer a clear explanation of recent genetic based evidence but is very long. I will try to provide a preferable discussion, or similar. )David Anthony and Dorcas R. Brown: The Yamnaya Origins and the Expansion of Late PIE Languages, For those interested in liguistic exploration. I found David Anthony's The Horse, the Wheel and Language extremely useful in understanding how, where and why the bronze age migration took place. . Much of what he wrote in 2015 is now even better supported by recent genetic evidence.Music for story: Lamentation by Ben Dwyer from SacrumProfanum
Every hero in Irish stories had something to boast about, a super-skill or a magical piece of kit! Finn and his friends were no different. They were the best fighters, the greatest hunters, and the most inspiring poets. Yes, you had to be good at poetry to join the Fianna! But there was one hero whose special ability was unique. Meet Conan Maol!Irish mythological and hero tales were not originally written for a young audience. No they were intended for an adult audience gathered together at feasts, Óenachs and to mark special events,. Youngsters may well have been present, may have enjoyed them, but tales weren't considered as juvenelia. However they contain so much that younger audience will enjoy. They are full of adventures and wonders. They have characters, both male and female who show courage, compassion, and comradeship and who demonstrate a sense of wonder, a sense of purpose, and, most definitely a sense of humour.I tell all of these stories regularly in schools and libraries. I have also recorded them as audio stories and I am happy to share them. Why? Well first they need to be shared. Second, I love audiobooks. As a story teller, think these stories work best in this format. Have fun. Chris
This is probably one of the best - ever- Halloween (Samhain) stories. During this Rathcroghan feast, given by Ailill and Medb, Nera, has to face up to his boastful words and undertake a terrifying quest, through the Samhain-dark land and into another world and time. It is an remscéla adventure that will ensure Nera's role in the great Battle of the Bulls, the Táin Bó Cúailnge.Practical bitsThe story is in two partsPart 2 begins at 11.30 minsFor adults: Find out more about the background to this story.Irish mythological and hero tales were not originally written for a young audience. No they were intended for an adult audience gathered together at feasts, Óenachs and to mark special events,. Youngsters may well have been present, may have enjoyed them, but tales weren't considered as juvenelia. However they contain so much that younger audience will enjoy. They are full of adventures and wonders. They have characters, both male and female who show courage, compassion, and comradeship and who demonstrate a sense of wonder, a sense of purpose, and, most definitely a sense of humour.I tell all of these stories regularly in schools and libraries. I have also recorded them as audio stories and I am happy to share them. Why? Well first they need to be shared. Second, I love audiobooks. As a story teller, think these stories work best in this format. Hsve fun. Chris
Suggested age range around nine and upThe Two Pig Keeper poets, more often known as 'The Two Swineherds' is an early origin tale for the battle of the Two Bulls between Connacht and Ulster. It is an exciting story with plenty of time-and-shape shifting but most importantly, stands as a reminder of why it is works out best for everybody to avoid quarrelling with your neighbours!For adults: Explore this link for a lot more on the original taleIrish mythological and hero tales were not originally written for a young audience. No they were intended for an adult audience gathered together at feasts, Óenachs and to mark special events,. Youngsters may well have been present, may have enjoyed them, but tales weren't considered as juvenelia. However they contain so much that younger audience will enjoy. They are full of adventures and wonders. They have characters, both male and female who show courage, compassion, and comradeship and who demonstrate a sense of wonder, a sense of purpose, and, most definitely a sense of humour.I tell all of these stories regularly in schools and libraries. I have also recorded them as audio stories and I am happy to share them. Why? Well first they need to be shared. Second, I love audiobooks. As a story teller, I think these stories work best in this format. Have fun. Chris
Suggested age range around nine and up.So just what did Cú Chulainn get up to while he was still only a boy and how did he become such a famous warrior? This story is told by Scathach the woman who trained him how to fight! Find out what Uathach, Scathach's daughter, thought about it all, and then make up your own mind!For adults: Explore this link for a lot more on the original tale.Irish mythological and hero tales were not originally written for a young audience. No they were intended for an adult audience gathered together at feasts, Óenachs and to mark special events. Youngsters may well have been present, may have enjoyed them, but tales weren't considered as juvenelia. However they contain so much that younger audience will enjoy. They are full of adventures and wonders. They have characters, both male and female who show courage, compassion, and comradeship and who demonstrate a sense of wonder, a sense of purpose, and, most definitely a sense of humour.I tell all of these stories regularly in schools and libraries. I have also recorded them as audio stories and I am happy to share them. Why? Well first they need to be shared. Second, I love audiobooks. As a story teller, I think these stories work best in this format. Have fun. Chris
Suggested age range: 9 and on up!A bit about the original story When Bricriu decides to hold a party, anyone who is anyone must put in an appearance. But Bricriu has no intention of getting in a few beers and a few bowls of nibbles. No, Bricriu’s feast will set the greatest heroes of Ulster at each other’s throats and send them racing off on adventures throughout Ireland.This story incudes giants, mysterious monsters, killer cats, mad competitions. racing, feasting and wvwn a scary but it-turns-out-fine ending. It has EVERYTHING!Practical bits: The story is told in four sections. Part 2 begins at 14 mins 50Part 3 begins at 25 mins 13Part4 begins at 40.26For adults: Explore this link for a lot more on the original tale. (episodes 4-7)Irish mythological and hero tales were not originally written for a young audience. No they were intended for an adult audience gathered together at feasts, Óenachs and to mark special events,. Younsters may well have been present, may have enjoyed them, but they weren't considered juvenelia. However they contain so much that younger audience will enjoy. They are full of adventures and wonders. They have characters, both male and female who show courage, compassion, ans comeradeship and who demonstrate a sense of wonder, a sense of purpose, and, most definitely a sense of humour.I tell all of these stories regularly in schools and libraries. I have also recorded them as audio stories and I am happy to share them. Why? Well first they need to be shared. Second, I love audiobooks. As a story teller, I think these stories work best in this format. Have fun, Chris
A Finn MacCumhail storySuggested age range: 9 and on up!In this hilarious tale we take a canter through a Fenian tale of surly servants, a seabound horse, , hairy horrors and a battle with the High-King of the World. All in a day’s work for Finn and the Fianna.Practical bitsPart 2 begins at 8 mins 35Part 3 begins at 17 mins 34For adults: Explore this link for a lot more on the original tale.Irish mythological and hero tales were not originally written for a young audience. No they were intended for an adult audience gathered together at feasts, Óenachs and to mark special events,. Younsters may well have been present, may have enjoyed them, but they weren't considered juvenelia. However they contain so much that younger audience will enjoy. They are full of adventures and wonders. They have characters, both male and female who show courage, compassion, ans comeradeship and who demonstrate a sense of wonder, a sense of purpose, and, most definitely a sense of humour.I tell all of these stories regularly in schools and libraries. I have also recorded them as audio stories and I am happy to share them. Why? Well first they need to be shared. Second, I love audiobooks. As a story teller, I think these stories work best in this format. Have fun. Chris
Sana Malik grew up in Pakistan, and has been a widely travelled humanitarian aid-worker. Ireland is now her spiritual home. Join Chris and Sana as they discuss two favourite Irish stories, 'The Voyage of Bran' and the 'Story of Sinann', exploring 'Silver Branch Perception' and the relatabilty of mythology to the voyages of life.Sana and I intend to share further conversations. In the next conversation we would like to share stories originating in the Indian subcontinent. I expect to learn a lot!Story Archaeology Links for this Episode The story of Sinann: podcast episodes and Dindshenchas translations. (You will find access to all this material on one page through this link.)Explore a short video on the 'remarkable meanderings of the Sinann story'Listen to the Podcast: Immrám Brain Mac FebulFind Chris' telling of The Otherworld Apple BranchThe Text of Immram Brain Part 1: The Woman's Poem. Translation by IsoldeFind out more about Mongan, the hero poet child heralded to Bran by Manannan. Episodes 9 to 11 of Series 4: Rowing Around Immráma cover his stories, including his meeting with Colmcille.External Links for this episode.Explore the life, work and writings of John Morriarty
Tamlyn Young is a Limerick lecturer and artist specialising., especially in her current project on augmented reality art and storytelling, to create place-based storytelling. She describes her practice as exploring the synergistic, potentials of analogue and digital to create an immersive narrative experience for the viewer.Links for this episodeThe story of Sinann: podcast episodes and Dindshenchas translations. (You will find access to all this material on one page through this link.)Ralph Kenna and the Arts for Sinann project. (You will be able to explore the way the Sinann story has been given back its relevance and a lot more, through this link.)Explore a short video on the 'remarkable meanderings of the Sinann story'Visit Tamlyn's WebsiteExplore Tamlyn's place-based narrative project.Explore the background to the project Explore Tamlyn's immersive augmented reality Sinann story.Take a glimpse inside the story.Watch out for more information as the project grows and flows!
The Eglone Stone, MoyturaWhat makes a story mythic? Why have so many cultures gathered, protected and passed on mythological stories? And, why do they matter today? Join Chris as she takes a personal look at myth and how much mythology still has relevance.Links for this episodeRead the full text of the Cath Maige TuiredExplore the Cath Maige Tuired on Story Archaeology : Episodes 1-6 and Episodes 7-12Explore the story of Gilgamesh. Read a summary of the story or take a deeper dive.Take a look at The Ark Before Noah by Irving FinkelEgyptian Folktales: The Doomed Prince, Explore some of Cú Chulainn’s Bizarre AdventuresThe heroic biography of Cú Chulainn By Lisa Gibney B.A.Explore the stories from the Táin on Story ArchaeologyThe best full version to read must be the Thomas Kinsella translation.
Daniel Curley is an archaeologist, author and manager of the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre . who has taken a particular interest in the mythological Connacht hero, Fraích. Join Chris and Daniel as they discuss the Táin bó Fraích, and discover how Daniel's research has revealed a far more important role for this 'lost' hero.Links for this EpisodeThe Handsomest Hero in Ireland a tale of two halves : Find out more about the paper that Daniel and Mike wrote along with Ralph Kenna.Explore the Rathcroghan visitor CentreOtherWorld: Nine Tales of Early Irish Literature: Lisa Bitel's book contains an excellent telling of the story of Fraích and FindabairA readable version of the story containing a few of the descriptions included in the text (with notes) T
Stories of The Big Wind of 1839 have been told and retold in Ireland for all of 186 years. Join Chris as she explores what makes weather events such as Oíche na Gaoithe Móire so memorable and considers whether Storm Eowyn, a storm of a similar destructive nature, will still be remembered so far into the future.Links for this episode Duchas.ie I counted wrongly in the audio article. . There are as many as 1562 transcribed stories under the title of 'The Big WindAticles and Papers I have found interesting.Met Éireann: Exceptional Weather Events: “Night of the Big Wind” paper by Lisa Shields and Denis Fitzgerald. This paper also contains a number of excellent references for further exploration.An Article from The Irish Times from 2017The night of the big wind: the impact of the storm on Loughrea by Keiran HickeyAn interview with Dr Hickey for RTÉ 's Histoy programme.An Article from the Connaught Telegragh 2018Armagh Observatory: The Night of the Big Wind by Mathew Patterson 2010The Ballad of the Night of the Big WindFrom the Dúchas Schools' CollectionCome all ye sons of Erin's Isle and listen to my songAbout old Ireland's windy night I wont detain yez long,There ne'er was such a night before, nor one thats kept in mind,Like the night of January the sixth in eighteen thirty-nine.~The Kerry cows (you know they're small) went soaring through the air;A funny sight it must have been to see them land in Clare.It blew the peaks of Cuddy's reeks then lept across the moor.Sure the people thought they all were kilt, the way the wind did roar.~In the County Tipperary, not far from Templemore,man named Tom McNulty and his wife and children four.Were lifted from their beds that night (the devil a lie I'll tell),And were carried bag and baggage to the town of Patrick's Well.~Another family of the Burkes that lived near SkibbereenWere blown from Cork to Kerry; they came down at Caherciveen.So pleasant was their journey as they rode upon the gale.That ne'er a one of them woke up I've often heard the tale.~In Limerick, thats my county, near the bogs of Ballygran,I used to hear me father tell how he and Pat McCannWere on their way home from a wake when men boreen and allWere wafted high up in the air and blown to Donegal~It carried ricks of hay and grain across the River Lee,But high above the storm rang out in far-flung melody.Those golden throated Shandon bells played by a magic handThe music of those bells that night was heard all o'er the land.~Thatched roofs were torn from cabins and transported far away,A jaunting car took wings at Cork, and flew to Bantry Bay.The jarvey who was driving it, as soon as he came downSaid "Jerra nouns but that's the way to go from town to town".~There never was a wind like that 'twas Little Christmas Night,From every cabin window gleamed the blessed candle's light.And that is why no lives were lost, at least that's what they say,Signs on the Irish always light a candle on this day~From a school in Co KerryI will get this recorded and added to the podcast episode a.s.a.p.
Leafless Ash in June (background)The effects of the die-back disease are slowly destroying most of Ireland's beautiful ash trees. Join Chris as she explores the sad story of this tree-tragedy that began in Leitrim more than a decade ago now and why it is important that everyone should know what is happening to our woodlands.The rot in the heartwood.Links for this episodeExplore Ireland's native trees: The Tree Council of IrelandFind out more about CRANN and its current activities: Trees for IrelandFind out more about COILLTE and the projects they support today.Read what TEAGASC have to say about Ash dieback and the future of Ash trees.Trees in Early Ireland by Fergus Kelly: Download the PDF to find out more about early medieval Irish law concerning trees
Lisa Bitel is a Professor of Religion and a Medieval historian specializing in Britain and Ireland. and is the author of her new book 'Otherworld'. Join Chris and Lisa as they explore some favourite stories and discuss how best to contintinue the transmission of these wonderful tales, from the deep past, to an audience today.Links for this episodeRead more abour Lisa's book Otherworld, Nine tales of early Irish literatureExplore more of Lisa's publicaionsStory Archaeology LinksOur conversation references a number of different stories and story cycles. Explore all the podcast links to episodes about Etain and Midir and Bricriu's feast (This episode was uploaded after a 22 hour power outage, immediately before I flew to the UK for Xmas. If there prove to be minor editing issues, they will be corected shortly)
Designed to protect and celebrate the unique Karst landscape of South Roscommon and its embedded mythologies and stories, the Uí Máine community project has grown and developed from the inspired work of three main groups, The Celtic Eye art group, the Karst Farming group and the Taughmaconnell Hall, community. Join Chris as she discovers more about their on-going achievements and awards.Links for this podcast Listen to the podcast A Conversation with Niola Bowes and Rosemary Carty from the Celtic Eye arts group.Find out about Celtic EyeFind out more about the Karst landscape project.View some of Uí Máine Project recent events.Find out more about the geological survey of south RoscommonFind out more on the The Uí Máine Project gallery page (available shortly)karst regions in Ireland
An Acallam na nÉces Samhain SpecialIn this seasonal special, the Story Archaeologists compare two stories of Samhain. But what could such stories tell us about life 100 or even 1,000 years ago? Find out as the Story Archaeologists, Chris and Isolde, go digging one dark night.I am reposting this episode, one of my personal favourites and one of the most popular, ever.Links for this Episodehttp://archive.org/details/legendsofsaintss00hyde - Legends of Saints and Sinners (Douglas Hyde).http://archive.org/details/fairyandfolktale33887gut - Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry (W. B. Yeats).http://www.celt.dias.ie/publications/celtica/c21.html - Celtica Vol. 21. The journal of the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies; School of Celtic Studies (includes the article Echtrae Nerai and its analogues by Seán Ó Coileáin pp. 427–440).
