Story Archaeology
Story Archaeology combines the knowledge and skills of the storyteller with academic exploration of ancient texts. The main focus is the Irish tradition but at storyarchaeology.com, you will find an archive of podcast articles, stories and translations as well as new podcast conversations with people from around the world who have ‘Stories in the Landscape’ to share.
Episodes
Chris’ Ramble 24 ~ Welcome to the Otherworld
William Robinson: Tallanbanna with cloud front. 1988
The Irish Otherworld goes by many names, Tír na mBeo, the Land of the Living, or Emhain Abhlach, the Plain of Apples, for example. It is a world that, in Irish mythology, lies unseen, adjacent to our own, a source of beauty and fertility and occasionally, danger. Join Chis as she explores its boundaries and wonders if it is, indeed, uniqu
Chris’ Ramble 23 ~ Animal Companions in Early Irish Law and Folklore
Animal companions have played a variety of important roles in human societies over the millenia. Join Chris as she explores how dogs, cats and even the occasional crane, have been regarded and regulated both in the comprehensive early Irish law texts and Irish stories, mythology and folklore.
Oweynagat: Cave of the Cats
Links for this Episode
This episode includes Isolde's explanati
A Conversation with Phillipa Klaiber
From 'Understories', by Phillipa Klaiber
Phillipa Klaiber is an artist, specialising in photography, who celebrates stories in the landscape through her evocative images and poetry. Join Chris and Phillipa as they explore two of Phillippa's photographic projects, Understories and Vorest, and anticipate a new project inspired by the great river Shannon.
In this conversation we discuss i
Chris’ Ramble 22: Concerning Animal Companions
Recent DNA testing on a long ignored jawbone fragment has opened a viewpoint on the distant past to when and how animal companions began to alter the everyday lives of human communities. Join Chris as she explores this new research and wonders, on the way, what 'pet' names might they have chosen!
I will be following up this ramble with one exploring animal companions in early Irish stories.
Chris’ Rambles 21: Sheebeg and Other Cairns
Sheebeg in the snow
Dolmens, Barrows, Cairn ? They were built millennia ago to transport the human memory and imagination from one world to another and, in so many different ways, they still do. Join Chris on a personal exploration of these liminal places as she considers not only their archaeological importance but the impact they can still have on our twenty-first century experience.
Ca
Chris Ramble 20 ~ What is so special about the Cath Maige Tuired?
The Eglone Stone, Moytura
The settling of the The Tuatha Dé Danann in Ireland and their struggle against the mysterious Fomoire, form the central strand of the ancient Irish Mythological Story Cycle. Join Chris as she explores why this great cycle of stories might just be the 'Jewel in the Crown' of Irish mythology.
Explore series 2: The Battle of Moytura. Episodes 1- 6
Explore ser
Chris Ramble 19: Hidden in Plain Sight
Stories in the landscape of Uzbekistan
Sunrise over Khiva
.One of the best travel experiences is to have all your preconceived perceptions overthrown without having time to gathered them up again. Join Chris as she explores the unexpected 'stories in the landscape' encountered in a recent trip to Uzbekistan.
market in Tashkent
Links for this episode
Find out more about Igor
The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 12~ The Land Restored.
This audio re-telling of ‘The Battle of Moytura’ is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In this final part. The heroes Ogma, the Dagda along with Lugh set out to put things right ensuring the land will become green and growing once more.
Discover more about the The Cath Maige Tuired
Notes for this story
In this final section. Lugh, The Dagda and Ogma go to an
The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 11~ The Great Battle.
his audio re-telling of 'The Battle of Moytura' is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In part 11: The Great Battle, the Dé Danann, and the Fomoire come to blows and we discover what happens when the giant, Balor's withering eye is finally opened.
The Labby rock
Discover more about the The Cath Maige Tuired
The Labby rock is a portal Domen. In folklore it i
The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 10~ The Well and the Forge.
