Irish Folkore and Irish Mythology(1).pptx

mthology

1. Irish Folklore & Mythology Irish Folklore and Mythology Emeraldisle.ie

2. Recap – Ancient Ireland

3. The Question of Irish Identity Who are 'the Irish'? ​ Where did 'they' come from? ​ Are the Irish one homogeneous group? ​ In this class we will look at Irish myth, folklore, belief and how the Irish have thought of themselves over time. Click here for Ardal O'Hanlon – Tomb Raider: (49:17)

4. The Irish cycles The Mythological Cycle The Ulster Cycle The Fenian Cycle The King’s Cycle

5. Historiography of irish myths Much of Ireland's early stories and legends were not written down or compiled at the time of their origin. Because of this, many of the stories we are familiar with today would not be written down until after the arrival of Christianity in the 5th century CE. As much of these writings were compiled by Irish monks in the 7th, 8th and 9th centuries; many early legends contain biblical references. Many of these stories are referenced in the various Annals of Irish History. Specifically the Annals of the Four Masters UCC Website Another important text is the Book of Invasions.

6. The Book of Invasions 7th Century texts compiled in The 11th century, telling the Story of how the Irish came To be on the Island of Ireland.

7. The Mythological Cycle The Irish Mythological Cycle is the collective name for old poems and stories about the Mythical ancient race of the Tuatha De Dannan. This also includes the origins of the irish people in the 'Book of Invasions' Some these stories include: Ancient Invasions & the arrival of the Tuath De Danann The Battle of Moytura Balor of the Evil Eye The Children of Lír The arrival of the Milesians

8. The Mythological Cycle According to the Irish ‘Book of Invasions’ There have been 6 invasions of Ireland before the arrival of the Milesians (Humans) Cessair – The granddaughter of Noah arrives with 47 women and 3 men. Partholon – The second group to settle in Ireland. Nemed – The people of Nemed are oppressed and ruled over by the evil Fomorians. Fir Bolg – Descendants of the Nemed who come back to fight the Fomorians Tuatha De Danann – A god-like race that defeat the Fomorians at the second Battle of Moytura . Milesians – The arrive of the Gaels (humans).

9. The Second Battle of Moytura After the arrival of the Tuatha De Danann to Ireland they defeat the Fír Bolg at the First Battle of Moytura . It is here that Nuada loses his arm. Because of Nuada’s imperfection – Bres becomes the ruler of the Tuatha. Bres – A half Fomorian oppresses the Tuatha who later overthrow him. In a move to reclaim his kingship over the Tuatha, Bres enlists the help of the Fomorian, Balor of the Evil Eye. Lugh meets Nuada and impresses him with his incredible skills in every art. Lugh is himself half Fomorians and his grandfather is Balor. At the second Battle of Moytura – Nuada is killed by Balor and Lugh uses his sling to knock out Balor’s evil eye which destroys the Fomorian Army. The Tuatha De Danann are victorious.

10. The Arrival of the Milesians The Milesians are the Gaels – The Irish People who are said to have arrived on the island around 1,000 BC. It is said that the Milesians arrived to the Island from the Iberian Peninsula. The Milesians are said to have landed on the island and made their way straight towards Tara. On their way they were met by three Goddesses of the Tuatha who granted them passage to Tara if the were to name the land after them. They are Eireann, Banda and Fódhla . The Tuatha ask for a three-day truce and the Milesians are forced to wait Nine Waves out at sea before they can land on the island again. Upon arrival, the Milesians and the Tuatha agree to divide the land between them. Humans will live above ground and the Tuatha will live under it.