BanbhaBanbha is one of the three Dé Danann sisters, daughters of Ernmas, who gave their names to the land of Ireland, Ériu is the best known of the the three but Banbha has another, older, and less well known story to tell. Join Chris as she celebrates the birth of a new granddaughter named Banbha.Links for this episodeTake a look at the translation of The book of Invasions, The Lebor GabálaThe Lebor Gabála Érenn at a Glance: an Overview of the 11th Century Irish Book of Invasions. Author: Lloyd D. Graham. This is a very useful aid to gaining a handle on the interactions and familial connections of the characters. It includes very helpful tables and even graphs .The Irish National Origin-Legend: Synthetic Pseudohistory Author: John CareyThis is an excellent paper concerning how and why the Lebor Gabála Érenn may have been constructed. It was written a few years ago now but it is still rvery informative.Otherworld Women in Early Irish Literature Author: Heather C KayI only discovered this wonderful paper as I was completing this episode. I will be referencing it again, I am quite certain..Story Archaeology links for this episodeFor information on the Cath Maige Tuired or check out these links for texts.Creation Stories: A comparison of the Book of Invasions with other foundation stories.For the story of the two quarreling poet swineherds and bertayal of birth customs in the Táin cycle go to Series 6 'Circling the Táin' through the top navigation or through the link. For a new 'take' on the Lebor Gabála Érenn listen to the Stories in the Landscape conversation ‘The Writing of the Takings’.with Jamie Madden
The festival of Samhain, is one that has been celebrated, in one form or another, for a very long time. In the early Irish stories it was a time for gatherings and feasting. But how has it changed in more recent times? Join Chris as she explores The 'Schools' Folklore collection'' finding some fascinating Halloween tales. Links for this episodeTake a look at Allison's Gilbari's paper The Landscape of Halloween: A study of the landscape of Irish Halloween folklore and archaeology. I will be coming back to this excellent paper, soon, in Ramble 14Find out about the Halloween tradition of 'Souling'Take a listen to the 'Soul Cake' song.Take a look at a very interesting map illustrating the number of places in the world where Halloween is now celebrated.And, of course, explore the Schools' Collection for yourself.Story Archaeology Links for this episodeStories to Remember : More about the Schools' CollectionThe Voyage of Mael Duin (and the sticky ball of wool!)And take a listen to my favourite Samhain podcast 'special': Corpse Carrying for Beginners
Designed by Morgane Suquart for 'Paris 24' Olympics opening ceremony.This 'Ramble' is inpired by the silver rider on the River Seine at the Paris 24 Olympics. So join Chris as she explores the history and mythology of three great rivers, the Seine, the Severn and the Shannon and discovers just how their stories may just meander together.Explore a gallery page of images of places explored in this podcast. (up soon)A selection of 'Story Archaeolgy' links for this episode Sinann podcast conversationSinann in the Metrical DindshenchasThe dindshencas poems ÁTH LÍAC FINDMedb and her sistersImbás: Poetry, Knowledge and InspirationThe Romano British temple at LydneyThe Fisher KingAnd a few External LinksA useful article on SequanaThe Pocklington Chariot excavationThe Lochnashade trumpetsEX Voto items from Sequana temple complex (Dijon).
New Scientific evidence supporting the origin of the altar stone at Stonhenge supports a better understanding of the of societal connections and collaborative co-operation to be found between the communities of early neolithic farmers throughout Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales. Join Chris in this new ramble and share her excitement!Links for this EpisodeListen to A Conversation with Anthony Murphy (This conversation is referenced throughout this Ramble)Nwes of the new evidence on the Altar stone, Stonehenge from BBCNews of the discovery from The GuardianA short youtube video on the discovery.Further information on the discovery of the original bluestones location in Wales, This is the article that I quote from in the podcast.
The SchoolsCollection | dúchas.ie The National Folklore Schools Collection was compiled in 1937 with stories and memories collected with the support of schools from all over Ireland. Itis one of Ireland's unique and valuable treasures and a wonderful resource. Join Chris as she explores this collection including its current relevanceand considers whar a similar collecton might look like if gathered now, in 2024, some 87 years later.Search the Schools Folklore collection for yourselfLinks for this episodeA Comversation with Anthony MurphyChris' Ramble 6~ Just how old are Irish StoriesGoibniu and the Gobbán SáorThe Legend of Knockmany Hill – a late tale of Cú Chulainn
Newgrange at Twilight ~ Anthony MurphyAnthony Murphy, is an author, journalist, astronomer and photographer. He also curates the wondeful Mythical Ireland website. Join Chris and Anthony as they explore how Irish mythological stories, supported by recent evidence from genertics, seem to reflect the remarkable story of both neolithic and bronze age Ireland.This is a slightly longer 'Conversation in the Landscape' than usual but why not? There is so much to explore in this fascinating topic .Links for this episodeFirst and foremost here is the link to Anthony's impressive webite Mythical Ireland 'New Light on the Distant Past'. There is so much to discover and learn on this site.This is the link to the article that inspired me to contact Anthony and invite him to share this conversation. The Beaker People and their Replacement of Neolithic DNA. ~ Is this remembered in Irish Myth?The new henge of Newgrange ~ A once-in-a-lifetime discovery.Read Anthony's blog article on the implications of the 2020 A-DNA discoveriesExplore Books by Anthony MurphyLinks to other books, talks and articles referenced in our conversationProfessor J.P Mallory : Talk: Genetic Geneology Ireland (Belfast 18) Book: In Search of the Irish DreamtimeProfessor Mallory on The Beaker People arrival in Ireland Lara Cassidy, (2020). Ancient DNA in Ireland: Isolation, immigration and elite incest. British ArchaeologyThe Horse, The Wheel and Language by David Anthony (PDF format)Story Archaeology LinksChris Ramble 6: Just how old are the Irish stories?Brú na Bóinne and Cnogba - the Boyne Valley in the Metrical Dindshenchas: (Isolde's translations)The Dindshenchas of Knowth - Cnogba: (Isolde's translations)The Dindshenchas of Brug na BóindeAnd for conversations, articles and translations based on a wide variety of Irish myths and stories, some of which we discussed in this conversation, explore the Archive through the page top navigation or, of course explore 'Mythical Ireland' for more Irish stories and their settings.
Grianstad an Gheimhridh, the winter solstice is that special moment when the year turns and the hours of daylight, begin slowly to increase. This time of year has long been a cause for reflection and celebration. So, join Chris on yet another ramble, as she explores an Irish Winter Solstice journey.Links for this episodeLinks on Story Archaeology The Craneskin BagA Christmas card from the Archaeologists.Extolling the HollyA Satirical Tale of Extreme GastronomyFair’s FairThe Dagda’s CauldronThe Dagda’s Cauldron ~ A home-brew supplementalSome Questions answered by the Story Archaeologists This one covers both a discussion of poets' grades and titles as well as , 'Who were the Celts?'A Conversation with Patrick NunnEdge of Memory and Worlds in Shadow, (information On Patrick Nunn's books.)Read Candles in the Window an anthology of Longford Christmas memories An Archdruid in his Judicial Habitfrom Costume of the Original Inhabitants of the British Isles (1815) by Samuel Rush Meyrick and Charles Hamilton Smith.Useful External LinksImages of Newgrange in the past, before the excavationsMythical Ireland websiteNewgrange: The Winter Solstice reports, image and videos of Winter Solstice sunrises over the last twenty years.Information about Iron age burials in earlier tomb structures.
Professor Ralph KennaAs many friends of Story Archaeology will now have heard, Professor Ralph Kenna passed away and left the world we know, last Thursday. I received the sad news from his wife, Claire, last Friday. It is so very sad that it has taken me a few days to feel ready to write this post. I will stay in touch with Claire, and have sent her my deepest condolences but if any of you wish to leave a message of sympathy below I will willingly forward it on to his family. You can also send messages of sympathy through the link below.It feels as though Ralph has been a friend and colleague for years, but in fact, he first contacted me in early 2020. The impact he has had on me, and the work of Story Archaeology. in that time. is considerable. He now leaves a creative, imaginative, enthusiastic 'Ralph-shaped-space' but in his support for Irish Mythology through the 'Art for Sinann' competition and the on-going ÉIRÍ project, he has passed us an important legacy.I am certainly not, in any way, qualified to speak to his work as a statistical physicist. I clearly recall his patience in our first, quite lengthy, online conversation, as he tried to explain the processes that lead to his ground-breaking paper Maths Meets Myths: Quantitative Approaches to Ancient Narratives. I did read it, or did my best to read it, but I did appreciate that this process represented a innovative method of comparing the characters and structures of myth from various places and times, gathering some illuminating and very useful data. It was an inspiring cross-discipline approach; a way of working I very much admire! I also discovered that this paper, first presented in Moscow, was one of the most downloaded papers of the year!And, of course I mustn't forget that about a year ago, November last year, I think it was, he also published a futher paper, based on a similar approach, on the Kyiv bylyny cycle, the East Slavic epic narratives originating in modern-day Ukraine. Impressive! But I want to talk about Ralph's impact on Irish Mythology. I was delighted when I received Ralph's email, especially when I discovered that he was a longtime listener to Story Archaeology and was more than happy to help when he told me about his plans for a new project based on the character of Sinann, who gave her name to the River Shannon. Ralph had followed our explorations on Sinann, supported by Isolde's own translations, since the first episode of Story Archaeology. He was more than irritated when plans were made to set up a male, 'river god' sculpture in his home town of Athlone. In 2020, Ralph created a well-funded competition to raise awareness of Sinann and together, in October, with the support of Daniel Curley from Rathcroghan and Mal Rivers from the Irish Post, we launched the Art for Sinann competition, offering three prizes of 1000 euros. Ralph was also very active in promoting events to raise awareness of Sinann in Athlone.But Ralph didn't want to stop there! Data he had gathered in his papers on quantative approaches to ancient narratives, including the new paper on the Irish hero Fráoch’, demonstrated strong evidence suggesting more active agency of women ,in Irish stories, than in story cycles from other countries. I must admit, I was delighted with this. I always felt that this was the case, but here was real supporting evidence. We talked this over in one of our lengthy online chats and launched a second even bigger and better project in 2021, Ralph came up with the acronym ÉIRÍ for the event. This arts and information project was not only intended to promote the centrality of women in early Irish stories but was also designed to resonate with the celebration of the position of women in Ireland in the recent past, now, and in the future. You can find out all about the ÉIRÍ. competition on Story Archaeology, of course, and there are also several podcast episodes that explore the journeys of a...
The Táin Bó Cúailnge is an dramatic epic well worth the telling but with some challenging themes including broken loyalties and friendships with destruction laid on the land, for the sake of status and honour. Join Chris as she explores the telling of the tales and encounters a fresh resonance for our times.Links for this episodeFor podcast episodes and related articles on The boyhood deeds of Cú Chulainn, his training with Scathach, the birthpangs of Ulster, and more.For the podcst episode on Macha For related articles and textual translations concerning Macha (episode 2)For podcast episodes and related material on The stoy of Medb and her sisters; Fled Bricrenn or The further adventures of Nera (Series 3, episodes 3 to 9)For the original story of Nera and his Samhain adventure in the OtherworldFor information on the Roscommon schools projects including the on-line Oenachs
The The Lebor Gabála tells of a series of mythical Irish migration stories, which can be traced back to a very early date. Its history is somewhat complex and, although fascinating, it is not an 'easy read'. So, join Chris and Jamie as they share Jamie's new telling. 'The Writing of The Takings'. Jamie has created an entertaining and highly amusing interpretation, which gets to the heart of how and why these mythical migration stories were so valued.
Read the full version of The Writing of the Takings. Highly recommended!
Jamie is planning to record an audio version of 'The Writing of the Takings'. I will add a link to this as soon as it is available. Meanwhile, find out more about Jamie's writing on Jamiemadden.org
About the Lebor Gabála / The Book of Invasions or the Book of the Taking of Ireland
The ‘Book of Invasions’ (‘Leabhar Gabhála’ in modern Irish) is not the name of a specific manuscript. Rather it is an origin legend of the Irish people that exists in many variant versions, in poetry and prose. The origins of the tradition can be traced to the seventh century, although the earliest surviving manuscripts are much later. The story was extensively reworked in verse form in the eleventh and twelfth centuries. Over time, prose versions were derived from the poetry, and additional historical material was added. It was revised again in the seventeenth century by the team of historians known as the Four Masters. It continued to be accepted as a plausible story of the settlement of people on the island of Ireland long after that.
The core of the story of the peopling of Ireland was built on top of biblical traditions. It begins with Noah and the Flood, and Noah’s granddaughter Cesair (she does not feature in the Bible), who was said to be the first to arrive in Ireland. The next wave involved the Parthalonians, descendants of Japhet, son of Noah, but they succumbed to plague. The third wave of settlers, descendants of Nemed, were vaguely related to the Parthalonians. The Nemedians were eventually defeated by the Formorians. Some Nemedians later returned from Greece as the Fir Bolg. They, in turn, were replaced by the Tuatha Dé Danann. A second strand traces other descendants of Japhet, including Fénius Farsaid and his grandson, Goídel Glas (the term ‘Gael’ is traced to him). Later, Breóghan, descended from Goídel Glas, viewed Ireland from a tower in Galicia on a clear night. His grandson, Míl Espáine, went to Ireland, where he defeated the Tuatha Dé Danann. The Clann Mhíleadh (‘sons of Míl’), Ír, Éibhear and Éireamhón and their descendants, became established in Ireland.
