Nuada rights the wrongs of Bres, Lugh escapes his grandfather’s assassination attempt and both find themselves on opposing sides of their half Tuatha half Fomorians lineages. Tensions mount and preparations are made for the next battle for Ireland, but who were Bres and Lugh and what brought them to war? Well, let me tell you a story…
Welcome back after an unfortunate sos beag, our host, Amanda, is mostly able to talk and breathe at the same time, just in time for the official start of Summer, Bealtaine festivals and traditions are our topic for today, so grab your bag o’cans and join us by the (Bon) fire for a quick chat.
In this episode we feature Balor of the Evil Eye, king of the Fomorians and the birth of the god Lugh, half Fomorian, raised by the Tuatha de Danann and prophesied to greatness.
Brigid, woman, wife, witch, goddess, abbess, saint… not to mention a smith, a farmer, and a poet. This one stop shop is a stalwart of feminism, protection and care, but how much do we really know about Brigid? Transcripts for our episodes are available on www.cogarnagaoithe.com and feel free to send an email, or comment on the episode in Spotify or Apple Podcasts if you have any questions or comments. I can only apologise on behalf of Dorothy because she unashamedly purred through this entire recording, and screeched loud enough to be heard through soundproofing when I ejected her from the office, I did what I could. This episode is in no way explicit, and I managed not to swear, but there is discussion of St Brigid’s Virginity and the miracles she performed in order to qualify for beatification, so if that isn’t something you’re comfortable with, no bother, sure we’ll chat to ya next time when we’re back with the Tuatha Dé Danann in the mythological cycle.
After the first battle of MoyTura, having beaten the FirBolg and colonised the island of Ireland, the Tuatha Dé Danann faced a bit of a conundrum. Who could be their king, when Nuadha was no longer fit to rule by their own laws? Some difficult, and terrible choices were made, and the poor Tuatha ended up with Bres, a very handsome, very poor leader. This episode covers the suffering, even of the gods, under his disasterous rule.And there’s jokes.
The episode covers the story of the Tuatha Dé Danann's invasion of Ireland, as documented in the Book of Invasions. It details how the Tuatha Dé, having learned magical arts in the northern islands, arrived in Ireland to confront the resident FirBolg people. The narrative describes diplomatic exchanges between the two groups, led by their respective champions Sreng (Firbolg) and Bres (Tuatha Dé), and the subsequent four-day Battle at Moytura. Key events include the Tuatha Dé Dé's arrival in magical mists, their initial offer to share the island, the Firbolg's refusal, and the eventual defeat of the Firbolg. The battle resulted in significant casualties on both sides, including the maiming of the Tuatha Dé king Nuada, who lost his arm. Amanda also discusses the historical and archaeological evidence for these events, including debates about the battle's location and the nature of the Tuatha Dé themselves - whether they were gods, Supernatural beings, or simply an advanced Bronze Age people.
A very brief introduction to Women’s Christmas, the folklore and customs associated with Little Christmas, the 12th day of Christmas, or the feast of the epiphany.
New Year's Eve and New Year's Day in Ireland, drawing from the Schools Folklore Collection from the 1930s. The content includes information about how Irish people traditionally welcomed the new year, various superstitions about what brings good or bad luck, and specific regional traditions. While Ireland was Christianized in the 5th century, many traditions have evolved over the 1,500 years since then. This episode includes both ancient customs and more modern adaptations, with particular attention to activities that are believed to influence luck throughout the coming year.
This podcast episode discusses the fourth wave of mythical immigration to Ireland, focusing on the Fir Bolg. Host, Amanda, provides a detailed account of the Fir Bolg's origins, their journey from Greece to Ireland, and their reign over the island. Tonight’s story is based on various historical and mythological sources, despite the differences and inconsistencies between these accounts. The Fir Bolg were descendants of Nemed, who had previously fled Ireland due to Fomorian oppression (check out episode 10). After 200 years in Greece, where they were initially welcomed but later exploited, they built makeshift boats and returned to Ireland. After their arrival, Fintán escapes his cave to arbitrate the division of Ireland into five provinces, and the succession of Fir Bolg kings.And they live happily ever after… for a very brief time.
Nemid and his descendants were the next brave, or foolhardy bunch to occupy our island, though it seems as though she had some thoughts about that, and some help from the Fomorians (who probably did not cartwheel around, but may have been addicted to puffins…)Join Amanda on her death bed (man flu) as she recounts the tale of Nemid’s invasion…
A murderer, some (possibly) cartwheeling giants, and the worst hidden affair in Ireland before Terry Keane, welcome to the invasion of partholon! This episode of Whisper of the Winds Podcast covers the second invasion of Ireland according to Irish mythology, focusing on Parthalon and his followers.It discusses the origins of the legend, its various sources, and how it evolved over time. The story details Parthalon's arrival in Ireland, his establishment of various 'firsts' in the country, conflicts with the Fomorians, and the eventual demise of his people due to a plague.Narrator, Amanda Cunningham, provides historical context, interpretations, and her own commentary on the mythological elements.For sources, further reading, and a legible transcript, check out www.cogarnagaoithe.wordpress.com
Why not start at the very beginning, I hear it’s a very good place to do so. Tonight’s episode is the story of the First invasion of Ireland, adapted from the book of invasions for your illumination and delight! Also, Amanda has had some cough medicine… you’ve been warned! This is the shortest of the invasions, so make yourself a small cuppa, maybe just the one biscuit, or three, and enjoy this bite sized story of the bite sized, and somewhat soggy invasion of Cessair.Amanda Cunningham delivers this episode on the first invasion of Ireland according to the Book of Invasions. She discusses the unique aspects of Irish mythology, particularly the absence of a creation myth. This is the story of Cessair, Noah's granddaughter, who led the first invasion with 50 women and three men. The “lecture” covers their journey to Ireland, the division of land and women among the men, and the eventual demise of all but one character due to the biblical flood. Amanda also reflects on the portrayal of women in this myth and its transcription by medieval monks.