11. The Ulster Cycle The Ulster Cycle as the name would suggest centres around the northern part of the island and follows the kingship of the legendary Concobar Mac Nessa at EMAIN MACHA. In this cycle we have stories such as : The Debility of the Ulstermen THE BIRTH AND NAMING OF Cu Chulainn An Táin Bo Cuilagne Deirdre of the sorrows The death of Cú Chulainn Click here for Ulster Cycle

12. The Debility of the Ulstermen A man names Cruinn is a farmer in Ulster. One day a woman appears at his door . Cruinn takes her in and she falls pregnant. At a great fair of Ulster Cruinn is overheard by the King boasting about his wifes ability to outrun any horse in the land. The King demands that the now heavily pregnant woman race him alongside his chariot. The woman wins the race but immediately gives birth to twins after crossing the finish line. She reveals herself to be Macha, an ancient Goddess of Ulster She casts a curse over the men of Ulster for making her race. When Ulster is in its most dire time of need, all the men of Ulster will experience labour pains for 5 days. The place became known as Emain Macha – ‘Macha’s Twins’ and the capital of Ulster.

13. The boyhood Deeds of Cú Chulainn Cú Culainn was born in Co. Louth with the name Setanta . He is said to have been the son of the God Lugh and Deichtine , the sister of Conchobar Mac Nessa “ Mé do rug do Cu Chulainn Cróga ” – “I gave birth to Cú Chulainn Dundalk Motto At a young age, the boy sets off to join the boys if Emain Macha who will become warriors with the Red Branch. Setanta enters the playing field where the other boys are. He had not asked for their protection so the boys begin to attack him. Setanta enters his warp-spasm and defeats the boys and demands that they ask for his protection.

14. The Naming of Cú Chulainn Conchbar Mac Nessa is incredibly impressed with Setanta’s skill at Hurling and invites him along to a feast at the home of the smith Culainn . Setanta says he is busy with the game but will follow later. Forgetting, Conchobar goes to the feast and Culainn sets his hound outside to guard his guests. When Setanta arrives he is set upon by Culainn’s hound. Setanta gets his hurl and sliotar and hit its down the throat of the hound. When Culainn emerges from the house, he furiously asks ‘who will defend my house’ to which Setanta replies that he will. Hence his new name Cú Chulainn – The Hound of Chulainn . In a prophecy the Druid Cathbad says that Cú Chulainn will be famous but will have a short life.

15. An Táin Bó Cuilange The Cattle Raid of Cooley Queen Medb of Connaght enters and argument with her husband Aillil over who is more powerful between the two of them The next day the begin counting all of their belongings to see who has more and hence more power than the other. At the end of counting, Aillil has just one thing that makes him more powerful than Madb – Finnbhennach the great Bull of the west. There was only one other Bull in Ireland that could give Madh equal power to her husband and that was Donn Cuilagne in Ulster. After launching an invasion into the North, the men of Ulster fall into labour pains as had been their curse from making Macha race while pregnant. Because Cú Chulainn was from Louth, he was not an Ulsterman and hence was the only person who could defend Ulster from Madb’s army. Cú Chulainn meet the army of Queen Madh at the ford of Ardee where he enters combat with Madb’s army.

16. An Táin Bó Cuiliange The Cattle Raid of Cooley Cú Chulainn massacres the army of Queen Madb as they attempt to enter Ulster. Eventually Cú Chulainn is forced to face his adopted father Fergus Mac Roiche however, he agrees to stand aside only on the condition that Fergus does likewise when the time comes. Cú Chulainn fights his best friend Ferdia over three days. Eventually he kills Ferdia and the Ford on which they fought becomes Átha Ferdia or ‘ Ardee ’. Cú Chulainn has his biggest warp-spasm of his life when he sees that all the child troop of Ulster have been massacred trying to defend their homeland. The men of Ulster come out of their curse and join Cú Chulainn , forcing Madb and the armies of Connaght out of Ulster.

17. The death of Cú Chulainn Cú Chulainn meet his end at the hand of Queen Madb whom he had spared during the Cattle Raid of Cooley. Madb conspires with the fathers of the men that have been killed by Cú Chulainn Lugaid uses three spears which will kill three kings. Laeg – King of Charioteers Liath Macha – The king of Horses Cú Chulainn – King of Warriors Cú Chulainn ties himself to a rock so that he can face his enemies in death. Only when a raven lands on his shoulder do his enemies dare approach.