From
https://www.ria.ie/leabhar-gabhala-book-invasions
Culture heroes, ancestor figures, genii loci, gods and godesses ... Can all, or indeed, any of these terms be useful in defining some favourite characters in Irish mythology, Join Chris as she takes a walk throuh a forest of stories on a light hearted search for hidden identities.Links for this episodeI have referenced a wide variety of stories over the route of this ramble. I would recommend exploring the Story Archaeology archive where you will find links to all these stories. However, I did specifically reference the episodes below.In Search of ManannanIn Search of MidirThe Writing of the Taking: A converstion with Jamie Madden
The Morrigan by Kate Lionis
Meet Kate Lionis one of the seven adult winners of the ÉIRÍ art competition and project. So, join Chris and Kate as they discuss, the many creative possiblities of digitally enhanced photography, the enviromental relevance of Australian indigenous stories and share the colours, light, and scents of the Blue Mountains in New South Wales.
This is one of a series of shorter ‘Stories in the Landscape’ conversations to celebrate the 2023 ÉIRÍ Evoking Irelands Resilient Female Icons competition and continuing project. Each of the winners takes a very different approach to the rich treasure of Irish mythology, particularly the strong and active women characters to be found in the stories. Each of the winners has a different and exciting story to share. Look out for more conversations very soon.
Find out more about ÉIRÍ
View all the winning adult entries
View the winning Schools’ entries.
Take a look at a Blue Mountain Gallery (including the Three Sisters)
Take a look at a gallery of Kate's work.
Links for this Episode
Listen to the podcast episode on the Morrigan on Story Archaeology
Meet the Morrigan in the Battle of Moytura: Amarc na Mór Rígna - The Morrigan's View (Part 1)Amarc na Mór Rígna - The Morrigan's View (Part 2)
Click to view the complete Immram Brig Bostúin
What if Brigid had undertaken her own Immrám? Join Chris and Jamie as they explore James' Immrám Brig Bostún, an Irish Mythology Collage, in which he garners stories from Irish mtyhology and folklore, to curate a remarkable Immrám voyage for Brigid, taking her to the coastal islands of Boston and Cape Cod; a reflection on the more recent journies of the Diaspóra na nGael.
Jamie, from Boston but now living in Seattle, is not only a story discoverer, a story teller, something of a genealogist and, oh yes, an affordable housing expert, but also a imaginative interpreter of Irish mythology.
More information connected to this conversation
Read the full Immrám Brig Bostúin
Find out more about the history of Malaga Island The Island of the black and white sheep.
Find out about The Graves and its lighthouses. The Isle of the guardian cat.
Listen to the keening of Kitty Gallagher
As a part of the ImmrámBrig, Jamie included a 'Dúchas' story. The Dúchas project was designed to digitize the Irish National Folklore Collection. This includes the Schools Collection. In 1937 and 38, children, in schools all over Ireland, were asked to collect stoeies from older neighbours and relatives. Now they have been transcribed, you can find them on duchas.ie . The story Jamie included concerning Saint Ruadhán's well came from a school in Kiladysert, County Clare. View it here. Holy Wells.
Information on Ruadhán's well. The Clare Heritage site states that Saint Martin's Well, previously known as Saint Ruadhán's well, was said to lie in a grazing field in the old Paradise House Estate. However at the time of the research visit, the well could not be located.
Go to the Gallery page for futher information and pictures including the hagiographical account of Brigid and Bishop Brón.
Links for this episode
View A tabulated Immrama
Explore Series 4: Rowing Around Immráma episodes 1-6
Explore Series 4: Rowing Around Immráma: Episodes 7-14
Meet Louise Shine, one of the seven adult winners of the ÉIRÍ art competition and project. So, join Chris and Ruth as they discuss, the importance of creativity in art and education, explore art and technology as well as the way in which women from Irish mythology can still speak powerfully to current issues.
This is one of a series of shorter ‘Stories in the Landscape’ conversations to celebrate the 2023 ÉIRÍ Evoking Irelands Resilient Female Icons competition and continuing project. Each of the winners takes a very different approach to the rich treasure of Irish mythology, particularly the strong and active women characters to be found in the stories. Each of the winners has a different and exciting story to share. Look out for more conversations very soon.
Find out more about ÉIRÍ
View all the winning adult entries
View the winning Schools’ entries.
View a gallery of Loiuse's work.
Bóand by Lee Fenlon
Meet Lee Fenlon, one of the seven adult winners of the ÉIRÍ art competition and project. Now, join Chris and Lee as they discuss, what can be acheived in leaded glass and ceramic mosaic work , how Sinann has been treated in Athlone as well as stories of Boand and the Boyne. This is one of a series of shorter 'Stories in the Landscape' conversations to celebrate the 2023 ÉIRÍ Evoking Irelands Resilient Female Icons competition and continuing project. Each of the winners takes a very different approach to the rich treasure of Irish mythology, particularly the strong and active women characters to be found in the stories. Each of the winners has a different and exciting story to share. Look out for more conversations very soon.
View a gallery of Lee's brilliant glass work,
Find out more about ÉIRÍ
View all the winning adult entries
View the winning Schools' entries
Ruth Egan
Meet Ruth Egan, one of the seven adult winners of the ÉIRÍ art competition and project. So, join Chris and Ruth as they discuss, art, mthology and the importance of listening to the stories told by your grandmothers.
This is one of a series of shorter 'Stories in the Landscape' conversations to celebrate the 2023 ÉIRÍ Evoking Irelands Resilient Female Icons competition and continuing project. Each of the winners takes a very different approach to the rich treasure of Irish mythology, particularly the strong and active women characters to be found in the stories. Each of the winners has a different and exciting story to share. Look out for more conversations very soon.
Find out more about ÉIRÍ
View all the winning adult entries
View the winning Schools' entries.
So how old are the Irish stories? Come to think of it what exactly is meant by old, or medieval or any of the other terms so frequently used to describe mythological stories, and... does it matter? Join Chris as she follows a ramiliar route and sets up a few indicative and hopefully useful signposts along the way.
Links for this episode
These rambles are not intended as fully footnoted articles. They are intended more as observations, thoughts while out walking, to attach my favourite metaphor. However, in this ramble I have made reference to the Justinian plague and its effects, as observed by early recorders, as well as modern archaeologists, botanists and dendrochronologists. If anyone is interested, I am happy to provide links to supporting sources.
The whole of the Cath Maige Tuired is covered in series 2 , episodes 1-6 , or episodes 6 - 12
Here are Isolde's translations of the Morrigan's final prophecies a. Poems of the Morrigan and b. Declaration of Peace
Series 6 covers The Táin Bó Cuailnge
You will find links to all of Tocmarc Étaíne on this page
Here is a link to the folktale The Giants of Knockmany Hill
Goibniu and the Gobbán Sáor
Nicola and Rosemary are both gifted artists from the Celtic Eye artists group who have all come together to draw on their talents to create some inspiring and innovative landscape and environmental projects. Join Chris, Nicola, and Rosemary as they talk about about the wide scope of some of Celtic Eye's impressive and on-going, still growing, projects as well as getting to discuss 'art in the landscape'.Links for this episodeIntroducing Celtic EyeCelebrating A Very Special LandscapeI will be adding more images and information about Celtic Eye projects very soon.
This ramble, begun in Queensland, Australia and completed in Leitrim, Ireland. begins to explore the ways in which the environment in which the stories were told may change elements creating the tale. And, no, I didn't walk all the way!Loughnashade trumpetThis ramble was a long time in the making, begun in late January in Brisbane and picked up again at the start of April. It is a big topic and I am very aware that I have hardly scratched the surface. I would be interested in your views. How much does climate and the local landscape influence stories from where you live? Just before the pandemic, I was working on a project in Longford called 'A Story to Share', One focus was folk stories coming from all the diverse heritages shared by the class, particularly Easten European in this case. Parents, and a few grandarents had joined the class and we were happily exploring Baba Yaga stories. They all knew one or two but one mother said 'Those are of Russian origin'. 'How do you know that', I asked her? 'Too many gloomy birch forests' she replied. Links for this episodeListen to 'Tales of Sheebeg'The story of the excavations on SheebegAbout the Glasshouse MountainsThe Gilla Decair
Shona is a talented artist and illustrator who tells stories through images. Join Chris and Shona as they explore some of the wonderful women characters to be found in the world of Irish story, and even try out a path to a most perplexing library.https://youtu.be/KM-v6StvTc4Watch Shona's animation- The Forest of Cake.BrigFandThe Library of Perplexing PerplexitiesA Game for Etain.View more of Shona's work on her own website.
SacrumProfanum by Benjamin Dwyer is an exploration of the Sheela-Na-gig through music. Join Chris as she encounters this profound and poetic experience out walking her local landscape accompanied by Sheela-na- gigs.Music for this episode: Lamentum from SacrumProfanum by kind permision of Benjamin Dwyer https://www.farpointrecordings.com/product-page/benjamin-dwyer-sacrumprofanumhttps://benjamindwyer.bandcamp.com/album/sacrumprofanumListen to the podcast episode 'A Conversation with Professor Ben Dwyer'SacrumProfanum is the second release from composer Benjamin Dwyer on Farpoint Recordings. SacrumProfanum features music by Benjamin Dwyer based on his personal engagement with Sheela-na-gigs. These richly detailed and adventurous compositions feature Garth Knox (viola), Siobhán Armstrong (late-medieval Irish harp, sean-nós singer, narrator), Emma Coulthard (piccolo, flute, alto flute), Donnacha Dwyer (uillean pipes), Jona Xhepa and Benjamin Dwyer on bowed guitar. Dwyer also contributes a fascinating essay about Sheela-na-gigs and the background development of this project.released February 22, 2022
Join Chris as she shares a conversation with Professor Benjamin Dwyer. Ben is a prolific Irish performer and composer as well as an educator. He is currently Professor of Music at Middlesex University. SacrumProfanum is Ben's thought provoking musical exploration of the enigmatic Sheela-na-gigs as watchers and witnesses of a thousand years of Irish history.Opening music for this episode: Lamentum from SacrumProfanum by kind permision of Benjamin Dwyer. Late medieval harp played by Siobhán ArmstrongExternal Links for this episodeListen to SacrumProfanumhttps://www.farpointrecordings.com/product-page/benjamin-dwyer-sacrumprofanumhttps://benjamindwyer.bandcamp.com/album/sacrumprofanumBen's paper: Sheela-na-gigs and an ‘Aesthetics of Damage’Local Links for this episodeChris' ramble 4: Walking with Sheela-na-gigs
Join Chris on her ramble through the landscape of early Irish story and discover why many of the best stories contain messages about the environment that are still relevant for us today.
Moytur 2000
Links for this ramble.
Circling the Táin: seven Story Archaeology podcast episodes.Cath Maige Tuired: six Story Archaeology podcast episodes.Stories in the Landscape Conversations: A conversation with Professor Patrick Nunn.
Moytura 2000
The Isle of Harris. Yes, the sea can be this blue!
Every community has folk tales to share, but do some of these stories encode ancient memories of climate change? This short podcast conversation with Professor Nunn focuses on stories from the North west coast of Ireland and Scotland that may have been told far longer than we might imagine. Listen, and then discover more in Professor Nunn's recent paper 'First a wudd, and syne a sea:' recently published in the Scottish Geographical Journal.
Lough Gill, Sligo / Leitrim
Read Professor Nunn's paper:
First a wudd, and syne a sea: postglacial coastal change of Scotland recalled in ancient stories
Today I was fortunate enough to attend a webinar presented by Professor Nunn and hosted by the University of the Highlands and Islands. It should be available on You Tube shortly, and as soon as it is available, I will include the link.
Patrick Nunn was a Lead Author of the 5th Assessment Report (Working Group I) of the IPCC and a Lead Author for its 6th Assessment Report (Working Group II). His 2021 book, Worlds in Shadow: Submerged Lands in Science, Memory and Myth, is published by Bloomsbury Sigma.
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Patrick Nunn is the Professor of Geography at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. He is a leading climate change scientist, author, and a specialist on how stories from oral traditions may have encoded memories of geological and oceanic change from around seven thousand years ago. Join Chris and Patrick as they discuss, remarkable oral story transmission, illustrated by 'climate change' stories from Australia, the Pacific Islands, and, Ireland. And, at last, I get to hear scientific evidence of the, highly probable, antiquity and importance of the dindshenchas story of Sinann. I have been looking forward to this conversation since 2015!Links for this episode
Patrick Nunn is the Author of Edge of Memory and Worlds in Shadow, both books I very highly recommend.
Listen to The Story Of Sinann podcast.
Some reflections on a journey to discover Irish stories.
Join Chris as she explores Irish oral story transmission and wonders if even stories sometimes need careful map makers to prevent them them from being lost.
Links for this episode
If you would like to find out more about the infamous Giraldus Cambrensis
Find out about his 'map making'.Find out a bit more about his opinion on Ireland
Or just join me and tell him yourself!
Read Edge of Memory: The Geology of Folk Tales and Climate Change by Patrick Nunn
I will be sharing a Stories in the Landcape conversation with Professor Nunn very soon.
And from the Story Archaeology Archive
Colmcille and the Youth at Carn EolairgManannán's Prophecy of MongánListen to the podcast: Immrám Brain Mac Febul
Join Chris and Ralph, professor of Statistical Physics and enthusiastic comparative mythologist, as they enjoy discussing the ongoing ÉIRÍ project, 'Evoking Ireland's Resiliant female Icons', and discover how you, too, can add to some exciting and unusual research as well as discovering more about Ralph's upcoming Myths and Maths projects.
Links for this episode.
Find out how to enter the arts competion and add your own research.Read the articles from the Irish Post.Support pack for schools. The complete pack will be launched later this week.Celebrating Women in Irish Mythology. - Who will you choose?
Find out more about these new posts, 'Chris' Rambles'.
Join Chris as she sets off, aided by an unusual sixteenth century map, encounters an excentric English polymath with big ambitions, and with the help of a medieval Irish monk, discovers a fresh view of the arrival of the Tuatha Dé Danann.
And a good ramble is always best shared so please feel free to join in.
Supporting links for this episode.