Heapstown Cairn
This audio re-telling of 'The Battle of Moytura' is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In part 10: The Well and the Forge, Dian Cécht and Goibnu keep their promises but there are tragic results for Ruadhán, son of Bres when the Fomoire strike back.
Discover more about the The Cath Maige Tuired
Find out more about The Well of Octriul: Heap
The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 9~ The Muster.
This audio re-telling of 'The Battle of Moytura' is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In part 9: The Muster, Lugh gathers together the finest heroes and craftsmen from the Tuatha Dé Danann to find out just what marvels they can offer!
Discover more about the The Cath Maige Tuired
Notes for this story
Part 9 is shorter and just offers the one story. Althoug
The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 8~ What the Dagda Did Next.
This audio re-telling of 'The Battle of Moytura' is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In part 8, What the Dagda Did Next , the 'Big Man' gets to consume a whole cauldron of food all by himself goes on to and encounters two extraordinary women Battle Poets.
Discover more about the The Cath Maige Tuired
Notes for this story
I have had to take a slightly '
The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 7~ The Arrival of the Ildánach
Lugh: Jim Fitzpatrick
The battle of Moytura is better known as the Mythological story cycle. This audio re-telling is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In part 7, The Arrival of the Ildánach , the looming dread of invadion by the Fomoire is met by the arrival of a remarkable stranger. But will this help?
Discover more about the The Cath Maige Tuired
Notes f
The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 6~ Among the Fomoire
The battle of Moytura is better known as the Mythological story cycle. This audio re-telling is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. We find out what the Fomoire king , Elaha thinks of his son's actions among the Dé Danann and we hear the disturbing tale of Eithliu, daughter of Balor, and her baby son Lugh.
Discover more about the The Cath Maige TuiredDiscover
The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 5~ Betrayal.
Jim FitzPatrick
The battle of Moytura is better known as the Mythological story cycle. This audio re-telling is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In part 5, Betrayal, Coipre the chief poet, finally manages to find a way of getting rid of Bress. But Bress comes up with a deceitful plan involving dark consequences.
10(ish) to adult!
Discover more about the T
The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 4~ The Healers.
ceramic on glass by Chris Thompson
The battle of Moytura is better known as the Mythological story cycle. This audio re-telling is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In part 4,The Healers, we discover how Nuada achieves another shot at the kingship, the sad fate of Miach, Dian Cécht's son and we meet his sister, Aimed, a gifted herbalist.
10(ish) to adult!
The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 3~ Wasteland!
The battle of Moytura is better known as the Mythological story cycle. This audio re-telling is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In part 3, Wasteland, Dagda tells how the Dé Danann were mistreated and starved and we meet the terrifying one-eyed Formoire giant Balor and discover his strange story,
10(ish) to adult!
Discover more about the The Cath Maige Tuir
The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 2~ The Shadow of the Fomoire.
The battle of Moytura is bettter known as the Mythological story cycle. This audio re-telling is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In part 2, Shadow of the Fomoire, we meet the the young warrior Bres. We discover just how he came to be chosen as the Dé Danann king and gets to uncover a dark Formoire secret!.
ten(ish) to adult
Discover more about the The
The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 1~ The First Battle.
Jim Fitzpatrick
The battle of Moytura is better known as the Mythological story cycle. This audio re-telling is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In part 1, The First Battle, we meet the Firbolg champion, Streng and the Dé Danann king, Nuada and discover what happened when they met at the first battle of Moytura.
ten(ish) to adult
Discover more about th
Audio stories: Fergus Mac Léite and the fearsome péiste’
Fergus was a man with a plan. He wanted to become, and remain, the most important king in Ulster. Discover how this got him into such trouble with a horrible water monster! This entertaining, and funny story also offers a chance to see just how life was organised in Ireland long before the Normans arrived.
This is a ideal Introductory story which sets these wonderful tales firmly into their
Audio story 7: Findabair’s Story ~ A quarrel over a bull!
