In our continuing discussion of the Early Modern Irish tale, “The Fate of the Children of Tuirenn”, we send Brian and the boys off on their epic quest. Much of this tale sounds terribly familiar (did someone say “Labours of Heracles?”). But it all boils down to the deceptively simple task of making three shouts…
Tag: Lugh
Pleasing the “King-of-Bling!” ~ Notes on the tasks of the Sons of Tuireann
Lugh is, of course, well within his rights to ask for a high éric, an honour price for the murder of his father, Cian. However, in this story, which clearly reflects Classical influences, Lugh intends the collection of the quest items to cost the lives of Brian and his brothers. Lugh hopes that the brothers…
The Battle of Moytura 09: The Children of Tuirenn 1 – The King of Bling (Part 2)
In the Early Modern Irish tale, “The Fate of the Children of Tuirenn”, Lugh prepares to take on the might of the Fomoire hosts, seemingly single-handed. But he will need some very special weapons for this task, along with the help of Clann Manannáin, the “Fairy Cavalcade”. As this epic “Sorrow of Irish Storytelling” serves…
The Battle of Moytura 09: The Children of Tuirenn 1 – The King of Bling (Part 1)
In the Early Modern Irish tale, “The Fate of the Children of Tuirenn”, Lugh prepares to take on the might of the Fomoire hosts, seemingly single-handed. But he will need some very special weapons for this task, along with the help of Clann Manannáin, the “Fairy Cavalcade”. As this epic “Sorrow of Irish Storytelling” serves…
Stories in the Landscape ~ Accompanying Map
The main events of the saga of Moytura are mapped onto this image of Ireland. There are too many events happening in the region around Lough Arrow, on the plateau where the battle takes place. When the story is mapped like this it is clear how much Moytura truly is a story in a landscape….
The Landscape of a Story ~ notes to accompany the podcast episode
Notes intended to be read as an accompaniment to the podcast episode As we mentioned in the podcast, examining the story of Moytura is somewhat like staring into the reflecting levels of a lake. You may focus your vision on the ripple-transformed surface or look deeper into the shadowed depths for hidden treasures. Observing and…
A Jigsaw of Naming
In the podcast episode “The Morrigan’s view”, we were discussing the aftermath of the Battle of Moytura and the way Lóch, Imdech’s poet, is given, it seems, the honour of naming aspects of the Dé Danann forces, especially the charioteers, their chariots, horses, and goads. To an extent, these lists are poetic, alliterative groupings, but…
The Banishment of Balor
It is then that Lug said: I may look small next to you, but I am the one who will choose the day of your death. And Balor replied: Now I see that in the germ of the seed that I planted lies the form of my own destruction. Lug replied: It is so, for…
The Battle of Moytura 06: Amarc na Mór Rígna – The Morrigan’s View (Part 2)
As the last sections of our saga are revealed, the overall picture of the Battle of Moytura emerges. The Morrigan, the poet and recorder of the Dé Danann, gives a raven’s-eye view of the battle. Explore some of the overlooked treasures of Cath Maige Tuired with the Story Archaeologists. Don’t forget to subscribe to get…
The Battle of Moytura 06: Amarc na Mór Rígna – The Morrigan’s View (Part 1)
As the last sections of our saga are revealed, the overall picture of the Battle of Moytura emerges. The Morrigan, the poet and recorder of the Dé Danann, gives a raven’s-eye view of the battle. Explore some of the overlooked treasures of Cath Maige Tuired with the Story Archaeologists. Don’t forget to subscribe to get…