Explore the map in an easily searchable formatThe Beauty of Maps: The programmes are not currently available on BBB i-player but there are trailers.View a short You tube video about the map from the Map House of London.John Dee, King Arthur, and the Conquest of the Arctic by Thomas Green Institute of Archaeology, University of Oxford published in the Journal, 'The Heroic Age'.A Letter Dated 1577 from Mercator to John Dee by E. G. R. Taylor This is a Jstor paper requiring sign in to access but limited numbers papers can be read online without cost.The Battle of Motura: The Arrival of the Tuatha Dé DanannFurther information on Hugh of Ireland and the map
by Éamonn O'Doherty.
Ardagh hill, in County Longford, Ireland is a very special 'Stories in the Landscape' location. This is the legendary Bri Leith, where much of the Tocmarc Étaíne is set. The Ardagh Heritage and Creative Centre, managed by story teller and educator, Ann and her colleague Annette, nestles at the foot of this beautiful hill. Join Chris and Ann,as they explore the centre, and how to best present and adapt the, complex, Tocmarc Étaíne for a modern audience.
‘ÉIRÍ’ An international Arts Competition and Research Project
The Tocmarc Étaíne includes many fascinating female characters with intriguing and often complex motivations. Their stories still have much in common with current issues. Listen in to spark ideas for submissions to this exciting Arts competition, open to entries up to the close of October 22.
Links for this episode
Find out more about the Creative Ardagh CentreExplore the craft shopHeritage in Schools Scheme
Explore the Tocmarc Étaíne through the Story Archaeology Archive
Dindshenchas 09: Tocmarc Étaíne 1 - A Fly On The Wall
Listen to the podcast: A Fly on the WallFind Chris' story: FuamnachThe Text of Tocmarc Étaíne Part 1 translation by IsoldeBrú na Bóinne and Cnogba - the Boyne Valley in the Metrical Dindshenchas: translation by IsoldeThe Brú na Bóinne and Brí Leith: landscape exploration by ChrisÉtaín, Eithliu, Vessels and Rebirth: article by Isolde
Dindshenchas 10: Tocmarc Étaíne 2 - The Re-Born Identity
.Listen to the podcast: The Re-Born IdentityFind the story told by Chris: A ProphecyThe Text of Tocmarc Étaíne Part 2: Translation by Isolde
Dindshenchas 11: Tocmarc Étaíne 3 - A Game of Fidchell
Listen to the podcast: A Game of FidchellFind Chris' telling of the story A Causeway Over Móin LámraigeThe Corlea Trackway
The Irish Dindshenchas The Lore of Prominent Places are a collection of origin stories which celebrate stories in the landscape but could they also inspire approaches to town planning? Join Chris and Jamie, a storyteller, genealogist and town planner, originally from Boston and now living in Seattle, as they explore the exciting scope and possibilities of dindshenchas style stories.
Links for this episode
A link from Jamie: A story that inspired a beach nameJamie's link to information on his mentor, Tunny LeeMythical Women re-visited: Discovering Sinann.Information about the Corlea Trackway, Longford
Clare Millege
Join Chris and Clare, an artist from Sydney Australia, and an eloquant exponant of the art of landscape stories, as they discuss, art, ecology, the Australian landscape and, especially, Clare's recent installation Imbás: a well at the bottom of the sea at the Sydney Biennale 22. Take the opportunity to explore the installation as Clare leads us on a very special artist's personal walk, through the exhibiton.
View gallery Images and reviews
'Taste' the soundscape underlying the installation
Read the text of Clare's poem
Links to archive episodes relevant to this conversation
Mythical Women re-visited: Discovering Sinann.Sinann in the Metrical DindshenchasMore poems of SinannChris' personal look at encounters with early Irish and Australian indigenous art. Dindshenchas and DreamtimeExploring the Longevity of Stories
Lee Fenlon
The second of a new Series of Story Archaeology podcast conversations on mythology and its
'Stories in the Landscape'.
Join Chris and Ralph, professor of Statistical Physics and enthusiastic comaparative mythologist, as they discuss the remakable possibilities of applying socio-physics to epic myth cycles;take an appreciative retrospective look at the International 'Arts for Sinann' competition which took place last year; and explore the exciting prospects of a new Arts and research project on 'Maths, Myths and Gender' to be launched, in conjunction with the Irish Post, in early May.
Susan Mannion
Find out about the Arts For Sinann Project and view the exhibition gallery
WATCH THIS SPACE: A full description of the new Maths, Myths and Gender project to be launched at Bealtaine, will be available here in a few days time.
Morpheus-Ravenna-Carog
We covered a lot of stories in this conversation. Below you will find a small selection of relevant links to podcasts and articles connected to our conversation topics.
Find out more about ScathachFind out more about FuimnachFind out more about Medb and her sistersFind out more about oral tradition theoryFind out more about Emer
Applogies about any shortcomings in the recording quality at times. Ralph and I will be meeting up over the Summer months sometime and intend to have a futher non-remote recorded conversation. By that time we will have plenty to discussincluding the new art and reseach project to be launched in May.
Bill Rabinovitch
Coming soon: A conversation with Clare Milledge.
Clare is an Australian artist based in Sydney She is currently exhibiting at the Sydney Biennalle. The description of the installation reaads 'Imbás: a well at the bottom of the sea, draws on the Story of Sinann, an Old Irish story/dindshenchas about the forming of the river Shannon. '
The Sinann story and the postcast was a 'source' ideas for the installation. I, very much, look forward to talking with her sometime in May.
The first of a new Series of Story Archaeology podcast conversations on mythology and its 'Stories in the Landscape'.
Join Chris and Daniel, archaeologist and manager of the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre as they discuss Cruachan Aí,the royal home of of Medb, Ailill and the Finnbhennach, the white bull of Connacht. Yet,this famous setting forms only one level in the rich archaeological 'Stories in the Landscape' of Roscommon.
Take a 'virtual visit' to the Visitor Centre
Find out about the The Táin March Festival
Discover the Roscommon Schools' online Oenach projects
.
Archive episodes connected to this conversation.
Series 6 'Circling the Táin' Series 3: Epsodes 3 to 7 in particular
Coming soon. A conversation with Professor Ralph Kenna.
Join the Story archaeologists as they attempt to catch up and answer some of the questions that you have been asking. This Q&A session covers the topic of fír flathemon , 'The truth of the king' and delves into the complexities of the text, Lebor Gabála Érenn, the 'Book of the Taking of Ireland'. We also return to the strange phenomenon of the Morrigan's Mono-horse.
This audio story is one of the many stories that circle around the great Táin Bó Cúailnge , The cattle raid of Cooley. It is not a well known story but it is important as it is really the 'origin' story for the whole cycle. It is also a great tale and explains a lot!
The story has been included because it emphasises the importance of the storyteller-poets and can be enjoyed in conjunction with the become an Irish Hero Poet activity sheets. Have fun together.
Or go to the podcast episode about the Two Poet Pig keepers, The Quarrel of the Two Swineherds.
Return to the links page for further audio and video stories and activities.
Bricriu's Feast
his story has everything It has a king who gets someone else to solve his own problems. It has warriors who are determined to have adventures and show off to the MAX,
It has giants, water monsters, fearsome cats from an Otherworld cave and more.
There is also a VERY BIG AXE! The story comes from a very old story called Fled Bricrenn. I haven’t told it all but I have included all the best bits!
Because it is a very long story I have divided it into four parts, each around fifteen minutes long. It is great fun and quite an adventure. The full story is most suitable for the 9 to 13 year old range.
Part 1.
Part 2
Part 3:
Part 4
Watch the animation, part of the Bricriu story. story, The Cats of Cruachan. (suitible for all age groups).
Return to the main links page for more audio and video story choices.
This time last year, I was struggling with what felt like an impossible task. I was asked to come up with a scripted screenplay for the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, Roscommon. This short animation was commissioned by Nollaig Feeney, the Roscommon Heritage Officer and was a direct outcome of the Schools workshops undertaken in the county in support of the annual Tain March event. (I will be writing about this event in a subsequent post.)
I was keen to tell part of the Fled Bricrenn story. There was a problem in that Bricriu's Feast is a long and complex text full of convolutions and duplication. It took Story Archaeology four full episodes to tell the story. I had created a telling adapting it for a modern audience and much loved by Primary aged children but it would be a huge challenge to condense it to under tn minutes. Eventually, I settled for telling only the section of the story that concerned Medb and Rathcroghan.
As I am sure you are aware, and we soon discovered, animation is costly to produce and basic flash was all that the budget allowed for simple 2D graphics. I think that Pink Kong did a great job and we are pleased with the results. We had hope to make some of the children's poetry integral to the story telling but the script had to be kept tight. We managed to include a short selection along with the credits. The film was completed last October but was released this May at the culmination of the 2019 Tain March event.
Our regular listeners will recognise that Medh is played by our own Isolde. We had fun getting the wheelchair into the recording booth but all went well eventually. I have now produced a full written and audio version of Bricriu's Feast for a family audience and this will be published shortly.
Medb, Queen of Connacht, is rightly renowned in Irish legend and mythology, as a strong and influential woman leader. Her centre of power, Cruachan Ai, is still recognised as one of the most important Iron-age sites in Ireland. Medb lead her people in her own name and by her own right. She was a strong woman in a society largely dominated by strong men. She fought hard to maintain the high status of her rule throughout her long life but the choices she made, as always happens, had consequences.
This audio-article endeavours to discover some something of Medb the woman, as she can be found in the old Irish texts? What choices did she have to make to protect her land and people and how did she come to terms with the consequences of those choices? It is an interesting story.
This audio article is based on a presentation given for an on-line conference hosted by Vyvianne Armstrong. This conference is entitled Medb, Intoxication and Initiation. This is one of a series of upcoming conferences. If you would like to find out more, contact Vyviane at vyviane@landseaskytravel.com
Music: A Trip to Emain by Gian Costello
Join Chris Thompson as she takes a story-teller's view of the old Irish stories. Who told them and why were they so memorable. In this audio article, Chris celebrates the old stories and explores the challenges in telling them today.
For those who have asked me for ideas and advice on story telling generally, I am going to be devoting a section of my upcoming Patreon site 'Sinann's Well' to this subject.
References and Links
Oral Tradition Theory
While there are a great many experts who can illuminate this eclectic discipline. I have found the writing of John Miles Foley comprehensive and enjoyably helpful. I also appreciate the manner in which he takes account of the revitalizing effect of the internet on oral story telling. Professor Foley was the founder of the academic journal Oral Tradition and the Center for Studies in Oral Tradition at the University of Missouri, where he was Curators' Professor of Classical Studies and English .
I have added a link to the UK Amazon page listing a few a selection of his works but they tend to be somewhat difficult to find. Our American listeners, I suspect, would have less of a problem. His books do offer a comprehensive and modern approach to Oral Tradition Theory.
For those of you who enjoy audio books.I would highly recommend, The Modern Scholar: Singers and Tales: Oral Tradition and the Roots of Literature By: Professor Michael D. C. Drout.
Miichael Drout, who studied under Professor Foley, Professor of English and Director of the Center for the Study of the Medieval at . He is an author and specialising in Anglo Saxon, medieval literature, fantasy and science fiction.
This is an enjoyable and easy-to-follow introduction to the history and development of Oral Tradition Theory and offers a fascinating insight into how story telling functions within diverse societies. I listen to the book over and over again, just because I enjoy it. It is not too long, either.
Other links
The Ark before Noah by Irving Finkel
Nothing to do with Oral Tradition theory, or, indeed, with the early Irish tales, I am still going to recommend this book in connection with the current topic. This tells how a story, now known, only from the careful translation of long-lost Cuneiform clay tablets, has continued to retain so much information,. Irving Finkel, does not just plot the meandering, ever changing and adapting, course of a story, still known and loved today, but he throws a fascinating light on the world where this story may have been first told. He even identifies performative elements, still recognisable.
I love this book.
Music: The Wandering Harper by Gian Costello
The Dagda with his cauldron of abundance, from which none leave unsatisfied, epitomises the deep and ancient yearning we feel for mid-winter indulgence and good company. It may be that the cauldron had more to offer than just a solid meal. Join Chris, from the Story Archaeologists, as she dips into this extravagant cooking pot.
This audio article is based on a piece published in the new book Harp, Club and Cauldron: A harvest of Knowledge published by Eel and Otter Press. It is an entrancing and informative anthology, well worth adding to your physical or digital library and the Story Archaeologists were proud to be asked to offer three articles to the book.
I will be adding further picture articles connected to The Dagda's Cauldron article: .(Images of Gobekli Tepe and information on recent Iron age Feasting finds), shortly.
Harp, Club and Cauldron A harvest of Knowledge:
Find on Amazon.com
Find on Amazon.co.uk
Addendum: I haven't checked but I think I referred to the German archaeologist who was responsible for the dig at Gobekli Tepe, for so many years, as 'George' rather than 'Klaus' Schmidt. I can't imagine why I said that. Klaus Schmidt sadly died in 2014.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello
We regularly receive questions from listeners and readers. We try to answer them as soon as we can but many are well worth exploring in more detail. Here we discuss just three. Firstly there is the problem of 'coir', a word that we use regularly in episodes to express an important but complex concept. Another term we frequently use is 'poet' to cover a number of similar roles in early Irish society. In this discussion, Isolde gets to explain about the many grades of poet that existed, File, Bards, and even Bramble Hounds! The third discussion concerns the thorny issue of who were the Celts, anyway. Join the Story Archaeologist as they enjoy teasing out a few possible answers.
Isolde_recording
What did happen to Midir? Why does he appear in so few stories? It is a mystery. A murder mystery? Could be. Certainly Midir's reputation was usurped and he, himself, seems to have been, effectively, 'disappeared!
For a more 'in depth' examination of this topic go to:
In Search of Midir
or In Search of Manannán
This short recording was originally made for an on-line conference hosted by Vyviane Armstrong. The weekend conference was entitled "Tuatha Dé Danann. Our Tribe and Theirs". Some of you may have already heard this presentation but, for our other listeners, I thought I would upload the recording. It is good to get Isolde back 'on the mike' and your donations have helped her to find new equipment that allow her to record lying down. We hope to record the promised, Q &A very soon.
This was the seventh conference in the series 'A Year With The Gods. There was a very interesting and varied programme and Isolde and I were delighted to be involved.' If you would like to know more more about Vviane's future events, do contact her for more details.
Vyviane ArmstrongLand Sea Sky Travelvyviane@landseaskytravel.com
William Robinson: Tallanbanna with cloud front. 1988
So many of the old Irish stories tell of an Otherworld that lies so close to our own. If you want to discover what the stories have to say about getting there, what you might find when you arrive, and when, or if, you might return, then join Chris in this audio-article exploration.