Findabhair was the long suffering daughter of Medh of Connacht,. She was used to her mother's dramatic determination, but the quarrel she overheard one night, began a long series of events that eventually lead to war and destruction. The story is often known as 'The pillow talk'.
For adults: Explore this link for more background on the Ulster Cycle stories
Irish mythological and hero tal
Chris’Ramble 18: Then The Morrigan said…
Storytelling in changing times
Kate Lionis
It is always exciting when new scientific research is able to throw a new light on ancient stories. Join Chris in a new and wide-ranging ramble as she explores the extaordinary vistas of the early Irish Cath Maige Tuired (The Battle of Moytura) and contemplates a neolithic tragedy.
Links for this podcast episode
Story Archaeology links
Audio Story 6: The Dreadful adventure of Conan Maol.
Every hero in Irish stories had something to boast about, a super-skill or a magical piece of kit! Finn and his friends were no different. They were the best fighters, the greatest hunters, and the most inspiring poets. Yes, you had to be good at poetry to join the Fianna! But there was one hero whose special ability was unique. Meet Conan Maol!
Irish mythological and hero tales were not ori
Audio stories 5: The Adventures of Nera~ A Rathcroghan story.
This is probably one of the best - ever- Halloween (Samhain) stories. During this Rathcroghan feast, given by Ailill and Medb, Nera, has to face up to his boastful words and undertake a terrifying quest, through the Samhain-dark land and into another world and time. It is an remscéla adventure that will ensure Nera's role in the great Battle of the Bulls, the Táin Bó Cúailnge.
Practical bits
Audio stories 4: The Pig-keeper poets
Suggested age range around nine and up
The Two Pig Keeper poets, more often known as 'The Two Swineherds' is an early origin tale for the battle of the Two Bulls between Connacht and Ulster. It is an exciting story with plenty of time-and-shape shifting but most importantly, stands as a reminder of why it is works out best for everybody to avoid quarrelling with your neighbours!
For
Audio stories 3: Scathach’s Story
Suggested age range around nine and up.
So just what did Cú Chulainn get up to while he was still only a boy and how did he become such a famous warrior? This story is told by Scathach the woman who trained him how to fight! Find out what Uathach, Scathach's daughter, thought about it all, and then make up your own mind!
For adults: Explore this link for a lot more on the original tale
New! Irish audio stories for a wider audience. (9+) 1: Bricriu’s feast.
Suggested age range: 9 and on up!
A bit about the original story
When Bricriu decides to hold a party, anyone who is anyone must put in an appearance. But Bricriu has no intention of getting in a few beers and a few bowls of nibbles. No, Bricriu’s feast will set the greatest heroes of Ulster at each other’s throats and send them racing off on adventures throughout Ireland.
This story inc
New! Irish audio stories for a wider audience. 2: The Gilla Dacair and his ugly horse.
A Finn MacCumhail story
Suggested age range: 9 and on up!
In this hilarious tale we take a canter through a Fenian tale of surly servants, a seabound horse, , hairy horrors and a battle with the High-King of the World. All in a day’s work for Finn and the Fianna.
Practical bits
Part 2 begins at 8 mins 35
Part 3 begins at 17 mins 34
For adults: Explore this link for a lot mo
A Conversation with Sana Malik
Sana Malik grew up in Pakistan, and has been a widely travelled humanitarian aid-worker. Ireland is now her spiritual home. Join Chris and Sana as they discuss two favourite Irish stories, 'The Voyage of Bran' and the 'Story of Sinann', exploring 'Silver Branch Perception' and the relatabilty of mythology to the voyages of life.
Sana and I intend to share further conversations. In the next
A Conversation with Tamlyn Young
Tamlyn Young is a Limerick lecturer and artist specialising., especially in her current project on augmented reality art and storytelling, to create place-based storytelling. She describes her practice as exploring the synergistic, potentials of analogue and digital to create an immersive narrative experience for the viewer.
