Tag: Irish Mythology

Episode 29: The Second Battle of Moytura

show notes s03 e07
Irish Mythology Podcast

Nollaig 15, 2022

Episode 29

The Second Battle of Moytura

Thank you for listening to this episode!

Here you’ll find our notes, links to research and some personal highlights from your hosts. 

Welcome | fáilte 

In this Episode we finally see the Tuath Dé and the Fomóir meet in Battle and witness the big showdown between Balor and Lugh. 

We ask:

  • What was the meaning of Balor and Lugh’s duel before the arrival of Christianity in Ireland?
  • Was Lugh’s use of a slingshot a later addition influenced by the biblical battle of David and Goliath?
  • Who kiled Balor’s counterpart in Welsh mythology?
  • Is the Second Battle of Moytura our Wild Hunt?
  • Why did Wonder Woman go to Tír na nÓg?

This time it’s war!

We’ve been leading up to this battle since episode three and well, here it is.

The Tuath Dé face the Fomóir at Moytura and Lugh will finally face his grandfather, Balor of the Destructive Eye.

Starring: Lugh, Balor, Indech, Ogma, Airmed, Loch Half-Green.

Co Starring: The Dagda, Macha, Nuada, Elatha, Bres, Gobniu, Dian Cecht, Luchta, Ochtriuil, Miach.

A cautionary tale on why you should always have enough helpers on hand to open your destructive eye.

Resources

credits

Written, presented and produced  by Marcas Ó hUiscín and Stephanie Ní Thiarnaigh. 

Music – Celtic Warrior by Damiano Baldoni (licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 public licence https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode 

Cinematic Music-03 by Michael-DB (4.0) 

Medieval Combat – Yap Audio Production (3.0)

Defense of Lanosia » Dark Battle – Tyops (4.0)

BIG-REVERB-WARHORN – newagesoup (3.0)

Ghost01 and 02 – Patrick Corra (4.0)

Indech Indech Indech + Gwan Indech (Marcas and Stephie). 

Metal workshop sounds – Marcas

All other sounds Creative Commons 

Art by Nance Kinane 

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Episode 27: Road to Moytura Episode III: Wrath of the Morrígan

show notes s03 e05
Irish Mythology Podcast

Deireadh Fómhair 26, 2022

Episode 27

Road to Moytura Episode III: Wrath of the Morrígan

Thank you for listening to this episode!

Here you’ll find our notes, links to research and some personal highlights from your hosts. 

Welcome | fáilte 

In this episode we hear how The Morrígan fulfils the promise she made to The Dagda to decimate the Fomorían army.

We ask:

  • How does the Morrígan fulfil her promise to The Dagda? 
  • How does this promise relate to her role concerning fate?
  • How are her dominion over death, cattle, and wealth interconnected?
  • What can we learn about The Morrígan from The Metrical Dindshenchas?
  • Who would Jeff Goldbloom play in this story?

The Fomorians are under attack! The invaders’ plan to conquer Ireland has been severely disrupted by none other than the daughter of their king, Indech Mac Dé Domhnainn. Just when they think they think they are through the worst, they face a new foe, The Morrígan, the deadliest goddess of them all.

Starring: The Morrígan, Indech Mac Dé Domhnain

Co-Starring: Balor, Bres, Elatha, the Fomorian host, the forest, a murder of crows, sorcerers. 

A cautionary tale on why you never ever get on the bad side of The Morrígan. 

Resources

credits

Written, presented and produced  by Marcas Ó hUiscín and Stephanie Ní Thiarnaigh. 

Story: Marcas Ó hUiscín

Cover Art: Nance Kinane

Music – Celtic Warrior by Damiano Baldoni (licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 public licence https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode 

Cinematic Music-03 by Michael-DB (4.0) 

Tension in the air: Steven F. Allen – AuDioChosis https://soundcloud.com/user-574803010

All other sounds Creative Commons 

Sponsored by McCaffrey Crafts 

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Episode 26: Road to Moytura Episode II: War Cry of the Gods

show notes s03 e04
Irish Mythology Podcast

Lúnasa 18, 2022

Episode 26

Road to Moytura Episode II: War Cry of the Gods

Thank you for listening to this episode!

Here you’ll find our notes, links to research and some personal highlights from your hosts. 

Welcome | fáilte 

In this episode we hear about Lugh’s frustration at being held back from the battle and see his efforts to work the other gods up into a battle frenzy. 

