Story Archaeology

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 implications of the 2020 A-DNA discoveries Explore Books by Anthony Murphy Links to other books, talks and articles referenced in our conversation Professor J.P Mallory : Talk: Genetic Geneology Ireland (Belfast 18) Book: In Search of the Irish Dreamtime Professor Mallory on The Beaker People arrival in Ireland Lara Cassidy, (2020). Ancient DNA in Ireland: Isolation, immigration and elite incest. British Archaeology The Horse, The Wheel and Language by David Anthony (PDF format) Story Archaeology Links Chris 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 Bóinde And 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 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 the British Isles (1815) by Samuel Rush Meyrick and Charles Hamilton Smith. Useful External Links Images of Newgrange in the past, before the excavations Mythical Ireland website Newgrange: 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 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 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 and 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 episode For 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 Otherworld For 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 episode I 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 Manannan In Search of Midir The Writing of the Taking: A converstion with Jamie Madden (available very soon)

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 episode Introducing Celtic Eye Celebrating A Very Special Landscape Find out about Celtic Eye's recent visit to the the Seanad at Leinster House to acknowledge and celebrate the work undertaken by the community groups involved in the Karst Landscape project. I 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 trumpet This 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 that of folk stories coming from all the diverse heritages shared by the class, particularly eastern 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 episode Listen to 'Tales of Sheebeg' The story of the excavations on Sheebeg About the Glasshouse Mountains The 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-v6StvTc4 Watch Shona's animation- The Forest of Cake. Brig Fand The Library of Perplexing Perplexities A 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-sacrumprofanum https://benjamindwyer.bandcamp.com/album/sacrumprofanum Listen 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 Armstrong External Links for this episode Listen to SacrumProfanum https://www.farpointrecordings.com/product-page/benjamin-dwyer-sacrumprofanum https://benjamindwyer.bandcamp.com/album/sacrumprofanum Ben's paper: Sheela-na-gigs and an ‘Aesthetics of Damage' Local Links for this episode Chris' 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. ;

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. Yet, could they also inspire creative approaches to town planning? Join Chris and Jamie, a storyteller, genealogist and town planner, originally from Boston and now living in Seattle, as, together, they explore the broad and exciting scope of dindshenchas style stories. mage of the rear of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and the Cathedral Public Housing development, on the site of the Irish immigrant neighborhood my ancestors lived in until its ‘slum clearance' demolition. The old elevated orange line train ran on Washington St, past the front side (not pictured) of the cathedral up until the 1980s. 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 'Stories at Home' project hub

It has been a while since Isolde and I have been able to work on the podcast but I have continued working with the stories in schools around Ireland, This year, as part of the 2020 Tain March Festival, in May, I had planned to set up a children's Óenach in Roscommon. Like so much else, this has been postponed for the foreseeable future But this very postponement offers new possibilities. , As a teacher, I am only too aware of the need for fun and interactive 'things to do' at home at present.. Those of you who value the old Irish stories as much as I do might welcome stories and projects based on marvel-ous Irish hero stories, So I am going ahead in releasing my schools' Irish story telling programmes "Warriors, Heroes and Poets". There will be videoed stories and full project pack suitable for use by siblings or as a whole family if you like. I will also be uploading some audio readings of stories of the stories from my, as yet, uncompleted book. This post contains just one of these stories. This is Bricriu's Feast. We covered the story for adults in a previous series. This version is a 'family' version. Watch the animation, part of this story, The Cats of Cruachan. Return to the 'Stories at Home' project hub

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 the 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.

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 Armstrong Land Sea Sky Travel vyviane@landseaskytravel.com  

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 Otherworld The Instructions of King Cormac The Adventures of Nera: The Cow and the Time Machine Another take on Echtrae Nerai: Corpse Carrying for Beginners The voyage of Brain Mac Febul The story of Mongán and  his wife: The pursuit of the Gilla Decair Tocmarc Étaíne 1 - A Fly On The Wall,  Tocmarc Étaíne 2 - The Reborn Identity Tocmarc Étaíne 3 - A Game of Fidchell The article on Underworlds  If you want to find out about more about Leprechauns! A Crock of Old Cobblers And 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  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 introduction Index Bricriu's Feast Series 3.04-Fled-Bricrenn 1 - The-Feasting-Hall Series 3.05: Fled Bricrenn 2 - The Road to Crúachán Series 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 Coinculaind The 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 Coinculaind The 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     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 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

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.

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.

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

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/