18. The Fenian Cycle The Fenian Cycle focuses on the exploits of Fionn MAC CUMHAILL AND THE FIANNA In this cycle we have stories such as: The Salmon of Knowledge Fionn becomes the leader of the Fianna The giants causeway Oísin and the land of tír na nóg Click here for Fenian Cycle

19. The Salmon of Knowledge Cumhail was the leader of the greatest band of Warriors in Ireland, the Fianna. Cumhail was murdered by his lieutenant, Goll Mac Morna who then took the position as leader of the Fianna. At this time, Cumhail’s wife Muirne was pregnant with their son Fionn. Upon hearing of Cumhail’s death, Muirne sent he young son into hiding using the name Deimne . In his early years Fionn lived in the forests and was cared for by kings and maidens loyal to Cumhail . Eventually Fionn came to be cared for by the Druid Finnegas . Finnegas had been prophesied to catch the Salmon of Knowledge. The Salmon of Knowledge is said to decended from the time of Cessair and has been to the deepest depths of the ocean where it has eaten acorns from the tree of life. It is said anybody who eats the Salmon of Knowledge will be all knowing.

20. The Salmon of Knowledge After years of standing in the River Boyne hoping to catch the Salmon of Knowledge, Finnegas finally caught the fish. Finnegas asked Fionn to cook the fish for him. However, Fionn poked the fish with his thumb. When he touched the fish he burst a blister on the fishes flesh and burned his thumb. After putting his finger in his mouth to cool his thumb, Fionn gained all of the knowledge of the world. Upon seeing Fionn as enlightened, Finnegas gave the rest of the fish to Fionn. Forevermore if Fionn needed any knowledge all he would have to do is to put his thumb in his mouth. In other versions it is known as the ‘Thumb of Knowledge’ or ‘The Tooth of Knowledge’.

21. Fionn Becomes the leader of the Fianna Eventually Fionn makes his appearance at a great feats at Tara. There the King recognizes him as the son of Cumhail but does not say anything. It is close to Samhain – every year Aileen comes from the other world, plays his harp and everybody at Tara falls asleep. While asleep Aileen lays waste to the land around Tara. The King asks at the feast who among them is brave enough to challenge Aileen. Not one member of the Fianna offer to take on Aileen. Fionn rises and reveals himself as Fionn , son of Cumhail . He says that if he is victorious against Aileen, he will have proven himself as the rightful leader of the Fianna. Goll Mac Morna agrees to the conditions but nobody expects Fionn to come back.

22. Fionn Becomes the leader of the Fianna While waiting on the Hill of Tara, Fionn is approached by Fiacha , a friend of Cumhail , who gives him the Spear of Lugh. One of the ancient gifts of the Tuatha de Danann. Fionn sits with his head pointed to the top of the spear. When Aileen begins to play his harp Fionn begins to fall asleep, however he is awoken by the tip of the spear each time. A battle ensues between Fionn and Aileen and Fionn hits Aileen with the spear. The next morning, he arrives at the Kings feasting hall with the head of Aileen. As was promised, Fionn becomes the rightful leader of the Fianna.

23. The Giants Causeway In some iterations of this story Fionn is a giant and in others he is not. Fionn is challenged to a fight by the Scottish Giant Banadonnor . The two giants begin to hurls rocks at one another eventually creating a causeway between them. When Fionn sees the size of the far bigger Benadonnor , he sucks his thumb and runs back to where his wife is. His wife Sadhbh dresses Fionn up as a baby and places him in a cradle. When Benandonnor makes his way to Fionns home, he asks Sadhbh where her husband is. She tells the giant that Fionn is out but to be quiet because their baby is asleep in the cradle. When Benandonnor sees the size of ‘ Fionn’s Child’, he decides to run back across the Causeway, destroying it as he goes.