Apologies for the quality of recording in Isolde's opening message. When we have fully implemented the new recording set-up, allowing effective recording while Isolde is lying down, it will be much improved.
Links to podcast episodes referenced in this audio-article.
Cormac' s Adventures in the OtherworldThe Instructions of King CormacThe Adventures of Nera: The Cow and the Time MachineAnother take on Echtrae Nerai: Corpse Carrying for BeginnersThe voyage of Brain Mac FebulThe story of Mongán and his wife: The pursuit of the Gilla DecairTocmarc Étaíne 1 - A Fly On The Wall, Tocmarc Étaíne 2 - The Reborn IdentityTocmarc Étaíne 3 - A Game of FidchellThe article on Underworlds If you want to find out about more about Leprechauns! A Crock of Old CobblersAnd for source material on the Irish Otherworld: Space, Time and the Otherworld: by Professor John Carey. Source: Proceedings of the Harvard Celtic Colloquium, Vol. 7 (1987), pp. 1-2Published by: Department of Celtic Languages & Literatures, Harvard University
And that picture of Niamh and Oisín in my bathroom?
Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts!
Story Archaeology is run on a voluntary not-for-profit basis. If you can afford a donation towards our running costs, we would be very grateful. The “Donate” button is on the right-hand-side of each page, or e-mail us for other ways to support our work.
Check our Reading List for further reading and resources.
by The Story Archaeologists
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello
The briugu, Mac Dá Thó, is the proud owner of the marvelous hound, Ailbe. He also possesses a notorious pig. Now he finds himself faced with contending regional kings and their retinues of elite warriors, demanding the hound for themselves. Will serving up his gourmet pig at a grand feast save his bacon?
Join the Story Archaeologists as they share the boasting and bragging from the best of the warriors of Ulster, and Connaught, and beyond.
Read the text for yourself!
Scéala Muicce Mac Dá Thó: N. Kershaw Chadwick, An Early Irish Reader, Cambridge University Press.The excellent introductionIndex
Bricriu's Feast
Series 3.04-Fled-Bricrenn 1 - The-Feasting-HallSeries 3.05: Fled Bricrenn 2 - The Road to CrúachánSeries 3.06: Fled Bricrenn 3 - Your Head or Mine?Series 3.07: Fled Bricrenn 4 - A Head to Head Discussion
The magnificent warrior women Scathach and Aife both play a major role in Cú Chulainn's future life and exploits but they are not the only women who actively engage with out young hero..
Join the Story Archaeologists as they attempt to come to terms with the number of dalliances and romantic interludes encountered by the young man on his ventures to Scathach's mysterious northern island in his quest to win his canny bride, Emer.
Read the text for yourself!
This episode discusses only the second half of this text. The first half was addressed in the previous episode, 6.05 : 'The Wooing of Emer."
Tochmarc Emire la CoinculaindThe Wooing of Emer : translated by Kuno Meyer, based on LU and Stowe MS 992 (D. iv. 2)].Verba Scathaige: (Translation by P.L. Henry)We also referred to Series 3.03 The Well and the Cheese, with reference to the violent death of Derbforgaille and Medb
Cú Chulainn meets his match
In this episode we get to meet the marvelous Emer, the woman who bests the young Cú Chulainn, at least, in terms of her sharp witted and far-sighted eloquence.
Join the Story Archaeologists as we try to decode how Emer manages her young and unpredictable suitor and deals with her uncompromising father.
Read the text for yourself!
This episode discusses only the first part of this long text. The second half, where our hero goes to be trained in Alba, will form the basis of the next episode.
Tochmarc Emire la CoinculaindThe Wooing of Emer : translated by Kuno Meyer, based on LU and Stowe MS 992 (D. iv. 2)].
Harder, Faster, Stronger, Better! In this episode, we get to examine some remarkable exploits of one of the central figures in the Tain tradition: Cú Chulainn. We explore stories told by some of the characters who know the hero, remembering him as a child.
Join the Story Archaeologists as we try to decide if the young Cú Chulainn can be considered a 'child prodigy' or merely a 'precocious brat'. Read the texts for yourself! Here are links to the texts and translations that we used for the childhood deeds of Cú Chulainn:
"The Boyhood Deeds of Cú Chulainn." Ancient Irish Tales. ed. and trans. Tom Cross and Harris Slover. NY: Barnes and Noble, 1996. reprint
The Boyhood of Cú Chulainn, from Táin Bó Cuailgne Recension 1; pp 135-148 [translation]: ed. and trans. Cecile O'Rahilly
The sections we refer to are under the following titles:
The Eulogy of Cú Chulainn The Boyhood Deeds The Death of the Boys The Fight between Eógan mac Durthacht and Conchobar [aka Cú Chulainn and the Battlefield Phantoms] The fate of the twenty-seven men and the reason why none dared to wound the Ulstermen when they were in their debility. The killing of the Smith's Hound by Cú Chulainn and the reason why he is called Cú Chulainn The Death of Nechta Scéne's Three Sons
In this episode, we continue our exploration of the troublesome conceptions and births that stand behind much of the material of the Táin tradition. This time, we examine the births of the doomed Deirdre, the fated Cú Chulainn and re-re-visit the importance of Macha's story.
Join the Story Archaeologists as we attempt to disentangle webs of prophecy and poor decision-making, and try to understand what all these little worms are about!
Read the texts for yourself!
Here are links to the texts and translations that we used for the birth of Deirdre:
from the Book of Leinster (LL)
Longes mac n-Uislenn - edited by Vernam Hull
The Exile of the Sons of Uisliu - translated by Vernam Hull
late version translated by Douglas Hyde
Deirdre
Here are the texts on Macha:
Noinden Ulad; The Story of Macha
More Stories of Macha - Revisited
An original translation of Compert Con Chulainn, the Conception of Cú Chulainn, will be uploaded in the coming days
Need some revision?
You may find it helpful to revisit our episodes on Macha:
Series 1 - Mythical Women; Episode 2 - The Story of Macha
Series 5 - Revisiting Mythical Women; Episode 2 - Revisiting Macha
Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts! Related Articles will be posted in the days to come…
Story Archaeology is run on a voluntary not-for-profit basis. If you can afford a donation towards our running costs, we would be very grateful. The “Donate” button is on the right-hand-side of each page, or e-mail us for other ways to support our work.
Check our Reading List for further reading and resources.
by The Story Archaeologists
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello
The richly interwoven stories that make up the Táin tradition contain a wide diversity of characters. There is much to explore. Even their back stories have back stories!
In this episode, we explore the back stories of two such characters: the well-known Ulster king, Conchobar Mac Nessa, and the lesser-known Ulster hero, Conall Cernach.
Join the Story Archaeologists in the first of two episodes that uncover the significance of a few portentous conceptions and births.
Read the texts for yourself!
Scéla Conchobar, "The Tidings of Conchobar", from the Book of Leinster.
edited by R. I. Best and Osborn Bergin
translation by Whitley Stokes
Compert Conchobair, "The Conception of Conchobar", from Rawlinson B512 (incorrectly referred to in the episode as from the Yellow Book of Lecan)
edited by Vernam Hull
translation on the Celtic Literature Collective
Compert Conchobair, "The Conception of Conchobar", from Stowe 992
translation by Kuno Meyer
"The Conception of Conall Cernach", from Cóir Anmann, "The Fitness of Names"
Cóir Anmann, edited by Whitley Stokes
"The Conception of Conall Cernach", translated by Patrick Brown
Links to other books referenced in the episode
"Even Cuneiform writing could not be managed left handed": "The Ark before Noah" by Irving Finkel (highly recommended)
"The journey across the Alps in Táin Bó Fraoich": “Worlds of Arthur.” by Guy Halsall
Need some revision?
You may find it helpful to revisit our episodes on Fled Bricrenn, Bricriu's Feast:
Fled Bricrenn 1: The Feasting Hall
Fled Bricrenn 2: The Road to Crúachán
Fled Bricrenn 3: Your Head or Mine?
Fled Bricrenn 4: A Head to Head Discussion
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Story Archaeology is run on a voluntary not-for-profit basis. If you can afford a donation towards our running costs, we would be very grateful. The “Donate” button is on the right-hand-side of each page, or e-mail us for other ways to support our work.
Check our Reading List for further reading and resources.
by The Story Archaeologists
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello
The Midwinter festival has been a time of over indulgence and conspicuous consumption for millenia! This year, we dig in to the Middle Irish story, Aisling MacConglinne, "The Vision of MacConglinne", a delicious debauch of extreme gastronomy.!
Join the Story Archaeologists in a feast of fantastical food, with a generous side order of sumptuous satire.
Read the full translated text here!
Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts! Related Articles will be posted in the days to come…
Story Archaeology is run on a voluntary not-for-profit basis. If you can afford a donation towards our running costs, we would be very grateful. The “Donate” button is on the right-hand-side of each page, or e-mail us for other ways to support our work.
Check our Reading List for further reading and resources.
by The Story Archaeologists
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello
Welcome to Series 6, "Circling the Tain". In this series, we will delve into the fascinating web of stories making up the Tain tradition, with the Tain Bó Cúailnge, "The Cattle Raid of Cooley", at its core.
We begin this exploration with the story of two talented swineherds and their shape-shifting,poetic quarrel. Join the Story Archaeologists as they begin to uncover just how much this entertaining story acts as a trailer for the complex of stories that make up the Tain tradition as a whole.
Related episodes
Without too big of a Spoiler Alert, we get excited again about Mongán in this episode! Here are the links to the podcast episodes on Mongán:
Rowing Around Immrama 09: Mongan and His Missus
Rowing Around Imrrama 10: Mongan and the Poets Rowing Around Immrama 11: The Mongan Mysteries – Some Poetic Fragments External links:
Throughout this series, "Circling the Táin", we refer to the Ulster Cycle WordPress site by Patrick Brown. His site is a superb resource for this strand of old Irish literature. Peruse at your leisure!
The Ulster Cycle: Heroic Legends from Ireland - Patrick Brown
Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts! Related Articles will be posted in the days to come…
Story Archaeology is run on a voluntary not-for-profit basis. If you can afford a donation towards our running costs, we would be very grateful. The “Donate” button is on the right-hand-side of each page, or e-mail us for other ways to support our work.
Check our Reading List for further reading and resources.
by The Story Archaeologists
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello
Úa na gCait
The Morrigan, is a multi textured mythological figure, She may take the role of war correspondent, and diplomat and record keeper. She can be sensual, uncompromising and occasionally even downright scary but then, above all, she is the perfect exemplar of the poet's skill.
Come an explore her fascinating complexity with the story archaeologists as they follow her track through the epic stories of the Táin bó Cuailnge and the Battle of Moytura. Links for this episode
There is relevant material throughout the second series on Moytura, but three are especially connected with The Morrigan. See series 2, episode 4: 'On the Dagda's Track , series 2 episode 6: The Morrigan's View (part 1) and series 2,episode 6 The Morrigan's View (part 2)
We also mentioned her appearance to Cú Chulainn in Series 3.episode : The Cow and the Time Machine.
There are also many , articles, texts and translations, connected to each of these topics, on the website.
Sculpture by Annette McCormack
Brigid is the much-loved irish saint of kildare as well a pre-Christian Celtic mythical figure. But what connection is there between the two? Just who is Brigid? Sift through the strata of her story with the Story Archaeologists to uncover some unexpected surprises.
Links to other episodes mentioned within the podcast.
Further Discussion on the Well of Sláine: Airmid Revisited Further discussion on Ethliu: Ethliu Revisited Further discussion on Rúadán and the forge of Goibniu Also mentioned in the episode: Corpse Carrying for Beginners and The Cow and the Time Machine Don't forget to subscribe to get the latest podcasts! By The Story Archaeologists. Music: "Tam Lin" by Gian Castello.
ceramic on glass by Chris Thompson
Airmed is the daughter of the great Dé Danann physician, Dían Cécht, part of a family of healers. Together, they create the healing well of Sláine, which restores injured warriors at the Second Battle of Moytura. But do the meanings of their names tell a different story?
In our revisit to what may seem at first reading, a side story in the great battle saga, join the the Story archaeologists as they re-evaluate the role of Airmed and her family, finding their actions central to the main theme of the epic Moytura story.
In this episode, and our update, we referenced many other episodes, including our entire second series on Moytura.. However, for now, we will include a couple of the most relevant links.
For the story of Dían Cécht, Miach and Airmed in the context of Moytura, go to: The Battle of Moytura Episode 5: The Four Craftsmen.
For examples of laws on sick-lying ( crólige) in context go to : Dindshenchas 09: Tocmarc Étaíne 1 – A Fly On The Wall and Dindshenchas 10: Tocmarc Étaíne 2 – The Re-Born Identity
This time of year is a frenzy of shopping, family gatherings and exchange of gifts. But is this simply a modern phenomenon?
For this year's MidWinter Special, the Story Archaeologists dig as deep as their virtual spades will go, comparing the deepest layers of human settlement through medieval mayhem to the contemporary craft fair, searching for the common threads.
Links from the Episode:
Here is The Óenach Project, research conducted by Patrick Gleeson under the Department of Archaeology at University College Cork.
Here is a talk given by Ian Hodder on entanglement at Göbekli and Çatalhöyük, "Origins of Settled Life".
And finally, as promised in the episode, here's a link to a short animation, "Little Red Riding Hood: The Alternate Version" by An Snag Breac / Maker Magpie:
Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts! Related Articles will be posted in the days to come…
Story Archaeology is run on a voluntary not-for-profit basis. If you can afford a donation towards our running costs, we would be very grateful. The “Donate” button is on the right-hand-side of each page, or e-mail us for other ways to support our work.
Check our Reading List for further reading and resources.
by The Story Archaeologists
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello
Elin Gowand the cow Glas Gainach
This is the first of two supplemental episodes supporting our recent podcast, Tales of Ethliu (revisited). "Elin Gow, the Swordsmith and the Cow, the Glas Gaianach" is a folktale collected in the southwest of Ireland by Jeremiah Curtin in the late 19th century. The tale first appeared in "Hero Tales of Ireland". It is a great story that overlaps the better known, tale of Balor and the stealing of a marvelous cow but this version answers the surprising question of how the cow got to be kept by a sword-smith in the first place and fills in some details of Cian's amazing adventures.