We ask:

  • What would it mean if the Fomorians won? 
  • What do the Fomóir have in common with the Aos Sí?
  • What forces in the universe are best represented by the Fomorians?
  • How did our ancestors view destiny?
  • How does Lugh feel about being held back from battle?
  • What is the purpose of Lugh’s roll call?

The Fomorians are on their way and Lugh wants to fight, but the other gods are keeping him from the battle. Convinced his destiny is to defeat the sinister Balor, he bides his time and prepares his fellow deities for the coming confrontation. 

Starring: Lugh, Dian Cecht.

Co-Starring: The Dagda, The Morrígan, Ogma, Gobniu, Coirpre, Luchta, Bé Chuille, Díanann, Druids, Cup Bearers, Sorcerers.

Resources

credits

Written, presented and produced  by Marcas Ó hUiscín and Stephanie Ní Thiarnaigh. 

Music – Celtic Warrior by Damiano Baldoni (licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 public licence https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode 

Cinematic Music-03 by Michael-DB (4.0) 

Lugh, Lugh, Lugh by Marcas Ó hUiscín 

Featured image by Nance Kinane

All other sounds Creative Commons 

Sponsored by McCaffrey Crafts 

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Episode 24: The Dagda’s Club in Love and War (Explicit Content)

show notes s03 e02
Irish Mythology Podcast

Aibreán 28, 2022

Episode 24

The Dagda’s Club in Love and War

Thank you for listening to this episode!

Here you’ll find our notes, links to research and some personal highlights from your hosts. 

Image by Nance Kinane 

Welcome | fáilte 

In this episode we hear about The Dagda’s scouting mission to the Fomorian forward camp and two sexy encounters he has along the way. 

We ask:

  • Why was this section of The Second Battle of Moytura omitted from so many retellings?
  • Why are the sexual encounters of the gods important for the fertility of the land?
  • In what ways does The Dagda exemplify the Tao?
  • What is The Dagda’s relationship with Hermes and Pan?
  • What is the connection between this story and a 4,000 year old erotic poem from Messopotamia?

The Dagda is on a mission. He travels to the west to scout the invading Fomorian armies, but it’s not all business for the supreme father. On his way, he meets up with The Morrígan for their annual tryst and later on, he hooks up with an unlikely lover. All’s fair in love, war and sorcery. 

We talk censorship, sex in mythology, the Tao of The Dagda, Ancient Mesopotamian smut and the Greek god Pan. 

Starring: The Dagda, The Morrígan, Indech Mac Dé Domhnan and his unnamed daughter.

Co-Starring various Fomorians, the forest, the sea, the beings of the microcosm, birds, burrowing animals, and lots of crows.

A cautionary tale on why you should always go if you have to go. 

Resources

credits

Written, presented and produced  by Marcas Ó hUiscín and Stephanie Ní Thiarnaigh. 

Music – Celtic Warrior by Damiano Baldoni (licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 public licence 

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

All sounds cc licence from freesound.org 

Sponsored by McCaffrey Crafts 

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Episode 20: The Tragedy of Balor and his Piercing Eye

show notes s02 e10
Irish Mythology Podcast

Lúnasa 12, 2021

Episode 20

The Tragedy of Balor and his Piercing Eye

Cover image: Tormore, Tory Island © Copyright Colin Park and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

Thank you for listening to this episode!

Here you’ll find our notes, links to research and some personal highlights from your hosts. 

Welcome | fáilte 

In this episode we hear about the skeletons that the Fomorian leader Balor keeps in his closet and how they may come back to haunt him. 

We ask:

  • Who was Balor?
  • Was his eye really evil?
  • What part did he play in the birth of Lugh?
  • What place lore is associated with him?
  • Is Enniskillen named after his wife?
  • How is he represented in pop culture?

Balor, a giant who lives in an invisible tower, commands one of the most fearsome armies that has ever been. He is prosperous, respected and feared, but there is something in his past that torments him.

When Bres and the druid Lobais return to Balor’s island stronghold from mainland Ireland  reporting the rise of a new hero, the skeletons in his closet grow new flesh.

Starring: Balor, Bres, Lobais the Druid, Cethlenn.