Links for this episode
The story of Sinann: podcast epi
Chris’ Ramble 17: Once Upon a Myth
The Eglone Stone, Moytura
What makes a story mythic? Why have so many cultures gathered, protected and passed on mythological stories? And, why do they matter today? Join Chris as she takes a personal look at myth and how much mythology still has relevance.
Links for this episode
Read the full text of the Cath Maige Tuired
Explore the Cath Maige Tuired on Story Archaeology : Episo
A New Conversation with Daniel Curley
Daniel Curley is an archaeologist, author and manager of the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre . who has taken a particular interest in the mythological Connacht hero, Fraích. Join Chris and Daniel as they discuss the Táin bó Fraích, and discover how Daniel's research has revealed a far more important role for this 'lost' hero.
Links for this Episode
The Handsomest Hero in Ireland a tale of two
Chris’ Ramble 16: Oíche na Gaoithe Móire ~The Night of the Big Wind
Stories of The Big Wind of 1839 have been told and retold in Ireland for all of 186 years. Join Chris as she explores what makes weather events such as Oíche na Gaoithe Móire so memorable and considers whether Storm Eowyn, a storm of a similar destructive nature, will still be remembered so far into the future.
Links for this episode
Duchas.ie I counted wrongly in the audio article
Chris’ Ramble 15 ~ Lament for the Ash
Leafless Ash in June (background)
The effects of the die-back disease are slowly destroying most of Ireland's beautiful ash trees. Join Chris as she explores the sad story of this tree-tragedy that began in Leitrim more than a decade ago now and why it is important that everyone should know what is happening to our woodlands.
The rot in the heartwood.
Links for this episode
Explore
A conversation with Professor Lisa Bitel
Lisa Bitel is a Professor of Religion and a Medieval historian specializing in Britain and Ireland. and is the author of her new book 'Otherworld'. Join Chris and Lisa as they explore some favourite stories and discuss how best to contintinue the transmission of these wonderful tales, from the deep past, to an audience today.
Links for this episode
Read more abour Lisa's book Otherwor
The Uí Máine Project~ A Conversation with Liam Kildea, Nicola Bowes and Paula Sharkey.
Designed to protect and celebrate the unique Karst landscape of South Roscommon and its embedded mythologies and stories, the Uí Máine community project has grown and developed from the inspired work of three main groups, The Celtic Eye art group, the Karst Farming group and the Taughmaconnell Hall, community. Join Chris as she discovers more about their on-going achievements and awards.
Links
Samhain Special: Corpse Carrying For Beginners
An Acallam na nÉces Samhain Special
In this seasonal special, the Story Archaeologists compare two stories of Samhain. But what could such stories tell us about life 100 or even 1,000 years ago? Find out as the Story Archaeologists, Chris and Isolde, go digging one dark night.
I am reposting this episode, one of my personal favourites and one of the most popular, ever.
Links for th
Chris’s Ramble 14: Introducing Banbha
Banbha
Banbha is one of the three Dé Danann sisters, daughters of Ernmas, who gave their names to the land of Ireland, Ériu is the best known of the the three but Banbha has another, older, and less well known story to tell. Join Chris as she celebrates the birth of a new granddaughter named Banbha.
Links for this episode
Take a look at the translation of The book of Invasions, The L
Exploring Samhain: A glimpse into the past
The festival of Samhain, is one that has been celebrated, in one form or another, for a very long time. In the early Irish stories it was a time for gatherings and feasting. But how has it changed in more recent times? Join Chris as she explores The 'Schools' Folklore collection'' finding some fascinating Halloween tales.
Links for this episode
Take a look at Allison's Gilbari's paper
Chris’ Ramble 12: The Rider on the River
Designed by Morgane Suquart for 'Paris 24' Olympics opening ceremony.
This 'Ramble' is inpired by the silver rider on the River Seine at the Paris 24 Olympics. So join Chris as she explores the history and mythology of three great rivers, the Seine, the Severn and the Shannon and discovers just how their stories may just meander together.
