The Adventures of Tadhg Mac Céin may seem like a Middle Irish vision of Theme Park Ireland, but this rollocking sea adventure has real surprises up its sleeve. Exactly what kind of Otherworld is it that our Jack-the-Lad hero has discovered? Join the Story Archaeologists as they plumb the unexpected depths of this hidden Immrám…
Tag: Island of Women
On the Seas of Time ~ Immráma in a Broader Mythological Context.
How to define an Immrám Series Four of Acallam na nÉces has been exploring the tale type, Immráma, that is ‘Voyages’. Immráma appear in the tale list which sets out the curriculum for the qualification of poets. This list sets out the five times fifty prime stories that any self-respecting bard should have ready, as well as the twice fifty…
The Isle of Intoxicating Berries
Slowly, oh, so slowly, Máel Dúin became aware of his surroundings. He could sense the sun’s warm brightness on the other side of his eyelids, but he did not want to open his eyes. He felt relaxed, his limbs heavy, almost languorous, and very comfortable. He had no desire to move a muscle. But why…
The Isle of Women
Máeldύin stood at the stern of the triple skinned boat, brooding moodily over the glassy waters. His eyes remained fixed on the shadowed depths, almost as if he were searching for another of those uncanny underwater islands; a place to dream, a place to drown. Behind him, was the clamoured activity of the boat. The…
Rowing Around Immráma 04: Immrám Curaig Máel Dúin – The Voyage of Máel Dúin’s Boat
When Máel Dúin sets out on a voyage to avenge the father he has never known, he encounters a seascape of wonders and terrors where nothing is what it seems. Join the story Archaeologists as they follow in his wake, discovering some unexpected marvels. This episode is only the first installment of this maratime epic,…
The Text of Immram Brain Part 1: The Woman’s Poem
Here is the first part of the text of Immram Brain, as edited by Séamus Mac Mathúna. The translation is based on that of Kuno Meyer, although where my translation differs significantly from his, I have included his translation in brackets. I have also marked the scribe’s glosses with brackets, introduced with .i. in the…
Rowing Around Immráma 01: Immrám Brain Mac Febul
Welcome to Series 4, “Rowing Around Immráma”, where we will be exploring a tale-type which straddles land and sea, conscious and unconscious, Christian and non-Christian. In the first episode on these magical sea voyages, we follow Bran Mac Febul on his voyage to the Island of Women. Join the Story Archaeologists as they dig the…