Heroic Biography: Maeve of Connacht – The Intoxicating Warrior Queen
Queen Maeve, or Medb, is a figure of significant importance in the annals of Irish mythology. She primarily features in the tales of the Ulster Cycle, the oldest of the…
The Fate of the Children of Lir | A Famous Tale From Irish Mythology
Lir, a powerful king of the Tuatha Dé Danann, had four children: Fionnuala, Aodh, Fiachra, and Conn. After Lir's wife died, he remarried Aoife, a jealous and cruel woman. Out…
Heroic Biography: Finn McCool – A Giant of Irish Folklore and Tradition
Finn McCool, also known as Fionn mac Cumhaill, is a renowned character from Irish mythology, celebrated for his wisdom and martial prowess. His mythic narratives were passed down originally through…
By the Chase, the Hunt, and the Song: The Linguistic Origins of “Na Fíanna” – Ireland’s Elite Band of Warrior-Hunter-Poets
The Fianna, revered as warrior-hunter-poets in Gaelic Ireland, were a unique group of individuals who embraced a life of adventure, valour, and song. Roaming the lands of Ireland, they hunted…
Purring Through Irish History: Learn About The History of Cats in Early Irish Society, Legend, and Law
Discover the fascinating world of cats in early Irish society exploring the history of cats in Ireland, the Catslechta legal manuscript, and some early Irish cat names. Learn about the famous Pangur Bán poem and Irish folklore and legends that featured monstrous enchanted wild cats. Discover the Cave of Cats-Oweynagat, an ancient cave in County Roscommon associated with legends of demon cats, and the mysterious Imbas forasna divination technique used by the Druids.
Centuries Beneath the Rag Tree | Discover How the Irish ‘Fairy Tree’ Still Invokes Superstition, Reverance, and Healing
In Ireland, fairy beliefs have been intertwined with the natural world for centuries. Trees, in particular the hawthorn, have played a significant role in Irish fairy folklore and tradition. The…
From the Fairies of Folklore to UFOs: The Fascinating Story of “The Secret Commonwealth”
The Secret Commonwealth is a term that originated in Scottish folklore, specifically in the 17th century. It referred to a society of fairies or supernatural beings who were believed to…
The Fianna: Ireland’s Legendary Group of Wise Warriors
Discover the legendary Fianna warriors of Irish mythology, known for their skill in hunting and protection of the high king. Learn about their leader, Fionn Mac Cumhaill, and the arduous initiatory process for joining their ranks. Explore the rich history and folklore surrounding the Fianna in this short but captivating read.
The Fairy Lore of Ireland
The Fairy Lore of Ireland is drawn from a chapter of the "Traces of the Elder Faiths of Ireland: A Folklore Sketch; a Handbook of Irish Pre-Christian Traditions", published in…
Finn McCool and the Creation of Lough Neagh and the Isle of Man
A Fenian legend attributes the formation of this lough to Finn McCool (Fionn Mac Cumhaill), the heroic leader of the Fianna Warriors who, at this later stage of his heroic…