Explore a gallery page of images of places explored
Chris’ Ramble 11: Romancing the Neolithic Stone
New Scientific evidence supporting the origin of the altar stone at Stonhenge supports a better understanding of the of societal connections and collaborative co-operation to be found between the communities of early neolithic farmers throughout Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales. Join Chris in this new ramble and share her excitement!
Links for this Episode
Listen to 'A Conversation w
Chris’ Ramble 10 ~ Stories to Remember
The SchoolsCollection | dúchas.ie
The National Folklore Schools Collection was compiled in 1937 with stories and memories collected with the support of schools from all over Ireland. Itis one of Ireland's unique and valuable treasures and a wonderful resource. Join Chris as she explores this collection including its current relevanceand considers whar a similar collecton might look like
A Conversation with Anthony Murphy
Newgrange at Twilight ~ Anthony Murphy
Anthony Murphy, is an author, journalist, astronomer and photographer. He also curates the wondeful Mythical Ireland website. Join Chris and Anthony as they explore how Irish mythological stories, supported by recent evidence from genertics, seem to reflect the remarkable story of both neolithic and bronze age Ireland.
This is a slightly longer 'Conve
Chris Ramble 9: An Irish Winter Solstice Journey
Grianstad an Gheimhridh, the winter solstice is that special moment when the year turns and the hours of daylight, begin slowly to increase. This time of year has long been a cause for reflection and celebration. So, join Chris on yet another ramble, as she explores an Irish Winter Solstice journey.
Links for this episode
Links on Story Archaeology
The Craneskin Bag
A Chri
Celebrating Professor Ralph Kenna
Professor Ralph Kenna
As many friends of Story Archaeology will now have heard, Professor Ralph Kenna passed away and left the world we know, last Thursday. I received the sad news from his wife, Claire, last Friday. It is so very sad that it has taken me a few days to feel ready to write this post. I will stay in touch with Claire, and have sent her my deepest condolences but if any of you w
Chris’ Ramble 8: A Story for our Times
The Táin Bó Cúailnge is an dramatic epic well worth the telling but with some challenging themes including broken loyalties and friendships with destruction laid on the land, for the sake of status and honour. Join Chris as she explores the telling of the tales and encounters a fresh resonance for our times.
Links for this episode
For podcast episodes and related articles on The boy
A new conversation with Jamie Madden: The Writing of the Takings
The The Lebor Gabála tells of a series of mythical Irish migration stories, which can be traced back to a very early date. Its history is somewhat complex and, although fascinating, it is not an 'easy read'. So, join Chris and Jamie as they share Jamie's new telling. 'The Writing of The Takings'. Jamie has created an entertaining and highly amusing interpretation, which gets to the heart of ho
Chris’ Ramble 7: What’s in a Name?
Culture heroes, ancestor figures, genii loci, gods and godesses ... Can all, or indeed, any of these terms be useful in defining some favourite characters in Irish mythology, Join Chris as she takes a walk throuh a forest of stories on a light hearted search for hidden identities.
Links for this episode
I have referenced a wide variety of stories over the route of this ramble. I
A Conversation with ÉIRÍ winner, Kate Lionis
The Morrigan by Kate Lionis
Meet Kate Lionis one of the seven adult winners of the ÉIRÍ art competition and project. So, join Chris and Kate as they discuss, the many creative possiblities of digitally enhanced photography, the enviromental relevance of Australian indigenous stories and share the colours, light, and scents of the Blue Mountains in New South Wales.
This is one of a series
An Immráma Voyage with Jamie Madden
Click to view the complete Immram Brig Bostúin
What if Brigid had undertaken her own Immrám? Join Chris and Jamie as they explore James' Immrám Brig Bostún, an Irish Mythology Collage, in which he garners stories from Irish mtyhology and folklore, to curate a remarkable Immrám voyage for Brigid, taking her to the coastal islands of Boston and Cape Cod; a reflection on the more recent journ
A Conversation with ÉIRÍ winner, Louise Shine
Meet Louise Shine, one of the seven adult winners of the ÉIRÍ art competition and project. So, join Chris and Ruth as they discuss, the importance of creativity in art and education, explore art and technology as well as the way in which women from Irish mythology can still speak powerfully to current issues.
