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r/IrishFolklore

▲ 9 r/IrishFolklore

Book Suggestions

I have always loved Irish folk lore and even have some tattoos inspired by it. Recently, however, I have discovered that I was under some misconceptions about a few things and would like to educate myself further.

Does anyone have any good book suggestions? Specifically about pre-christian Ireland, like the myths surrounding the 7 invasions, the Tuatha Dé Danann,

Samhain, and the Fae?

Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated 🧡🖤🎃

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u/CardiologistFar578 — 6 days ago
▲ 120 r/IrishFolklore+3 crossposts

The Morrígan and Oweynagat: what do the medieval Irish texts actually say?

With Samhain approaching, I’ve been looking into the connection between Ráth Cruachan, Oweynagat and The Morrígan.

What I found particularly interesting is that this connection appears in medieval texts.

In the Metrical Dindshenchas, the Morrígan is associated directly with the Cave of Cruachu, described as her “fit abode”.

Oweynagat, the Cave of Cats, is generally identified with this Cave of Cruachu, and separate Samhain traditions associated with the cave describe it as a passage to the Otherworld.

It’s interesting how these different strands of Irish tradition come together at the same place.

I’d be interested to hear if anyone has come across other early references connecting The Morrígan with Cruachan or Samhain.

u/Customirishcoins — 9 days ago
▲ 240 r/IrishFolklore

"Telling the bees" - an ancient death tradition

"Telling the bees" is an ancient death tradition in Ireland, other Western European countries and parts of America. I first heard of this tradition while recording the memories of older residents in Kildare.

I was told that when someone in the community died, some people would quietly go out and tell the bees of the death. It was believed if the bees were not told then they might leave the hive or die themselves.

Bees were also linked with the soul and passage to the Otherworld. This is a part of living memory I heard first-hand and I had never heard of the tradition beforehand. Did anyone else grow up hearing about “telling the bees” in Ireland?

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u/TheOtherIrelandPod — 13 days ago
▲ 44 r/IrishFolklore+2 crossposts

Queen Meibh is Warned by the Druidess Fedelm | INK, WATERCOLOR & COLLAGE | Art by Aodh Ó Riagáin AKA Oreganillo

Queen Meibh is warned by the druidess Fedelm of the fatal outcomes of her actions...

It is part of a continuing body of work of mine in the tradition of the filí or bardic poets, adapting Irish myths across numerous mediums.

https://oreganillo.org/irish-mythology

This ink, watercolour and collage piece is from the late Manchán Magan's 'Ireland in Iceland: Gaelic Remnants in a Nordic Land', illustrating 125+ original pieces.

https://oreganillo.org/ireland-in-iceland-gaelic-remnants-in-a-nordic-land

We are coming to the 5th October release date of the album 'Slí na Samlaíochta', the posthumous release of Manchán's spoken words, accompanied by orchestra. It will be released to stream, on CD and vinyl. I provided the cover artwork:

https://www.therecordhub.com/products/vinyl-manchan-magan-myles-oreilly-simon-oreilly-sli-na-samhlaiochta-the-way-of-the-imagination

If you like this work and you'd like to support this freelance artist, please consider commissioning me or contributing to my Ko-fi. I am still early in my career and in this economy it is an uphill battle to make ends meet at the best of times!

https://ko-fi.com/oreganillo

Thank you sincerely for taking the time!

u/OreganilloART — 12 days ago