Also featuring: Lugh, Cian

We talk Balor, his supposedly evil eye, place lore, prophecy, sleep paralysis, Assasin’s Creed Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids, the 90’s Balor PC RPG, Sauron in Lord of the Rings, Finn Balor in the WWE, and American Gods

A cautionary tale on why you should never let prophecy dictate your actions. 

Resources

credits

Written, presented and produced  by Marcas Ó hUiscín and Stephanie Ní Thiarnaigh. 

Music – Celtic Warrior by Damiano Baldoni (licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 public licence) 

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

All sounds cc licence from freesound.org 

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Episode 19: The Rise of Lugh

show notes s02 e09
Irish Mythology Podcast

Iúil 30, 2021

Episode 19

The Rise of Lugh Lámhfada 

Thank you for listening to this episode!

Here you’ll find our notes, links to research and some personal highlights from your hosts. 

Welcome | fáilte 

In this episode we hear about the challenges Lugh faces before he can take his place at the hall of the gods. 

We ask:

  • What kind of game was fidchell?
  • What can we learn about Lugh from the Continental Celtic god Lugus?
  • What about the Welsh figure, Lleu Llaw Gyffes?
  • What can maps and language tell us about Lugh?
  • What clues can archaeology give us about his rise to prominence?
  • What is his relationship to the other gods and the Fomorians?
  • What modern festivals could be related to Lughnasadh?

Lugh goes to Tara to claim his place in the hall of the gods but first he will have to prove his value to them. To do this he must win at an ancient Irish version of chess called fidchell and undergo a test of strength from Ogma. Starring: Lugh, Nuada, Gamal, Camall.

Co-Starring Ogma, Macha, Gobniu, Dian Cecht.

We talk about Lugh, the festival of Lughnasadh, the continental celtic god Lugus, and the Welsh mythological figure Lleu Llaw Gyffes.

A cautionary tale on why you should always eat before you start work. 

Resources

Written, presented and produced  by Marcas Ó hUiscín and Stephanie Ní Thiarnaigh. 

Music – Celtic Warrior by Damiano Baldoni (licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 public licence) 

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

All sounds cc licence from freesound.org except “riders of the sidhe chanting Lugh’s name”, by Marcas O’hUiscín. 

Summer Solstice Sunset at Tara – by Marcas
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Son of Fomóir: Bres, Éire, and the Fomorians

  • The Causeway Coast, Antrim photo credit: U123072 on en:Flickr

show notes s02 e07
Irish Mythology Podcast

Iúil 15, 2021

Episode 17

Son of Fomóir: Bres, Éire, and the Fomorians

Thank you for listening to this episode!

Here you’ll find our notes, links to research and some personal highlights from your hosts. 

Welcome | fáilte 

In this episode we hear about Bres and Éire’s  quest to find Bres’s Fomorian father. It might not be as happy a reunion for Éire as it is for Bres.. 

We ask:

  • Who are the Fomorians?
  • Why are there so few stories involving Éire/Eiriu?
  • What do the vikings have to do with The Second Battle of Moytura?
  • What can the modern Irish language tell us about Mythology?
  • Is Elatha a social justice warrior?

Bres is throwing a strop after losing the throne so he goes to the least reliable person in his life for help (his dad).

His mother, Éire, comes along too.

Along the way they encounter strange human/goat hybrids and a potentially fatal ball game.

Starring: Bres, Éire, Elatha.

Co-Starring various Fomorians.

We talk about how an Irish word that has only recently fallen out of use might be a clue to one of the biggest mysteries in Irish Mythology.

A cautionary tale on why you should always make a tryst before sleeping with a stranger. 

Resources

credits

Written, presented and produced  by Marcas Ó hUiscín and Stephanie Ní Thiarnaigh. 

Music – Celtic Warrior by Damiano Baldoni (licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 public licence 

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

All sounds cc licence from freesound.org 

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Episode 8: Dian Cecht and Nuada’s Silver Arm

show notes s01 e08
Irish Mythology Podcast

Deireadh Fómhair,  22, 2020

Episode 8

Dian Cecht and Nuada’s Silver Arm

Thank you for listening to this episode!

Here you’ll find our notes, links to research and some personal highlights from your hosts. 

Welcome | fáilte 

In this episode we hear about Dian Cecht and how he recruits  the smiths, Gobniu and Credne to help him create a new arm for the deposed Chieftan Nuada..  We ask:

  • What was Dian Cecht’s role in myth and in the old pagan religion?
  • What is Dian Cecht’s relationship to Brehon Law?
  • What makes Dian Cecht a symbol of the medical profession?
  • Why were Blacksmiths considered to have supernatural powers?
  • How do we resolve contradictions in medieval mythological texts?