This is one of a series of shorter ‘Stories in the Landscape’ conversations to celeb
A Conversation with ÉIRÍ winner, Lee Fenlon
Bóand by Lee Fenlon
Meet Lee Fenlon, one of the seven adult winners of the ÉIRÍ art competition and project. Now, join Chris and Lee as they discuss, what can be acheived in leaded glass and ceramic mosaic work , how Sinann has been treated in Athlone as well as stories of Boand and the Boyne. This is one of a series of shorter 'Stories in the Landscape' conversations to celebrate the
A Conversation with ÉIRÍ winner, Ruth Egan
Ruth Egan
Meet Ruth Egan, one of the seven adult winners of the ÉIRÍ art competition and project. So, join Chris and Ruth as they discuss, art, mthology and the importance of listening to the stories told by your grandmothers.
This is one of a series of shorter 'Stories in the Landscape' conversations to celebrate the 2023 ÉIRÍ Evoking Irelands Resilient Female Icons competition and conti
Chris’ Ramble 6: Just how old are Irish Stories?
So how old are the Irish stories? Come to think of it what exactly is meant by old, or medieval or any of the other terms so frequently used to describe mythological stories, and... does it matter? Join Chris as she follows a familiar route and sets up a few indicative, and hopefully useful, signposts along the way.
Links for this episode
These rambles are not intended as fully
A Conversation with Nicola Bowes and Rosemary Carty.
Nicola and Rosemary are both gifted artists from the Celtic Eye artists group who have all come together to draw on their talents to create some inspiring and innovative landscape and environmental projects. Join Chris, Nicola, and Rosemary as they talk about about the wide scope of some of Celtic Eye's impressive and on-going, still growing, projects as well as getting to discuss 'art i
Chris’ Ramble 5: The Landscape of Stories
This ramble, begun in Queensland, Australia and completed in Leitrim, Ireland. begins to explore the ways in which the environment in which the stories were told may change elements creating the tale. And, no, I didn't walk all the way!
Loughnashade trumpet
This ramble was a long time in the making, begun in late January in Brisbane and picked up again at the start of April. It is a bi
A Conversation with Shona Macdonald
Shona is a talented artist and illustrator who tells stories through images. Join Chris and Shona as they explore some of the wonderful women characters to be found in the world of Irish story, and even try out a path to a most perplexing library.
https://youtu.be/KM-v6StvTc4
Watch Shona's animation- The Forest of Cake.
Brig
Fand
The Library of Perplexing Perplexities
A Ga
Chris’ Ramble 4: Walking with Sheela-na-gigs
SacrumProfanum by Benjamin Dwyer is an exploration of the Sheela-Na-gig through music. Join Chris as she encounters this profound and poetic experience out walking her local landscape accompanied by Sheela-na- gigs.
Music for this episode: Lamentum from SacrumProfanum by kind permision of Benjamin Dwyer
https://www.farpointrecordings.com/product-page/benjamin-dwyer-sacrumprofanum
A Conversation with Professor Benjamin Dwyer
Join Chris as she shares a conversation with Professor Benjamin Dwyer. Ben is a prolific Irish performer and composer as well as an educator. He is currently Professor of Music at Middlesex University. SacrumProfanum is Ben's thought provoking musical exploration of the enigmatic Sheela-na-gigs as watchers and witnesses of a thousand years of Irish history.
Opening music for this episode: Lam
Chris’ Ramble 3: Is This Not a Story Worth the Telling?
Join Chris on her ramble through the landscape of early Irish story and discover why many of the best stories contain the environmental messages which are still highly relevant today.
Moytura 2000
Links for this ramble.