Read "Hero Tales of Ireland online.
https://archive.org/stream/herotalesofirela00curtuoft/herotalesofirela00curtuoft_djvu.txt
Folklore from the Dingle Peninsular. Local folklorist , Doncha Ó Conchúir talks about 'The Gate of the Cow", two pre-historic stone pillars near Ballyferriter, Co. Kerry. He tells a recent version of the last milking of the marvelous cow. The stone pillars are very interesting. Maybe it is these pillars that gave rise to the story of the transformation of cian in the story we tell of Elin Gow.
http://www.voicesfromthedawn.com/gate-of-the-cow/
Eithliu is a figure who seems to pop in and out of stories, taking no notice of traditional story cycles, or even how her name is spelt. Yet she rarely takes a leading role.
In this "revisit", we return to this enigmatic and sometimes troubling character from Irish mythology and folklore. With the benefit of three years hindsight, we crack some previously un-noticed nutshells and discover new and unexpected aspects to the Kernel aka the Glas Gabhann aka ...
Related episodes
As ever, there are several later episodes that relate to Eithliu in her many guises, and we refer to them as we go through the episode. Here are the links to those episodes, if you want to refresh your memory!
WARNING: Do not attempt all in one sitting! Story Archaeology will not accept responsibility for any damage to hearing or brain...
Series 2 Episode 3 - The Coming of Lugh
Series 2 Episode 9 - The Children of Tuirenn Part 1
Series 2 Episode 12 - An Experiment in Story Archaeology
Series 3 Episode 3 - The Well and the Cheese
Series 3 Episode 9 - Tocmarc Étaíne Part 1 (Episode 10 Part 2, Episode 11 Part 3)
Series 4 Episode 7 - Echtrae Tadhg Mac Céin
Series 4 Episode 9 - Mongán and his Missus
Series 4 Episode 12 - In Search of Manannán
Series 4 Episode 13 - In Search of Midir
Series 5 Episode 1 - Revisiting Sinann
Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts! Related Articles will be posted in the days to come…
Story Archaeology is run on a voluntary not-for-profit basis. If you can afford a donation towards our running costs, we would be very grateful. The “Donate” button is on the right-hand-side of each page, or e-mail us for other ways to support our work.
Check our Reading List for further reading and resources.
by The Story Archaeologists
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello
Macha - a sculpture in bog yew by Davy Paton
In the second of our "revisits", we look back at our discussions on Noinden Ulaid and the Dindshenchas stories of Emain Macha in Co. Armagh. This was the first discussion that we had about cóir, although we were then using the Egyptian term Ma'at, signifying natural order and justice.
Reviewing this episode really highlights how far we've come in developing our terminology and methodology! If you didn't catch it the first time round, you can listen to the second half of the episode to hear that initial discussion, then skip back to our review notes at the beginning. Or just listen straight through to hear our notes first and the original discussion second - or try both and see which you prefer!
Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts! Related Articles will be posted in the days to come…
Story Archaeology is run on a voluntary not-for-profit basis. If you can afford a donation towards our running costs, we would be very grateful. The “Donate” button is on the right-hand-side of each page, or e-mail us for other ways to support our work.
Check our Reading List for further reading and resources.
by The Story Archaeologists
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello
Sinann, the river Shannon, from a painting by Chris Thompson
Welcome to series 5 of Acallam na nÉces, "Revisiting Mythical Women". In our first episode, we take a look back at the stories of Sinann, and the themes that came up when we discussed them in our very first episode.
We've added some new discussion to the beginning of the episode, highlighting how Story Archaeology has added to the ideas and approaches that started the whole project. Follow links below to related episodes and some new research into the longevity of stories, the compacted layers of medieval and 19th century scholarship and the central roles of poetry and dindshenchas.
Related episodes
Dindshenchas and the Art of Mythic Cartogrophy 2 - Dindshenchas and Dreamtime
Rowing Around Immráma 8 - The Schocking Revelations Concerning King Cormac Mac Airt
Rowing Around Immráma 12 - In Search of Manannán
Articles
"Ireland in the Ice Age" on The Ireland Story:
http://www.wesleyjohnston.com/users/ireland/past/pre_norman_history/iceage.html
"Ancient Aboriginal Stories Preserve History of a Rise in Sea Level" on The Conversation:
http://theconversation.com/ancient-aboriginal-stories-preserve-history-of-a-rise-in-sea-level-36010
Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts! Related Articles will be posted in the days to come…
Story Archaeology is run on a voluntary not-for-profit basis. If you can afford a donation towards our running costs, we would be very grateful. The “Donate” button is on the right-hand-side of each page, or e-mail us for other ways to support our work.
Check our Reading List for further reading and resources.
by The Story Archaeologists
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello
In the last stop of our very circuitous Immrám of Immráma, we have a canter through a Fenian tale of surly servants, marine equines, hairy horrors and a battle with the High-King of the World. All in a day's work for Finn and the Fianna...
But is it an Immrám? Is it a recognisably Irish tale or a Classical rip-off? Help pull the Story Archaeology oars into its final harbour and find out!
Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts! Related Articles will be posted in the days to come…
Story Archaeology is run on a voluntary not-for-profit basis. If you can afford a donation towards our running costs, we would be very grateful. The “Donate” button is on the right-hand-side of each page, or e-mail us for other ways to support our work.
Check our Reading List for further reading and resources.
by The Story Archaeologists
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello
Etain and Misir by Jim Fitzpatrick
As we reach dry land after our long Immram,we encounter yet another mystery. Midir was once a Lord of the Sidhe a judge, and a worker of wonders. He was, on land, what Mananann was, in the Land Under Wave. . All is not what it seems. A mist of obscurity has gathered around Midir.
Join the Story Archaeologists as they undertake a little restoration work.
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Story Archaeology is run on a voluntary not-for-profit basis. If you can afford a donation towards our running costs, we would be very grateful. The “Donate” button is on the right-hand-side of each page, or e-mail us for other ways to support our work.
Check our Reading List for further reading and resources.
by The Story Archaeologists
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello
This sculpture of Manannan, by John Sutton from Dungannon, disappeared from Binevenagh Mountain outside Limavady in January 2015. Those who stole the statue left a wooden cross in its place with the words; 'You shall have no other gods before me’. The statue was found one month later and is to be replaced.
As we glimpse safe harbour after our mammoth Immram, we take the opportunity to get to know a favourite Otherworld character. But where does Manannan Mac Lir come from? Is he all he appears to be?
This quest became so huge that we had to split it into two episodes. So join the Story Archaeologists as they part the mists to look for this maratime Lord of the Sidhe. Be prepared for more surprising navigational twists in the next episode!
Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts! Related Articles will be posted in the days to come…
Story Archaeology is run on a voluntary not-for-profit basis. If you can afford a donation towards our running costs, we would be very grateful. The “Donate” button is on the right-hand-side of each page, or e-mail us for other ways to support our work.
Check our Reading List for further reading and resources.
by The Story Archaeologists
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello
In our third and final episode on the lost hero, Mongán, we piece together some intriguing potsherds. What has the son of Manannán to say to Saint Colm Cille? What happened when he had his "Frenzy"? Can we re-construct his death-tale, Aided Mongáin?
Join the Story Archaeologists as they look for edges and corners in this poetic jigsaw.
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Story Archaeology is run on a voluntary not-for-profit basis. If you can afford a donation towards our running costs, we would be very grateful. The “Donate” button is on the right-hand-side of each page, or e-mail us for other ways to support our work.
Check our Reading List for further reading and resources.
by The Story Archaeologists
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello
Taliesin by Heloise Christa
In our second dip into Mongan's mysterious waters, we compare several stories showing off Mongan's miraculous poetic skill. As a boy-wonder, he humiliates his father's chief poet; as a king, he terrifies a poor student into a mysterious quest; and finally lets slip that he may have been here before...
Join the Story Archaeologists as they dredge up a lost hero of Irish poets - one who can give Taliesin a run for his money!
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Story Archaeology is run on a voluntary not-for-profit basis. If you can afford a donation towards our running costs, we would be very grateful. The “Donate” button is on the right-hand-side of each page, or e-mail us for other ways to support our work.
Check our Reading List for further reading and resources.
by The Story Archaeologists
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello
Fergus mac Léite gets to encounter the underwater world of the Lupracán, a story which in the late middle / early modern Irish version, almost certainly, inspired Swift's wonderful satire, 'Gulliver's Travels'. The Story Archaeologists, ear herbs at the ready, dive right into the tale, but wonder how these small, but proud and fiercely independent, beings have devolved, over the centuries into the scary Leprechaun travesties .that are dragged out every Paddy's day?
The Saga of Fergus mac Léite
The king of the Lupracán’s journey to Emain, and how the death of Fergus mac Léite, king of Ulster was brought about.
In our very first Immrám, Immrám Bran, we met Manannán on his way to beget a wonder-child, Mongán. Now that we've finished rowing around the open seas, we've returned to dry land to find out what happened next.
What we've found is one of the funniest stories we've ever looked at! So strap in your sides and prepare to get hilarious with the Story Archaeologists!
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Story Archaeology is run on a voluntary not-for-profit basis. If you can afford a donation towards our running costs, we would be very grateful. The “Donate” button is on the right-hand-side of each page, or e-mail us for other ways to support our work.
Check our Reading List for further reading and resources.
by The Story Archaeologists
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello
Happy new year to our Story Archaeology listeners! Because we love ye thiiiiiis much, we're sending out a multimedia feast for our Samhain special.
So, take a look at this video of a live Story Archaeology show, then have a listen to our episode, "A Tale to Remember", and peruse the attached texts and your leisure. Enjoy!
Texts for this episode:
The Fairy Palace of the Quicken Trees by P. W. Joyce
The Palace of the Quicken Trees by Lady Augusta Gregory
The Chase of Slieve Fuad by P. W. Joyce
from "Fionn and the King of Alba's Son"
Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts! Related Articles will be posted in the days to come…
Story Archaeology is run on a voluntary not-for-profit basis. If you can afford a donation towards our running costs, we would be very grateful. The “Donate” button is on the right-hand-side of each page, or e-mail us for other ways to support our work.
Check our Reading List for further reading and resources.
by The Story Archaeologists
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello
King Cormac Mac Airt is often called "The Irish Solomon". But was this legendary king quite the wise old judge suggested by that epithet?
Find out with the Story Archaeologists in this long-awaited - and lon-running! - 2 hour dig for truth and justice.
Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts! Related Articles will be posted in the days to come…
Story Archaeology is run on a voluntary not-for-profit basis. If you can afford a donation towards our running costs, we would be very grateful. The “Donate” button is on the right-hand-side of each page, or e-mail us for other ways to support our work.
Check our Reading List for further reading and resources.
by The Story Archaeologists
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello
Greetings all diggers and scrapers and fragment-collectors…
If you read “The Trials and Tribulations of a pair of Story Archaeologists”, you’ll know that we at Story Archaeology have been on our own technological Immrám for some time now. It certainly can feel very much like “rowing around” when trying to select, construct and set up new computers.
We have conquered one of those islands on our journey. Isolde now has a new PC which is much less terrified of the internet than her previous model. Chris has finally installed the wonders of wi-fi in her own home. So we are ready to strike out on the next leg.
This is where you come in. Please take a listen to this short-cast, which explains why we need your help to continue on our journey. We would be nothing without our wonderful audience. Indeed, we’re starting to get the sense that this audience is in fact a community. So please help tug on the oars, and let’s keep Story Archaeology on this extraordinary immrám of discovery!
Passage of the Wisdom Keeper by Paul Bond
The Adventures of Tadhg Mac Céin may seem like a Middle Irish vision of Theme Park Ireland, but this rollocking sea adventure has real surprises up its sleeve. Exactly what kind of Otherworld is it that our Jack-the-Lad hero has discovered?
Join the Story Archaeologists as they plumb the unexpected depths of this hidden Immrám gem.
Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts! Related Articles will be posted in the days to come…
Story Archaeology is run on a voluntary not-for-profit basis. If you can afford a donation towards our running costs, we would be very grateful. The “Donate” button is on the right-hand-side of each page.
Check our Reading List for further reading and resources.
by The Story Archaeologists
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello
There are some characters in Irish story who are just hard to ignore. St Brendan the Navigator is one of them. Although his voyage is not one of the Immrama from the tale lists, he confidently sets of with his crew of monks to sail to the Land of Promise of the Saints.
Join the Story Archaeologists as they follow in the wake of a saint.
Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts! Related Articles will be posted in the days to come…
Story Archaeology is run on a voluntary not-for-profit basis. If you can afford a donation towards our running costs, we would be very grateful. The “Donate” button is on the right-hand-side of each page.
Check our Reading List for further reading and resources.
by The Story Archaeologists
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello
The Galway Hooker, Eyre Square, Galway City: by Éamonn O'Doherty
We are reaching the end of our voyage into “official” Immráma. As we turn for home with Mael Duin and his crew, we ask, “So what does it all mean?”
Journey into new waters with the Story Archaeologists as we begin to chart our Immrám adventures.
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Story Archaeology is run on a voluntary not-for-profit basis. If you can afford a donation towards our running costs, we would be very grateful. The “Donate” button is on the right-hand-side of each page.
Check our Reading List for further reading and resources.
by The Story Archaeologists
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello
When Máel Dúin sets out on a voyage to avenge the father he has never known, he encounters a seascape of wonders and terrors where nothing is what it seems.
Join the story Archaeologists as they follow in his wake, discovering some unexpected marvels.
This episode is only the first installment of this maratime epic, and it lasts over 2 hours. So get comfortable and enjoy the journey!
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by The Story Archaeologists
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello
This is Sydney Skybetter, Philip Montana, and Bryan Campbell performing in "The Voyage of the Húi Corra" (2008). Photo by Tony Dougherty.
The tale of the Uí Corra may start out as an intriguing fairy tale, but their journey is not for the faint of heart. Their quest for knowledge soon deepens into a dark and stormy voyage of tortured souls and infernal visions.
Join the Story Archaeologists as they plumb the contradictory depths of this under-appreciated Immrám.
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by The Story Archaeologists
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello
Cat and Mouse decoration from the Book of Kells
In the aftermath of the Battle of Mag Rath, the Men of Ross endure a harsh sentence: to be set adrift in the Atlantic Ocean. Inspired by this, Snedgus and Mac Ríagla, two of St. Colmcille's monks, decide to try it out for themselves.
Hop aboard with the Story Archaeologists to explore another trench of watery wonders.
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By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.
