Story Archaeology

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 bits The story is in two parts Part 2 begins at 11.30 mins For 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 comr

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 t

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 50 Part 3 begins at 25 mins 13 Part4 begins at 40.26 For 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 ha

A Finn MacCumhail story Suggested 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 bits Part 2 begins at 8 mins 35 Part 3 begins at 17 mins 34 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,. 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.

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 Febul Find Chris' telling of The Otherworld Apple Branch The Text of Immram Brain Part 1: The Woman's Poem. Translation by Isolde Find out more about Mongan, the hero poet child heralded to

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 episode The 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' Explore Tamlyn's Place-Based narrative project. Explore the background to the project Just a glimpse of walking into the story. Watch out for more information as the project grows and flows!

The Eglone Stone, Moytura What 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 episode Read the full text of the Cath Maige Tuired Explore the Cath Maige Tuired on Story Archaeology : Episodes 1-6 and Episodes 7-12 Explore 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 Finkel Egyptian Folktales: The Doomed Prince, Explore some of Cú Chulainn’s Bizarre Adventures The heroic biography of Cú Chulainn By Lisa Gibney B.A. Explore the stories from the Táin on Story Archaeology The 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 Episode The 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 Centre OtherWorld: Nine Tales of Early Irish Literature: Lisa Bitel's book contains an excellent telling of the story of Fraích and Findabair A version of the story containing a few of the descriptions included in the text (with notes) This will be available shortly.

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 Wind Aticles 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 2017 The night of the big wind: the impact of the storm on Loughrea by Keiran Hickey An interview with Dr Hickey for RTÉ 's Histoy programme. An Article from the Connaught Telegragh 2018 Armagh Observatory: The Night of the Big Wind by Mathew 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 episode Explore Ireland's native trees: The Tree Council of Ireland Find out more about CRANN and its current activities: Trees for Ireland Find 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 episode Read more abour Lisa's book Otherworld, Nine tales of early Irish literature Explore more of Lisa's publicaions Story Archaeology Links Our 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 Eye Find out more about the Karst landscape project. View some of Uí Máine Project recent events. Find out more about the geological survey of south Roscommon Find out more on the The Uí Máine Project gallery page (available shortly) karst regions in Ireland

Banbha Banbha 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 episode Take a look at the translation of The book of Invasions, The Lebor Gabála The 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 dis

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 episode Take 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 14 Find 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 episode Stories to Remember : More about the Schools' Collection The Voyage of Mael Duin (and the sticky ball of wool!) An

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 conversation Sinann in the Metrical Dindshenchas The dindshencas poems ÁTH LÍAC FIND Medb and her sisters Imbás: Poetry, Knowledge and Inspiration The Romano British temple at Lydney The Fisher King And a few External Links A useful article on Sequana The Pocklington Chariot excavation The Lochnashade trumpets EX 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 Episode Listen to 'A Conversation with Anthony Murphy' (This conversation is referenced throughout this Ramble) News of the new evidence on the Altar stone, Stonehenge from the BBC News of the discovery from 'The Guardian.' A 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 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 yourself Links for this episode A Comversation with Anthony Murphy Chris' Ramble 6~ Just how old are Irish Stories Goibniu and the Gobbán Sáor The Legend of Knockmany Hill – a late tale of Cú Chulainn

Newgrange at Twilight ~ Anthony Murphy Anthony 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 episode First 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 im

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 episode Links on Story Archaeology The Craneskin Bag A Christmas card from the Archaeologists. Extolling the Holly A Satirical Tale of Extreme Gastronomy Fair’s Fair The Dagda’s Cauldron The Dagda’s Cauldron ~ A home-brew supplemental Some 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 Nunn Edge 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 Habit from Costume of the Original Inhabitants of t

Professor Ralph Kenna As 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