Dian Cecht receives Ogma’s message and sets out to find a way of fighting back against Bres’s tyranny. He recruits the blacksmith Gobniu and the silversmith Credne to help him create a new arm for the former High Chief of the Gods, Nuada.

Resources

credits

Written, presented and produced  by Marcas Ó hUiscín and Stephanie Ní Thiarnaigh. 

Music – Celtic Warrior by Damiano Baldoni (licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 public licence 

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

All sounds cc licence from freesound.org

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Episode 7: The Passion of the Ogma

show notes s01 e07
Irish Mythology Podcast

Meán Fómhair,  22, 2020

Episode 7

The Passion of the Ogma

Thank you for listening to this episode!

Here you’ll find our notes, links to research and some personal highlights from your hosts. 

Welcome | fáilte 

In this episode we hear about Ogma and how he and the other gods  are forced to work under the reign of Bres. We also hear how Ogma invented a system of writing.  We ask:

  • What was Ogma’s role in myth and in the old pagan religion?
  • What is Ogma’s relationship to other deities?
  • What is the Ogham system of writing?
  • What attitudes to work in medieval Ireland are represented in this story?
  • Are metaphors about the origins of language encoded in tales from mythology?

Ogma suffers under the reign of Bres, but from this suffering comes a great revelation.  We talk about Ogma, ogham script, attitudes to work in myth, and the Irish language.

Resources

credits

Written, presented and produced  by Marcas Ó hUiscín and Stephanie Ní Thiarnaigh. 

Music – Celtic Warrior by Damiano Baldoni (licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 public licence 

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

All sounds cc licence from freesound.org

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Episode 6 Show Notes: The Druid that Killed John the Baptist

show notes s01 e06
Irish Mythology Podcast

Iúil 30, 2020

Episode 6

The Druid that Killed John the Baptist

Thank you for listening to this episode!

Here you’ll find our notes, links to research and some personal highlights from your hosts. 

Welcome | fáilte 

In this episode we hear about the druid Mog Ruith and his daughter Tlachtga travelling from County Kerry to the Middle East to study the magic of Simon Magus, and how on the way, Mog Ruith becomes the executioner of John the Baptist. We ask:

  • Who was Mog Ruith?
  • Why did he and his daughter, Tlachtga travel to the Middle East? 
  • Does this story have a hidden meaning that points to the early Irish Church’s struggles with both imported heresy and native paganism?
  • Why aren’t Mog Ruith and Tlachtga as well known as some other Irish Mythological figures?
  • Why did Mog Ruith behead John the Baptist?
  • Why were he and Tlachtga associated with Simon Magus?

We also talk about heresy, Roman influences in Iron Age Ireland, the oared wheel, and Kerry UFO sightings . 

Have you heard about the Druid, Mog Ruith and his most famous deed? I thought not. It’s not the sort of tale you would hear from a teacher or a priest.

Resources

  • Paice MacLeod, Sharon. Celtic Cosmology and the Otherworld. McFarland & Company, Inc. North Carolina, 2018.
  • The Holy Bible, ESV, Kindle Version.
  • The Siege of Knocklong
  • Smith, Andrew Phillip. John the Baptist and the Last Gnostics, The Secret History of the Mandaeans. Watkins, 2015.
  • The Nag Hammadi Scriptures. Ed. Marvin W. Meyer. Harper Collins E-Books.

credits

Written, presented and produced  by Marcas Ó hUiscín and Stephanie Ní Thiarnaigh. 

Music – Celtic Warrior by Damiano Baldoni (licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 public licence 

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

Air traffic control audio courtesy of http://www.liveatc.net

All sounds cc or attribution licence.

Sounds on attribution licence from freesound.org – 

  • Dsound1977 – Night Cyprus Sea
  • Dymewiz – Footsteps (Snow, Sand)
  • Xserra – Abu Dhabi, arab drums + Tanger drums
  • csengeri – Storm 200408
  • Inspector J – Footsteps, stone.
  • hifijohn – abstract background music
  • pogmothoin – Bodhran
  • sonsbcnintercultural – Setar Alireza Farrokhzadi
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