Welcome to Series 4, "Rowing Around Immráma", where we will be exploring a tale-type which straddles land and sea, conscious and unconscious, Christian and non-Christian. In the first episode on these magical sea voyages, we follow Bran Mac Febul on his voyage to the Island of Women. Join the Story Archaeologists as they dig the first of their somewhat watery trenches, and discover why Bran receives an offer he finds hard to refuse. Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts! Related Articles will be posted in the days to come. Check our Reading List for further reading and resources.
By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.
In exploring the Dindshenchas of Inber Ailbine, we looked at the poem Nuall Fer Fio, "Fer Fio's Cry", to gain some understanding of the nine daughters of the sea in their bronze boats. In the episode, I incorrectly attributed the translation to Dr. John Carey. This is because I first read about the poem in his excellent article, ‘Téacsanna draíochta in Éirinn sa mheánaois luath’ [‘Magical texts in early medieval Ireland’] (translated into Irish by Pádraig Ó Fiannachta), Léachtaí Cholm Cille 30 (2000) 98-117; presented at Léachtaí Cholm Cille, Dingle, 10 April 1999. It is also in this article that I read about the charms calling for the help of Goibniu and Dían Cécht, which I discussed in "How to Get Help from a Craftsman".
Carey points out that Nuall Fer Fio is cited in a medieval text as an example of a cétnad, "hundred-poem"; a quasi-metrical verse form containing 100 stressed syllables. He also cites Liam Breathnach's observation that the poem contains those hundred syllables if the Latin coda is omitted. This coda calls for the blessings of God and Christ. I have omitted this section below, but you can read it in full, with a translation of the Latin by Mary Jones, on her Celtic Literature Collective. I have made a few amendations to Meyer's translation.
You can listen to the Old Irish, read by Isolde
Nuall Fer Fio Ed. by Kuno Meyer from two MSS (Laud 610 and Book of Ballymote). "Miscellany presented to John Macdonald Mackay". Liverpool, 1914. Ad-muiniur secht n-ingena trethan
I call on the seven daughters of the sea,
dolbtae snáithi macc n-áesmar.
who shape the threads of long-lived children.
Tri bás flaimm ro-ucaiter,
Three deaths be taken from me,
tri áes dom do-rataiter,
three ages be given to me,
secht tonna tocaid dom do-ra-dáilter!
seven waves [of plenty] poured for me.
Ním chollet messe fom chúairt
May I not be molested on my journey
i llúrig Lasréin cen léiniud!
in my radiant breastplate / Breastplate of Lasrén without stain.
Ní nassar mo chlú ar chel!
May my name not be pledged in vain;
dom-í-áes;
May I have long life;
nim thi bás comba sen!
may death not come to me until I am old. Ad-muiniur m’Argetnia
I call on my Silver Champion,
nád bá nád bebe;
who has not died and will not die;
amser dom do-r-indnastar
may time be granted to me
findruini febe!
of the quality of bronze.
Ro orthar mo richt,
May my double be slain
ro saerthar mo recht,
may my law be ennobled,
ro mórthar mo nert,
may my strength be increased,
nip ellam mo lecht,
may my tomb not be readied,
nim thí bás for fecht,
may I not die on my journey,
ro firthar mo thecht!
may my return be ensured to me.
Ním ragba nathair díchonn,
May the two-headed serpent not attack me,
ná dorb dúrglass,
nor the hard pale worm,
ná doel díchuinn!
nor the senseless beetle.
Ním millither téol,
May no thief attack me,
ná cuire ban,
nor a company of women,
ná cuire buiden!
nor a company of warriors.
Dom-i urchar n-aimsire
May I have increase of time
ó Rig inna n-uile!
from the king of all. Ad-muiniur Senach sechtaimserach
I call on Senach of the seven ages,
con-altatar mná side
whom fairy women reared
far bruinnib búais.
on the breasts of good fortune.
Ní báitter mo shechtchaindel!
May my seven candles not be quenched.
Am dun díthagail,
I am an invincible fortress,
am all anscuichthe,
I am an immovable rock,
am ha lógmar,
I am a precious stone,
am sen sechtmainech.
I am the symbol of seven treasures.
Roba chétach
May I be [the man of] hundreds [of possessions],
cétbliadnach,
hundreds of years,
cach cét diib ar úair.
each hundred in its [proper] time.
Have your tickets ready for inspection and your guide-books open to page 1! To round off Series 3, we're going to discover some Dindshenchas gems in the Irish countryside.
Join the Story Archaeologists as they take you on a magical mystery tour of mythic cartography, mapping myths as they go.
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By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.
Long before Santa's sack was filled with seasonal gifts, Manannán Mac Lír had a wonderful craneskin bag full of magical treasures, which he frequently gave to those he favoured.
But what will the Story Archaeologists pull out of the bag? Some unusual pets, a mythical Swiss Army knife and a Holy Grail.
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By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.
And featuring "A Shaolin Monk for Christmas" by Mister Stick.
As we reach the final section of "The Wooing of Étaín", a game of fidchell leads to some epic gains and losses. There will be archaic poetry, incest, a War of the Worlds and some civil engineering.
Join the Story Archaeologists as they encounter a tale where text and archaeology come together in an extraordinary way.
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By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.
Étaín and Midir: illustration by Kathy Moore
As Étaín grows up to be the most beautiful woman in Ireland - again - she is wooed and won by no less than the king of all Ireland. But no story can be that simple!
Join the Story Archaeologists as they seek out the improbable causes of the “sick-lying” of Étaín’s new brother-in-law.
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By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.
Sculpture of Étaín by Éamonn O'Doherty (Isolde's late uncle)
The saga Tocmarc Étaíne, "The Wooing of Étaín”, is a complex and engaging tale of love, loss and time twists. We encounter jealous husbands, repudiated wives and bewildering shape-shifting, all stretching over a thousand years.
The Story Archaeologists wander through the first part this magnifigant story, rediscovering old friends and meeting some new, including a very unusual fly.
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By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.
Road sculpture, Táin Bó Cúailgne, Co Louth, photo by Paz
In the context of Dindshenchas, we return to the fascinating tale, Echtrae Nerai / Táin Bó Aingene ("The Adventures of Nera / The Cattle Raid of Aingene"), which we dipped into in "Corpse Carrying For Beginners". When Nera returns from his adventures in the síd, he ends up with even more than a time-travel headache.
Join the Story Archaeologists as they try to unravel the threads of this closely-woven story.
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By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello. Links for this episode
"The Adventures of Nera / The Cattle Raid of Aingene", translated by Kuno Meyer; on Mary Jones' Celtic Literature Collective "The Cattle Raid of Regamna", translated by A. H. Leahy, on the Celtic Literature Collective "The Exile of the Sons of Uisliu" (a.k.a. Deirdre of the Sorrows), translated by Vernam Hull, on CELT "The Cattle Raid of Cooley" - Recension I, edited and translated by Cecile O'Rahilly, on CELT "The Cattle Raid of Cooley" - From the Book of Leinster (LL), edited and translated by Cecile O'Rahilly, on CELT
Corleck triple faced stone from County Cavan
After an exhausting treck around Ireland in pursuit of the Champion's Portion, it's time to sit back and examine the text of Fled Bricrenn as a whole. There are many questions to be asked; such as who has been pulling our heroes' strings?
Join the Story Archaeologists in their quest to understand this fascinating saga, and attempt to locate it in time as well as space.
Please note: This would originally have been one long episode! Instead of making it "Dindshenchas 6: Fled Bricrenn 3 - Part 2 of 2", we decided to make it a whole new episode!
If you have any technical difficulties downloading or listening to the podcast, please leave a comment below.
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By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello. Links for the episode
Fled Bricrenn, "Bricriu's Feast", translated by George Henderson; Irish Texts Society, 1899 Mesca Ulad, "The Intoxication of the Ulstermen", translated by W. M. Hennessey (1889). This could almost be a "companion text" to Fled Bricrenn, and contains detailed descriptions of many of the characters. And finally, Bricriu's Feast: A Comedy in Three Acts, with an Epilogue by Eimar O'Duffy (1913).
Two-headed stone figure from Boa island, Lough Erne.
In the final episode of Fled Bricrenn, our heroes head deep into the Otherworld, a.k.a. Kerry. They enter the mysterious revolving fort of Cú Roí Mac Daire, culminating in the iconic beheading game.
Join the Story Archaeologists as they take an axe to the Gordian Knot of this magnificent, though bewildering, saga.
Please note: This would originally have been one long episode! This episode is marked as "Part 1 of 2", which covers the rest of the text., but instead of "Part 2 of 2", there will be a new episode, entitled Dindshenchas 7: Fled Bricrenn 4 - A Head to Head Discussion.
If you have any technical difficulties downloading or listening to the podcast, please leave a comment below.
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By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello. Links for the episode
Fled Bricrenn, "Bricriu's Feast" - translated by George Henderson; Irish Texts Society, 1899
In the second part of Fled Bricrenn, our heroes make their way to Crúachán to be judged for the Champion’s Portion. But their routes there and back are most circuitous.
Follow on their heels with the Story Archaeologists as Cú Chulainn, Loegaire and Conall are tested in some unexpected ways!
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By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello. Links for the episode
Fled Bricrenn, "Bricriu's Feast" - translated by George Henderson; Irish Texts Society, 1899
When Bricriu decides to hold a party, anyone who is anyone must put in an appearance. But Bricriu has no intention of getting in a few beers and a few bowls of nibbles. No, Bricriu's feast will set the greatest heroes of Ulster at each other's throats and send them racing off on adventures throughout Ireland.
Join the Story Archaeologists as they revel in this rumbustious epic exploring a selection of Dindshenchas stories along the way.
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By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.
Inis Clothrann, the largest island of Lough Ree, Co. Longford, is famous for more than just its venerable monastic remains. It was here that Medb of Crúachán would bathe in the island's well in fulfilment of a geis, imposed for killing at least one of her sisters. It was at this same well she met her death.
Join the Story Archaeologists as they plumb its murky depths, encountering a lethal piece of cheese on the way.
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By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.
Mythic cartography is the art of mapping stories onto a living landscape. In Ireland, these patterns are visible through the corpus of Dindshenchas poems and prose: in Australia, they have traditionally been painted onto rocks by the First Australians.
Join the Story Archaeologists as they chart the Songlines and Storylines in these, environmentally differing, mythic map libraries.
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By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello. Links for the episode
To learn more about Kakadu national park in the Northern Territories in Australia, visit their website: kakadu.com.au To learn about the archaeology of Knowth in the Boyne Valley, visit the official website: newgrange.com/knowth.htm This site has excellent images of all the decorated kerbstones at Knowth: megalithicireland.com/Knowth.htm To find out about the extraordinary Neolithic complex discovered in Orkney, visit this site: orkneyjar.com/archaeology/nessofbrodgar
Begin Series 3, Dindshenchas and the Art of Mythic Cartography, as the Story Archaeologists interview Dr. Ranke de Vries, editor of "Two Texts on Loch nEchach".
With Chris away in Australia, Isolde, left behind in chilly Ireland, had the pleasure of interviewing friend and former teacher, Ranke de Vries, after the recent launch of her book with the Irish Texts Society.
Now re-united, the Story Archaeologists have decided to begin a new series with this exciting interview. The mysteriously missing episode 11 of series 2 will materialise before long, as will the much-awaited major series on Finn.
In the mean-time, Chris has returned with stories from Australia's Northern Territories, which have re-awakened our interest in Irish stories of place, the dindshenchas. We look forward to sharing them with you.
If you have any technical difficulties downloading or listening to the podcast, please leave a comment below.
Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts! Related Articles will be posted in the days to come.
Old episodes now available on archive.org.
by The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello. Links for the episode
Buy Irish Text Society Main Series Volume 65 (2012): De causis torchi Corc’ Oche and Aided Echach maic Maireda ‘ Two Texts on Loch nEchach’, edited by Ranke de Vries, on the Royal Irish Academy website. Joseph F. Nagy, Conversing with Angels and Ancients. Published by Cornell University Press.
Begin Series 3, Dindshenchas and the Art of Mythic Cartography, as the Story Archaeologists interview Dr. Ranke de Vries, editor of "Two Texts on Loch nEchach".
With Chris away in Australia, Isolde, left behind in chilly Ireland, had the pleasure of interviewing friend and former teacher, Ranke de Vries, after the recent launch of her book with the Irish Texts Society.
Now re-united, the Story Archaeologists have decided to begin a new series with this exciting interview. The mysteriously missing episode 11 of series 2 will materialise before long, as will the much-awaited major series on Finn.
In the mean-time, Chris has returned with stories from Australia's Northern Territories, which have re-awakened our interest in Irish stories of place, the dindshenchas. We look forward to sharing them with you.
If you have any technical difficulties downloading or listening to the podcast, please leave a comment below.
Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts! Related Articles will be posted in the days to come.
Old episodes now available on archive.org.
by The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello. Links for the episode
Buy Irish Text Society Main Series Volume 65 (2012): De causis torchi Corc’ Oche and Aided Echach maic Maireda ‘ Two Texts on Loch nEchach’, edited by Ranke de Vries, on the Royal Irish Academy website. Joseph F. Nagy, Conversing with Angels and Ancients. Published by Cornell University Press.
We have dug down as far as we can go in this Story Archaeology dig of Cath Maige Tuired. We've studied the landscape, examined related stories, collected linguistic potsherds. So what are we left with?
For the last episode in "The Battle of Moytura" series, the Story Archaeologists engage in some experimental story archaeology. What if we leave out "foreign" characters? What if we only read the oldest strata of the tale? If the story is not a battle between Good Gods and Evil Demons, what kind of story is it?
Strap yourselves in as we take off into pure speculation on a Story Archaeology joyride!
If you have any technical difficulties downloading or listening to the podcast, please leave a comment below.
Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts! Related Articles will be posted in the days to come.
Old episodes now available on archive.org.
By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.
We have dug down as far as we can go in this Story Archaeology dig of Cath Maige Tuired. We've studied the landscape, examined related stories, collected linguistic potsherds. So what are we left with?
For the last episode in "The Battle of Moytura" series, the Story Archaeologists engage in some experimental story archaeology. What if we leave out "foreign" characters? What if we only read the oldest strata of the tale? If the story is not a battle between Good Gods and Evil Demons, what kind of story is it?
Strap yourselves in as we take off into pure speculation on a Story Archaeology joyride!
If you have any technical difficulties downloading or listening to the podcast, please leave a comment below.
Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts! Related Articles will be posted in the days to come.