24. The King’s Cycle The King’s Cycles refers to the stories of many Irish king’s both historical and mythological In this cycle we have: Conn of the Hundred Battles Cormac Mac Airt Niall of the Nine Hostages Brian Boru

25. Conn of the Hundred Battles Reigned from c.123 – Annals of the Four Masters Legend says that the night Conn was born the five roads leading to Tara were discovered in Ireland. It is said that the Lia Fáil on the Hill of Tara screamed for the first time since Cú Chulainn when Conn was coronated. Other stories say that the Lia Fáil had been lost and Conn stood on it by accident. When the stone screamed a horseman appeared and led Conn to Lugh and Eireann who told him that he was the rightful High King. Fionn Mac Cumhaill is said to have lived during the reign of Conn and it was at Conn’s court that Fionn became the leader of the Fianna. Conn was at war with the King of Munster during his reign and between the two kings they divided Ireland from North to South for a short time. Leth Cuinn – Conn’s Half and Leth Moga – ‘ Moga’s Half’. Conn is the legendary King from whom we get the name Connacht.

26. Cormac mac Airt Born c.227 – Annals of the Four Masters Cormac Mac Airt was the Grandson of the legendary Conn of the Hundred Battles. His mother had a dream before his birth that, her head was cut off and from it grew a tree that covered the Island of Ireland but the tree was then destroyed by the sea. Another tree would grow from its roots but would be destroyed by the wind. The head – was her husband – the tree was Cormac who would become King of Ireland before dying by choking on a fishbone and the second tree would be her other son, who died fighting the Fianna. Cormac is said to have been in hiding as a child and came to Tara aged 30, where he forced Lugaid to abdicate the High Kingship. Cormac is reposinsible for many constructions at Tara including the Banqueting Hall and Cormac’s House.

27. Niall of the Nine Hostages Born c379 – Annals of the Four Masters Niall is said to be the fifth son of Eochaid Mugmadán and the first son of his second wife Cairean . As Niall grew older, the first wife of Eochaid grew fearful that one of her sons would not be chosen as the successor to Eochaid . A contest is devised whereby, all the sons of Eochaid are locked into a burning forge and they are judged on what they choose to save. Niall wins, choosing an anvil. In a second test, the sons are sent hunting. As they look for water they are greeted by an old crone who will only give them water if the kiss her. Niall is the only one to kiss her properly and the crone reveals herself as the Goddess Eireann, who deems Niall as the rightful High King. Niall is said to have raided and invaded Britain and parts of Europe. It is from this he takes his name. Niall held hostages from Leinster, Munster, Ulster, Connacht, Meath, Scotland Britain, the Franks and the Saxons.

28. Brian Boru Born c.941 – Annals of Ulster Brian Mac Cennetig was the second son of Cennetig Mac Lorcán of the Dál Cais in modern day Co. Clare. The Dál Cais had been supported by the Uí Neill in order to suppress the traditional Munster Kings the Eoghanachta . After the death of Mathnamain , Brian’s brother, Brian became a force to be reconned with. In 1002 Brian claimed the High Kingship of Ireland and took submission from Mael Sechnaill II. In 1013, Brian’s step son, Sitric of Dublin rose up against his rule along with his uncle Mael Morda , King of Leinster. 1014 – The Battle of Clontarf, Brian’s forces defeat the combined forces of Sitric , Mael Morda and a major Viking fleet from Britain. Brian Boru – Is an epithet meaning – ‘Brian of the Cattle Tributes’

29. The Sidhe Aos Sí

30. Aos sÍ Who were the Sídhe ? The word Sídhe means ‘Mound’ in the Irish Language. Aos Sí would mean – People of the mounds. These ‘people of the mounds’, are thought to be derived from the Pagan gods of the Tuatha De Danann. From the earlier story, it was thought that while humans inhabited the world above, the people of the Tuatha lived within and under the landscape of the island. From this, special reverence was given to ancient burial mounds, trees and ringforts scattered all over the Irish landscape. Samhain (Halloween) was thought to be the time of the year that the veil between our two worlds was open and when the people of the other world could roam into our world. From this we get countless stories of creatures, figures and folklore stories.