Circling the Táin: seven Story Archaeology podcast episodes.
Cath Maige Tuired: six Story Archaeology podcast episodes.
Stories in the Landscape Conversations:
Scottish and Irish ‘landscape’ stories: with Professor Patrick Nunn
The Isle of Harris. Yes, the sea can be this blue!
Every community has folk tales to share, but do some of these stories encode ancient memories of climate change? This short podcast conversation with Professor Nunn focuses on stories from the North west coast of Ireland and Scotland that may have been told far longer than we might imagine. Listen, and then discover more in Professor Nunn's rec
A Conversation with Professor Patrick Nunn
Patrick Nunn is the Professor of Geography at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. He is a leading climate change scientist, author, and a specialist on how stories from oral traditions may have encoded memories of geological and oceanic change from around seven thousand years ago. Join Chris and Patrick as they discuss, remarkable oral story transmission, illustrated by
Chris’ Ramble 2: David and Goliath, Meet Lugh and Balor
Some reflections on a journey to discover Irish stories.
Join Chris as she explores Irish oral story transmission and wonders if even stories sometimes need careful map makers to prevent them them from being lost.
Links for this episode
If you would like to find out more about the infamous Giraldus Cambrensis
Find out about his 'map making'.
Find out a bit more about his op
A new conversation with Professor Ralph Kenna
Join Chris and Ralph, professor of Statistical Physics and enthusiastic comparative mythologist, as they enjoy discussing the ongoing ÉIRÍ project, 'Evoking Ireland's Resiliant female Icons', and discover how you, too, can add to some exciting and unusual research as well as discovering more about Ralph's upcoming Myths and Maths projects.
Links for this episode.
Find out how to en
Chris’ Ramble 1: Mercator the map maker and the Tuatha Dé Danann
Find out more about these new posts, 'Chris' Rambles'.
Join Chris as she sets off, aided by an unusual sixteenth century map, encounters an excentric English polymath with big ambitions, and with the help of a medieval Irish monk, discovers a fresh view of the arrival of the Tuatha Dé Danann.
And a good ramble is always best shared so please feel free to join in.
Supporting link
A Conversation with Ann Gerety Smyth
by Éamonn O'Doherty.
Ardagh hill, in County Longford, Ireland is a very special 'Stories in the Landscape' location. This is the legendary Bri Leith, where much of the Tocmarc Étaíne is set. The Ardagh Heritage and Creative Centre, managed by story teller and educator, Ann and her colleague Annette, nestles at the foot of this beautiful hill. Join Chris and Ann,as they explore the centre,
A Conversation with Jamie Madden
The Irish Dindshenchas The Lore of Prominent Places are a collection of origin stories which celebrate stories in the landscape. Yet, could they also inspire creative approaches to town planning? Join Chris and Jamie, a storyteller, genealogist and town planner, originally from Boston and now living in Seattle, as, together, they explore the broad and exciting scope of dindshenchas style sto
A Conversation with Clare Millege
Clare Millege
Join Chris and Clare, an artist from Sydney Australia, and an eloquant exponant of the art of landscape stories, as they discuss, art, ecology, the Australian landscape and, especially, Clare's recent installation Imbás: a well at the bottom of the sea at the Sydney Biennale 22. Take the opportunity to explore the installation as Clare leads us on a very special artist's pe
A Conversation with Professor Ralph Kenna
Lee Fenlon
The second of a new Series of Story Archaeology podcast conversations on mythology and its
'Stories in the Landscape'.
Join Chris and Ralph, professor of Statistical Physics and enthusiastic comaparative mythologist, as they discuss the remakable possibilities of applying socio-physics to epic myth cycles;take an appreciative retrospective look at the International 'Art
A Conversation with Daniel Curley
The first of a new Series of Story Archaeology podcast conversations on mythology and its 'Stories in the Landscape'.