Old episodes now available on archive.org.
By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.
In our continuing discussion of the Early Modern Irish tale, “The Fate of the Children of Tuirenn”, we send Brian and the boys off on their epic quest. Much of this tale sounds terribly familiar (did someone say “Labours of Heracles?"). But it all boils down to the deceptively simple task of making three shouts on a hill - will the three brothers have any chance of surviving?
As this epic "Sorrow of Irish Storytelling" serves as one of the few texts telling the story of Moytura, our discussion has been split into two full episodes. Listen to the first episode here.
Follow with the Story Archaeologists on the greatest treasure hunt in Irish Mythology.
The text and translation we refer to can be read on archive.org: http://archive.org/details/fateofchildrenof00sociiala.
Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts! Related Articles will be posted in the days to come.
Old episodes now available on archive.org.
By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.
In our continuing discussion of the Early Modern Irish tale, “The Fate of the Children of Tuirenn”, we send Brian and the boys off on their epic quest. Much of this tale sounds terribly familiar (did someone say “Labours of Heracles?"). But it all boils down to the deceptively simple task of making three shouts on a hill - will the three brothers have any chance of surviving?
As this epic "Sorrow of Irish Storytelling" serves as one of the few texts telling the story of Moytura, our discussion has been split into two full episodes. Listen to the first episode here.
Follow with the Story Archaeologists on the greatest treasure hunt in Irish Mythology.
The text and translation we refer to can be read on archive.org: http://archive.org/details/fateofchildrenof00sociiala.
Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts! Related Articles will be posted in the days to come.
Old episodes now available on archive.org.
By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.
Jim Fitzpatrick's spectacular Lugh
In the Early Modern Irish tale, "The Fate of the Children of Tuirenn", Lugh prepares to take on the might of the Fomoire hosts, seemingly single-handed. But he will need some very special weapons for this task, along with the help of Clann Manannáin, the "Fairy Cavalcade".
As this epic "Sorrow of Irish Storytelling" serves as one of the few texts telling the story of Moytura, our discussion has been split into two full episodes.
Follow with the Story Archaeologists on the greatest treasure hunt in Irish Mythology.
The text and translation we refer to can be read on archive.org: http://archive.org/details/fateofchildrenof00sociiala.
Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts! Related Articles will be posted in the days to come.
Old episodes now available on archive.org.
By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.
Jim Fitzpatrick's spectacular Lugh
In the Early Modern Irish tale, "The Fate of the Children of Tuirenn", Lugh prepares to take on the might of the Fomoire hosts, seemingly single-handed. But he will need some very special weapons for this task, along with the help of Clann Manannáin, the "Fairy Cavalcade".
As this epic "Sorrow of Irish Storytelling" serves as one of the few texts telling the story of Moytura, our discussion has been split into two full episodes.
Follow with the Story Archaeologists on the greatest treasure hunt in Irish Mythology.
The text and translation we refer to can be read on archive.org: http://archive.org/details/fateofchildrenof00sociiala.
Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts! Related Articles will be posted in the days to come.
Old episodes now available on archive.org.
By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.
Photo by Martin Byrne When we listen to stories of the Túatha Dé Danann and their exploits, it can be hard to remember that they are set in real physical locations. Can a landscape story-archaeology survey of these sites give us a new perspective on the story? Follow the Story Archaeologists on a virtual ramble through the West of Ireland, using a 9th century saga instead of a Sat Nav. Some links relating to the episode
Martin Byrne - The Sacred Island: www.carrowkeel.com Martin's page on Moytura is here. Hogan's Onomasticon Goedelicum: publish.ucc.ie/doi/locus Department of Archaeology, NUI Galway: www.nuigalway.ie/archaeology Story Archaeology article about Heapstown Cairn: storyarchaeology.com/2012/08/02/heapstown-cairn-the-well-of-octriallach
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Old episodes now available on archive.org.
By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.
Heapstown Cairn / Ochtriallach's Cairn
Now that we have the entire saga before us, we can take a step back and see what shapes and patterns emerge. Is the saga a patchwork of tales with unnecessary repetition, or is there some significance to all its duplications and reflections?
Enter the realm of Experimental Story Archaeology in the first episode to view the whole story from a new angle.
Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts! Related Articles will be posted in the days to come.
Old episodes now available on archive.org.
By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.
Heapstown Cairn / Ochtriallach's Cairn
Now that we have the entire saga before us, we can take a step back and see what shapes and patterns emerge. Is the saga a patchwork of tales with unnecessary repetition, or is there some significance to all its duplications and reflections?
Enter the realm of Experimental Story Archaeology in the first episode to view the whole story from a new angle.
Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts! Related Articles will be posted in the days to come.
Old episodes now available on archive.org.
By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.
"What is there about the Lightest Light and the Darkest Dark" by Iwaski
As the last sections of our saga are revealed, the overall picture of the Battle of Moytura emerges. The Morrigan, the poet and recorder of the Dé Danann, gives a raven's-eye view of the battle.
Explore some of the overlooked treasures of Cath Maige Tuired with the Story Archaeologists.
Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts! Related Articles will be posted in the days to come.
Old episodes now available on archive.org.
By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.
"What is there about the Lightest Light and the Darkest Dark" by Iwaski
As the last sections of our saga are revealed, the overall picture of the Battle of Moytura emerges. The Morrigan, the poet and recorder of the Dé Danann, gives a raven's-eye view of the battle.
Explore some of the overlooked treasures of Cath Maige Tuired with the Story Archaeologists.
Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts! Related Articles will be posted in the days to come.
Old episodes now available on archive.org.
By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.
The technology of Dían Cécht, Goibniu, Luchta and Creidne Cerd is pivotal in the Battle of Moytura. As People of Craft, the Túatha Dé Danann treasure the skills of their makers and shapers.
The Story Archaeologists find evidence of their crafting on every stratum of the Battle of Moytura and far beyond.
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Old episodes now available on archive.org.
By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.
"The Dagda Cup" - ceramic, made by Chris Thompson
The Dagda is one of our most enduring mythological characters. He strides through the tale of Moytura as craftsman and clown, but how much of the story rests in his large lap?
Follow the Track of the Dagda’s Club along with the Story Archaeologists.
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Old episodes now available on archive.org.
By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.
"Lugh, lord of all crafts" - a ceramic sculpture by Daniel Cullen
Lug Lámfhada has a Long Arm indeed, stretching all the way from Continental Celts to the Insular Isles. His role is central to Cath Maige Tuired, but how does he relate to the other dramatis personae of the tale?
Join the Story Archaeologists as we dust off this iconic hero.
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By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.
Bres by Jim Fitzpatrick
Bres the Beautiful, the Half-Blood Prince of the Túatha Dé Danann, fared little better than his modern literary counterpart. As the Battle of Moytura draws near, we explore the terrible tale of the king set up to be brought down by meanness and false judgement.
Join the Story Archaeologists as we try to piece together the shattered cup of Bres’ kingship.
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Old episodes now available on archive.org.
By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.
The Labby Rock in County Sligo: the traditional burial site of Nuada
Nuada Láim Argait, the merchant king with the Silver Arm, leads his people in wisdom and strategy for much of the saga of the Second Battle of Moytura. He is widely regarded as cognate with the British Celtic god Nodens. So when and how, mythologically speaking, did he come to Ireland?
This first episode of the second series of Acallam na nÉces takes in the opening sections of the text of Cath Maige Tuired, including the coming of the Dé Danann from the northern islands of the world. It also covers the first battle, the battle of Southern Moytura where Nuada lost his arm, and how Dían Cécht replaced it with the famous silver one.
Join the Story Archaeologists in Trench 1 of our biggest dig yet!
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Old episodes now available on archive.org.
By The Story Archaeologists.
Music; “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.
An Acallam na nÉces Samhain Special
In this seasonal special, the Story Archaeologists compare two stories of Samhain. It's a time for ghosts and ghouls and things that go bump in the night... but what could such stories tell us about life 100 or even 1,000 years ago?
Find out as the Story Archaeologists go digging one dark night.
By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: "Tam Lin" by Gian Castello.
References from the Episode
http://archive.org/details/legendsofsaintss00hyde - Legends of Saints and Sinners (Douglas Hyde).http://archive.org/details/fairyandfolktale33887gut - Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry (W. B. Yeats).http://www.celt.dias.ie/publications/celtica/c21.html - Celtica Vol. 21. The journal of the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies; School of Celtic Studies (includes the article Echtrae Nerai and its analogues by Seán Ó Coileáin pp. 427–440).
The cairn-mound on Sheebeg (Sídh Beag)
An Acallam na nÉces Special
In the West of Ireland, every hill is a hollow hill, and every well is a source. But the hill we live on has many legends.
Join the Story Archaeologists on an aerial survey of the story-scape of Sídh Beag, the Small Fairy Hill.
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By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: "Sheemore and Sheebeg" by Turlough O'Carolan, performed by Rehouven Libine.
Ogham scripts from the Book of Ballymote
An Acallam na nÉces Special
Many people are familiar with the "Tree Alphabet" or even "Tree Calendar" derived from the ancient Irish Ogham script. But is this barking up the wrong tree? Is this really what Ogham was created for?
Peel back the compacted layers of 19th century romanticism and Medieval reconstruction with the Story Archaeologists.
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By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: "Tam Lin" by Gian Castello.
Our Tree Circle - Some Pictures
The tree circle was begun in 1992. The original concept was to place a tree in the centre of each "month" with a second corresponding tree at the start of the period, just outside the circle so as to give the circle depth.
However, the trees are now mature and are real trees not just a written glyph. It is a garden full of living trees. Different species grow at varying rates, and some individual trees do better than others. Some are happier with the environment than others. For instance, one of the birches was attacked by sheep when it was young, and was ringed. Although it is healthy, it will never grow to be a tall tree.
Then, rowans do not like our soil. The two rowans in the circle were hard to establish, and are the only rowans growing on the land; although there are many on the higher land not far away.
Some trees live much longer than others. The oak and yew, for example, will far outlive the alder.
Looking from the Rowan and Ash towards the Alder and Willow.
Looking into the circle from the East,. Here we see the Alder and Willow with the Holly, Hazel and Apple across the circle.
This is the Southeast section of the circle, Bealtaine to Summer Solstice showing the Willow, Hawthorn and Oak
This shows the trees from the Autumn quarter. You can see the Apple and Hazel with the Aspen in the background. The carefully "cropped" Bramble is also visible.
This is the last section around the Samhain period. You can see the Elder and the Blackthorn before the Birch begins the new cycle.
Looking North towards the Blackthorn, Yew and Birch
This may have been an long term experiment in Story Archaeology and it has many uses and applications but it is. above all, a garden.
Ua na gCait - The Cave of the Cat at Crúachán
Battle-hag. Nightmare. Phantom Queen. The Morrigan has been called all of these. But is the battle-cry her only anthem?
Uncover the evidence in conversation with the Story Archaeologists.
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By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: "Tam Lin" by Gian Castello.
St. Brigid's Well at Fochard Bríde
Brigid: the much-loved irish saint and the revered Celtic tribal ancestress. But is there a connection between the two?
Sift through the strata of her story in conversation with the Story Archaeologists.
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By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: "Tam Lin" by Gian Castello.
Ceramic on glass by Chris Thompson
Airmed is the daughter of the great Dé Danann physician, Dían Cécht. Together, they created the healling well of Sláine, which restored injured warriors at the Second Battle of Moytura. But do their names tell a different story?
Dig deeper through etymology in conversation with the Story Archaeologists.
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by The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.
"Hope" - Clay sculpture & paint by Chris Thompson
The oral tradition provides vital pieces missing from the Irish manuscripts. "The Birth of Lugh" is a prime example. Reconstruct the story-seed of Eithliu and her many brief appearances in conversation with the Story Archaeologists.
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By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.
Bog yew sculpture by Davy Paton
Macha gives her name to Emain Macha (Navan Fort, the seat of the Ulster kings) and to Armagh. She is also remembered for racing the king’s horses and cursing the Ulstermen. Why should a woman about to give birth be forced into a contest against race-horses?
Explore this fantastical myth in relation to Early Irish status texts, illuminating the rural economy in pre-Norman Ireland. Uncover the secrets of Macha in conversation with the Story Archaeologists.
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By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.
From a painting by Chris Thompson
Sinann is the mythological source of the river Shannon, the longest river in Ireland. But who is she, and how far back does her story go? Was she a wayward girl, or the flower of her people and bringer of deep poetic inspiration?
Delve into the original Irish texts in conversation with the Story Archaeologists.
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By The Story Archaeologists.
Music: "Tam Lin" by Gian Castello.
From 2012 until 2020 Chris and Isolde worked together creating six series of 'Conversations on Irish Mythology' combining Isolde's linguistic expertise in early Irish and Chris' knowledge of the wider context of world mythology, oral tradion and a life-long passionate interest in history and archaeology.
The pandemic brought about many changes and also new, unexpected opportunities. This was certainly true for the 'Story Archaeologists. Isolde has gone on to work with, for example, on-line theatre and wheelchair dance, remote creative writibg events and she has also returned to another of her main concerns, disability politics.
Chris has been designing projects for Irish Schools, in conjunction with the Tain March Project and other arts initiatives. The pandemic has also brought about exciting possibilities, allowing her to develop extensive on-line presentations, on the old stories, for schools and libraries, finding ways to break the Zoom 'fourth wall' so that drama in the classroom can still be included. Click here for further information
Chis has also been working with a number of international Arts Projects which are connected with storyarchaeology.com There will be more to come. Click here for futher information
The 'Conversations on Mythology' podcasts are continuing as well. There will be new regular episodes with interesting and highly knowledgable partners who have much to share about their 'Stories in the Landscape. The first of these conversations will be publishe in early March 2022
The Story Archaeology Archive
The whole archive of past episodes is complete and easily accessible through the site 'Top Navigation or through this link. So enjoy the archived work and look out for the new 'Stories in the Landscape'.
Listen to the original introduction to Story Archaeology.
Welcome to StoryArchaeology.com, uncovering the layers of Irish Mythology. On this site, you will find a regular podcast and articles about Irish Mythology by the Story Archaeologists, Chris Thompson and Isolde Carmody. To find out what Story Archaeology is, and how we apply this method to the exploration of Irish stories, listen to this introductory mini-episode. To subscribe to the podcast, point your podcatcher of choice at feeds.feedburner.com/StoryArchaeology. By The Story Archaeologists. Music: "Tam Lin" by Gian Castello.