31. Aos sÍ Much of the association with the Sídhe in Irish folklore and Mythology is closely linked with nature. Trees in particular are thought to be major links between our world and the other world. Hawthorn – Is often referred to as ‘The Faerie Tree’ as it is thought that the base of the three is an entrance to the other world. Oak - The oak is a symbol of kingship because of its connotations of strength and fertility. It can often be found close to royal sites. Ash – is part of a triad of sacred trees in Ireland along with Oak and Hawthorn. It is said to have strength and healing properties.

32. Irish Folk Creatures The Leprechaun Probably the most famous all Irish Fairies. A solitary figures said to be the shoe-maker of the Tuatha It is said that if captured the Leprechaun must take you to his treasure but if you blink he can disappear. Doesn’t feature hugely in old Irish folklore but became popular in the Gaelic Revival and later in the USA. The Leprechaun is often depicted in commonly clothing of the mid 19 th century when many of these stories made their way to the United States.

33. Irish Folk Creatures The Pooka A shape-shifter – often depicted as a horse or a goat. It is said that the Pooka would feast on November 1 st and farmers would keep food aside for their coming. The Pooka could run between the legs of a person and take flight. Brian Boru is said to be the only person so successfully ride the Pooka by taking three hairs from its tale and using it as a bridle. He forced the Pooka to promise only to take peoples who are drunk or up to no good. Poulaphouca – Means the Cavern of the Pooka

34. The Banshee An Bean Sidhe – The Woman of the Mounds. The Banshee today is thought to be an evil figure who can kill humans. However, in old folklore the Banshee provided a warning to families of a death. Traditionally she would let out a scream to forewarn any Irish men or families of their deaths. It was said that Brian Boru did not fight at the Battle of Clontarf because he had been warned of his death by a Banshee the night before the battle.

35. The National Revival MOVEMENT

36. Irish Fenian’s The Fenian Brotherhood - 1858 The Fenian Brotherhood was the American sister organization to the Irish Republican Brotherhood. The name Fenian goes back to Fionn Mac Cumhaill and the Fianna who are said to be living in a cave under a lake waiting to free Ireland in its most desperate time of need. Fenian the became a byword for Irish Republican’s It is used in Pearse’s Graveside oration of O’Donovan Rossa: “…the fools the fools the fools, they have left us our Fenian dead and while Ireland holds these graves, Ireland unfree shall never be at peace.”

37. Young Ireland The Nation Newspaper Charles Gavan Duffy – founded The Nation newspaper where writers such as Thomas Davis, Gavan Duffy and Lady Jane Wilde wrote. Speranza: The Stricken Land “ WEARY men, what reap ye?–Golden corn for the stranger. What sow ye?–Human corpses that wait for the avenger. Fainting forms, hunger-stricken, what see you in the offing? Stately ships to bear our food away, amid the stranger’s scoffing … From the cabins and the ditches, in their charred, uncoffin’d masses,  For the Angel of the Trumpet will know them as he passes. A ghastly, spectral army, before the great God we’ll stand, And arraign ye as our murderers, the spoilers of our land.”

38. Irish Literary Revival Even before the Great Famine (1845-52) there had been a revival of Irish literary prose and translations from Irish language texts. W.B Yeats produced – Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Pesantry – 1888 Douglas Hyde – Beside the Fire – 1890 Irish Literary Theatre was founded in 1899 by Lady Augusta Gregory and WB Yeats. – In 1901 it became the Abbey. On the first bill is included Yeats’ play – Kathleen Ní Houlihan. A play about an old woman whose ‘four green fields’ have been taken from her and only through the blood sacrifice of young men will she get them back and become youthful again.

39. The Irish Folklore Commission The Irish Folklore Commission was founded by the Irish Government in 1935. Séamus Ó Duilairge had set up the Irish Folklore Society in 1927 from which the Folklore Commission was born. The Irish Folklore Collection today is stored at UCD in Dublin and is open to the public. The School’s Collection – 1937-39 – Recorded the stories and folklore told by over 50,000 Irish school children. The Dúchas Project – 1999 – was set up to record stories of conflict. Some of the most prizes stories in the collection were given by Peig Sayers.

