The Inputs for this Era were:
1) MYTH AND RITUAL (AND CEREMONY)
This was an introduction by Sandy to the intimate connection that there has long been between Myth and Ritual. It was in connection to some of the recent powerful ceremonies of the British Monarchy. How Myth and Ritual become part of ‘world making’ was also outlined.
ON THE VIDEO
BARD MYTHOLOGIES
MYTHIC VOICES MYTHIC TIMES 3
MYTH AND RITUAL (AND CEREMONY)
2) IRISH HISTORY 1900 TO 1920
Tom gives an introduction to the Irish History of the Period 1900 to 1920, covering the Nothern dimension and the fears among the Unionists of the Home Rule ambitions. Building on the first input the ‘signed in blood’ covenant and the huge meeting (ritual) centred around Bonar Law were highlighted as one of the world making events of the period. In the South similar cultural forces were mobilsed using events, story and symbol. The role of Michael Cusack and Patrick Pearse are outlined.
BARD MYTHOLOGIES
MYTHIC VOICES MYTHIC TIMES 3
IRISH HISTORY 1900 TO 2020
3) LADY AUGUSTA GREGORY
We move to hearing from Fiona more of the perspective of Lady Augusta Gregory.
Of particular interest was her poignant description of her relationship with her son, Robert Gregory. He was an pilot in the British Airforce and was to lose his life in WW1. Yeats was to tell the story in the poem, “An Irish Airman Forsees His Death”
BARD MYTHOLOGIES
MYTHIC VOICES MYTHIC TIMES 3
AUGUSTA GREGORY: HER PERPSECTIVE ON A TURBULENT PERIOD
4) NIALL AND HIS MOTHER CAIRENN
Karina gave a masterly telling of Cairenn, the mother of Niall of the Nine Hostages. What was particularly interesting was the telling of a woman who had suffered at the hand of the
powerful, namely the Queen Mongfind. And then, the story of her son Niall of the Nine Hostages and in particular the “kissing of the hag” – a moment of great (psychological) significance
BARD MYTHOLOGIES
MYTHIC VOICES MYTHIC TIMES 3
NIALL’S MOTHER CAIRENN AND KINGSHIP
