The woman pulls the strings… not Fionn… or does she? Long ago in Ireland one of the greatest and most famous warriors under Fionn MacCumhall’s leadership was Diarmuid O’Duibhne. What we know and it is important, is that he is under a geasa (a command) that he could never pierce the skin of a pig. […]
Wave 3 – Oisin and Niamh
The visit to Tir na nÓg – and the return Oisín’s journey to Tir na nÓg with Niamh Cinn Oir, Niamh of the golden hair, is one of the most loved and most familiar of the Irish Myths. Here is a short version of what was told to the participants….. A young woman, Sadbh, has […]
Wave 2 – Fionn and the Fianna
The Hero outside the Tribe This story is told by one of the Fianna, Cáilte Mac Ronain who highlights the nature of the Fenian tradition. It was of a King of Ireland who died leaving two sons. They decided to divide Ireland between them. One chose all of the valuables, the goods, the herds, the […]
Wave 1 – Birth and Boyhood Deeds of Fionn MacCumhail
The Fianna were a powerful fighting force who lived off the land, as hunters and trackers in the Summer months and as storytellers and entertainers in the Winter. They feasted and made merry. They had no land or belongings and yet were unfailingly generous wherever they went. They were given a hearty welcome. There were […]
Wave 9 – Niall of the Nine Hostages
The Embracing of the Shadow (Kissing the Crone) Niall is a King of Tara. This is a story of a moment where mythology meets history. The precise date of his death is felt to have been around 450 AD. His name Noígíallach means nine hostages which meant that he had hostages from nine septs in […]
Wave 8 – Conaire Mór: The Exemplary King
And the Constraints of the use of Power Conaire Mór was one of the great mythical high kings of Ireland. His reign ushered in a remarkable period of abundance, happiness and good fortune. What we learn is that this is a result of an alignment in the early part of his reign with the forces of […]