Join Chris and Daniel, archaeologist and manager of the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre as they discuss Cruachan Aí,the royal home of of Medb, Ailill and the Finnbhennach, the white bull of Connacht. Yet,this famous setting forms only one level in the rich archaeological 'Stori
More Questions answered from the Story Archaeologists
Join the Story archaeologists as they attempt to catch up and answer some of the questions that you have been asking. This Q&A session covers the topic of fír flathemon , 'The truth of the king' and delves into the complexities of the text, Lebor Gabála Érenn, the 'Book of the Taking of Ireland'. We also return to the strange phenomenon of the Morrigan's Mono-horse.
Stories and Activities with Children 4: The Two Poet Pig-keepers
This audio story is one of the many stories that circle around the great Táin Bó Cúailnge , The cattle raid of Cooley. It is not a well known story but it is important as it is really the 'origin' story for the whole cycle. It is also a great tale and explains a lot!
The story has been included because it emphasises the importance of the storyteller-poets and can be enjoyed in conjunction wit
Stories and Activities for Children 1: Bricriu’s Feast
Bricriu's Feast
his story has everything It has a king who gets someone else to solve his own problems. It has warriors who are determined to have adventures and show off to the MAX,
It has giants, water monsters, fearsome cats from an Otherworld cave and more.
There is also a VERY BIG AXE! The story comes from a very old story called Fled Bricrenn. I haven’t told it all but I have
Medb: Conquests and Consequences
Medb, Queen of Connacht, is rightly renowned in Irish legend and mythology, as a strong and influential woman leader. Her centre of power, Cruachan Ai, is still recognised as one of the most important Iron-age sites in Ireland. Medb lead her people in her own name and by her own right. She was a strong woman in a society largely dominated by strong men. She fought hard to maintain the high status
Telling Stories : Continuing the Oral Tradition
Join Chris Thompson as she takes a story-teller's view of the old Irish stories. Who told them and why were they so memorable. In this audio article, Chris celebrates the old stories and explores the challenges in telling them today.
For those who have asked me for ideas and advice on story telling generally, I am going to be devoting a section of my upcoming Patreon site 'Sinann's Well' to
The Dagda’s Cauldron ~ A Seasonal Special!
The Dagda with his cauldron of abundance, from which none leave unsatisfied, epitomises the deep and ancient yearning we feel for mid-winter indulgence and good company. It may be that the cauldron had more to offer than just a solid meal. Join Chris, from the Story Archaeologists, as she dips into this extravagant cooking pot.
This audio article is based on a piece published in the new book
Some questions answered by The Story Archaeologists
We regularly receive questions from listeners and readers. We try to answer them as soon as we can but many are well worth exploring in more detail. Here we discuss just three. Firstly there is the problem of 'coir', a word that we use regularly in episodes to express an important but complex concept. Another term we frequently use is 'poet' to cover a number of similar roles in early Irish socie
The Mysteries of Midir: a Samhain Special
Isolde_recording
What did happen to Midir? Why does he appear in so few stories? It is a mystery. A murder mystery? Could be. Certainly Midir's reputation was usurped and he, himself, seems to have been, effectively, 'disappeared!
For a more 'in depth' examination of this topic go to:
In Search of Midir
or In Search of Manannán
This short recording was originally made for an on-l
The Otherworld and How to Get There!
William Robinson: Tallanbanna with cloud front. 1988
So many of the old Irish stories tell of an Otherworld that lies so close to our own. If you want to discover what the stories have to say about getting there, what you might find when you arrive, and when, or if, you might return, then join Chris in this audio-article exploration.
Apologies for the quality of recording in Isolde's openi
Circling the Tain: 07 – The Pig and The Hound
The briugu, Mac Dá Thó, is the proud owner of the marvelous hound, Ailbe. He also possesses a notorious pig. Now he finds himself faced with contending regional kings and their retinues of elite warriors, demanding the hound for themselves. Will serving up his gourmet pig at a grand feast save his bacon?
Join the Story Archaeologists as they share the boasting and bragging from the best of the