Winter has come! And winter is all about story telling, games, and maybe some mistaken identity …For sources, resources and a legible transcript, check out www.cogarnagaoithe.wordpress.comNovember’s night is absolutely rife with lore and tradition. It is impossible to attempt to fit it all into one episode. But we did try!This podcast episode, hosted by Amanda Cunningham, discusses Irish folklore and traditions associated with the winter season. AC begins by explaining the Celtic calendar and its importance in Irish culture. The calendar divides the year into light and dark halves, with winter marking the beginning of a new cycle. She emphasizes the significance of cycles in Irish mythology and agriculture, noting that Ireland's seasons still align with the Celtic calendar. The episode then delves into traditional winter activities in rural Ireland, including storytelling, card games, and wool spinning. We then share a folktale about a family's encounter with a mysterious stranger on a stormy night, highlighting the superstitious nature of some Irish folklore. The podcast concludes with a discussion of children's games played during winter evenings and a request for listeners to help identify some unfamiliar game names.
Episode 6 Ghosts, Sweets & Hellfire - for information, sources, further reading and a legible transcript check out the episode guide here. https://cogarnagaoithe.wordpress.com/2024/11/30/episode-6-ghosts-sweets-hellfire/ Happy Haloween! To wrap up our Samhain Series on this auspicious night, Amanda talks about the origins of some Haloween Traditions, some traditional Irish Piseogs, food, games, and fortune telling, and of course, it wouldn’t be spooky season without a trip up Montpellier Hill to the Hellfire Club.November’s night is absolutely rife with lore and tradition. It is impossible to attempt to fit it all into one episode. But we did try!This podcast episode, hosted by Amanda Cunningham, discusses Irish folklore and traditions associated with the winter season. We begin by explaining the Celtic calendar and its importance in Irish culture. The calendar divides the year into light and dark halves, with winter marking the beginning of a new cycle. Emphasising the significance of cycles in Irish mythology and agriculture, noting that Ireland's seasons still align with the Celtic calendar. The episode then delves into traditional winter activities in rural Ireland, including storytelling, card games, and wool spinning. This episode’s story is a folktale about a family's encounter with a mysterious stranger on a stormy night, highlighting the superstitious nature of some Irish folklore. It’s funny, we promise.The podcast concludes with a discussion of children's games played during winter evenings and a request for listeners to help identify some unfamiliar game names.
The Morrigan, goddess of war, death and fate, portend of death, igniter of frenzy, and part time cattle breeder… joins us in our story tonight. The adventures of Nera. Set in Rathcroghan during the Ulster Cycle, Nera plays an unwitting role in the start of the Táin. A trip through Roscommon’s very own gateway to hell, an elvish deception, and a hanged man taking liberties, this is the perfect story to get into the Samhain / Halloween spirit with! Episode Guide and Transcript www.cogarnagaoithe.wordpress.com
Bonus episode featuring two stories for the price of one (so, still free…) this week’s episode is all about the Púca. This wonderful shapeshifter comes around at Halloween, or Samhain, but also has their very own day in November, and much like all the best mythical beasts, it’s a pure messer! These stories are taken from the duchas.ie schools collection, and links can be found on the episode guide at www.cogarnagaoithe.wordpress.com
Sticking with Halloween for this episode, let us introduce you to the much maligned Banshee. Should you enjoy these stories and want to find out more about the mythology behind them, check out our new website, www.cogarnagaoithe.wordpress.com
Stingy Jack and the first Jack o’lantern. We are staying with the theme of Samhain / Haloween for this week’s episode. A more modern myth than most, Jack, a scoundrel and a cheat finds himself in front of the devil himself, and a decades-long battle of trickery ensues. You’ll have to listen to find out where the pumpkin comes into it! Episode Guide: https://cogarnagaoithe.wordpress.com/2024/10/16/episode-2-stingy-jack/
A bit of housekeeping and explaining myself! And a short first episode, all about the cailleach, or winter hag, and just how very hard done she is by the reputation we have given her! Episode guide: https://cogarnagaoithe.wordpress.com/2024/10/11/episode-1-the-hag-of-beara/
An introduction to the podcast, Irish mythology and story telling. For more content and resources to check out : https://cogarnagaoithe.wordpress.com/2024/10/15/content-to-check-out/