40. Peig SAYERS – 1873-1958 Peig Sayers was born Mairead Sayers in Dunquin Co. Kerry in 1873. She was the daughter of a Seanchaí – Thomas Sayers Spent her early year between Dingle and Dunquin before marrying and moving to the Great Blasket in 1892. She dictated her life story to her son Michael at the behest of Maire Ní Chinneide and a book was published in 1936. From 1938 she provided over 350 accounts of Irish Folk Tales, Legends, Local Stories to the Irish Folklore Commission. Flann O’Brien would be one to deride what would become known as ‘ Padd-wackery ’ in his book ‘The Poor Mouth’

41. Irish Folk Traditions Exercise: In groups of 4 compile a list of Irish folk traditions, consider the list below: Calendar Days Folklore in Craft Cottage Building Storytelling Irish Folklore in Music

42. Important Calendar Days St. Brigid’s Day – Pagan festival of Imbolg - 1 st February St. Patrick’s Day – 17 th March Shrove Tuesday – Eggs, Milk and Butter were often given up during lent, so this day would be used to make Pancakes. The Pancake toss is important. The eldest unmarried daughter would get the first toss.  The practice of salting unmarried people was also popular. Good Friday – No work except cleaning could be done. If a person died on Good Friday and was buried on Easter Sunday the would immediately enter heaven. Bealtaine – 1 st May – Any visitor to your house would have to churn butter or else the other folk might steal the butter. Fires were lit on hills.

43. Important Calendar Days St. John’s Day 24th June – Bonfire night – Bonfires were lit across the country. Coals or burning wood from the fire would be taken and thrown into the potato crop to protect from disease. Lughnasa – Fires are lit in hope of good harvest. Samhain – Halloween – October 31 st . Time when the other folk could enter our world. Wearing costumes were a way of confusing them and warding them off. It was said that throwing dust or dirt from your shoe at a fairy would make them leave you alone. Gifting of fruit and nuts was for any dead family that might return. November 1 st – Beginning of the Pagan New Year St. Stephen’s Day – Wren Day – Hunting of a Wren was the death of the old year.

44. Craft Shillelagh – A stick of Blackthorn use as a walking stick or a weapon Blackthorn was seen as having magical properties and would protect a person from harm. The Fianna are said to have used sticks of blackthorn as weapons. It was said that one could only ever take from the blackthorn tree on the 11 th of any month. St. Brigid’s Cross – Made from Rushes for St. Brigit’s Day Crosses would be made and placed on the doorway of the house to be blessed by St. Brigid as she passed in the night. A piece of cloth would be hung & blessed by Brigid and used for cures over the next 12 months.

45. Built Heritage - Cottages Folkore & Cottage Building Local traditions – before building, stones would be stacked and left for three days. If the stones we untouched, permission had been granted by the Sí . If a stone fell during construction is was left alone. Often a horses skull was placed beneath the floor sometimes filled with coins. Warnings were often shouted when throwing water out of the house for fear of interfering with the good folk. Buryng a hens head could combat against epilepsy in children White stone was thought to attract lightning, stone from old buildings was not used and Red Oak was not used. Friday was a good day to move in – Monday was a bad day.

46. Further Reading Emerald Isle - https://emeraldisle.ie/ Barry O’Reilly – Hearth Home and the Vernacular House in Ireland from 1800 https://www.jstor.org/stable/41472820?refreqid=excelsior%3A789b1348c6d0e31238f189f9414b2648&seq=8#metadata_info_tab_contents Kerrigan, Jo (2015) Old Way Old Secrets – Pagan Ireland , O’BrienPress , Ireland Heaney, Maire (1994) Over Nine Waves – A Book of Irish Legends, Faber and Faber, Ireland Kinsella, Thomas (1969) The Táin – From the Irish Epic Táin Bo Cuailgne , Oxford University Press, UK Gerard of Wales (1951) The History and Topography of Ireland, Penguin Classics, UK. Magan , Manchan (2020) Thirty Two Words for Field, Gill Books, Ireland