Story Archaeology

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 series 2: The Battle of Moytura. Rpisodes 7 - 12 Explore the new 'audio' modern re-telling of the Cath Maige Tuired designed for a wider audience including, but not limited, to older children. A telling of the Táin bó Fraích The Well and the Cheese ~ The unlikely story of Medb and her sisters If you explore further into the Story Archaeology archive You will encounter plenty of other articles, translations and information concerning the Mythological Cycle.

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 Savitsky and the Museum gallery in Nukus as well as the autonomous region of Karakalpakstan Take a look at some images of the Tashkent metro. Find out more anout the 2025 Bukhara Biannial Explore a gallery page of images and more The Ulugh Beg Madrasa: Samarkand Thanks Thanks to my wonderful travelling companions Jackie and Phil. The chances of sharing this visit with a history teacher and a comparative mythologist must have been extremely unlikely but I couldn't have had more thoughtful and interesting companions. Your insights and interests really enhanced the whole experience. Thanks also to o

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 un-named Fomoire feasting hall to recover the Dagda's harp. The Irish harp became a symbol representingIreland from the fouding of the Irish Free State in 1922 and had appeared on flags representing national and cultural identity long before that. It still appears on passports, coins and many official documents. Whether the symbol of the harp refers back to the Dagda's 'Harp of the Four Quarters' is doubtful but the Irish harp and the unique skills and knowledge of the early harpers is certain. If you would like to read the poetry of the Morrigan in translation you can find Isolde's unique translations here. Th

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 is said to be the place where Nuada was buried. You can find the site where the Moytura story is set on the high plain to the east of Lough Arrow in County Sligo. Moytura 127 - 161 Music: Lamentum from SacrumProfanum , Ben Dwyer

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: Heapstown Cairn Notes for this story You can still see Octriallach’s cairn. It is near Loch Arrow. and today it is known as Heapstown cairn.  It is a megalithic passage tomb around 5000 years old and was once much higher than it is today. Keening was a traditional Irish form of vocal lament for the dead practiced by women until the early part of the 20th C. This tale suggests that it was connected with Brig. Cath Maige Tuired: 122 -126 Music: Lamentum from SacrumProfanum , Ben Dwyer

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. Although nothing much happens it represents an important 'breathing space' before the events of the main battle begin. This is one of the sections of the text that demonstrates the tales oral origins.It is there to remind the audience of the main characters and all their special abilities. Cath Maige Tuired: 95-121 Music: Lamentum from SacrumProfanum , Ben Dwyer

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 cauldren 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 'Lady Gregory' approach to this section as the description of the encounter between Dagda and Indech's daughter is, somewhar, explicit, and I am ensuring these re-tellings are fully appropriate for older primary age-group, This encounter includes an example of a poetic 'battle-rap.' The original sequence which begins with the Dagda's name wordplay has the quality of early Rosc poetry where each short alliterative line re-translates the one that goes before. For more listen to this podcast conversation or read Isolde's post on the Names of the Dagda. It is well worth re-telling these stories as they introduc

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 remakable stranger. But will this help? Discover more about the The Cath Maige Tuired Notes for this story This is a slightly shorter chapter, running at around 12 minutes but it is sometimes trick to find natural breaks in what is a continuous narrative. I haven't named all of Nuada's 'experts' but the meanings of their names are fascinating. Isolde's translations do shed so much light on early medieval society. Irish mythological and hero tales were not originally written for a young audience. No they were intended for an adult audience gathered together at feasts, Óenachs and to mark special events,. Youngsters may well have been present, may have enjoyed them, but tales weren’t considere

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 get to Find oit Elaha's opinions about his son, Bess' actions among the Dé Danann ahd we hear the distubing tale of Eithliu, the daughter of Balor, and her son Lugh. Discover more about the The Cath Maige TuiredDiscover more about the The Cath Maige Tuired Notes for this story: The birth of Lugh on Balor's isle (Tory Island) is not included in the textual version of the story but has suvived as an orally transmitted story. I think this makes it extra interesting. Balor's daughter's name has several variants. You will find her refered to as Ethliu, Ethlinn, Ethlin or Ethne. Isolde favoured Ethliu. Irish mythological and hero tales were not originally written for a young audience. No they were intended for an adult audience gathered together at feasts, Óenachs and to mark special events,. Youngsters may well have been prese

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 The Cath Maige Tuired Irish mythological and hero tales were not originally written for a young audience. No they were intended for an adult audience gathered together at feasts, Óenachs and to mark special events,. Youngsters may well have been present, may have enjoyed them, but tales weren’t considered as juvenelia. However they contain so much that younger audiences will enjoy. They are full of adventures and wonders. They have characters, both male and female who show courage, compassion, and comradeship and who demonstrate a sense of wonder, a sense of purpose, and, most definitely a sense of humour. I

ceramic on glass by Chris Thompson 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 4,The Healers, we discover how Nuada getsanother shot at the kingship, the sad fate of Miach, Dian Cécht's son and get to meet meet his sister, Aimed, a gifted herbalist. 10(ish) to adult! Discover more about the The Cath Maige Tuired Listen to the podcast episode on Airmed Notes for Part 4: The healers: When Isolde and I were working on this text we did wonder if this episode conerning Miach's death and 'rebirth' in the form of new plant growth might have once had an alternate context. Etymologically speaking. Dian Cécht has the meaning 'Eager Plough.' Miach and Airmid are both words used for measures of grain. So the cutting down of Miach, his burial and the regeneration of new geowth from the site where he was 'planted' has much in common with a number of agrarian myths; for eaxample,

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 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 Tuired rish mythological and hero tales were not originally written for a young audience. No they were intended for an adult audience gathered together at feasts, Óenachs and to mark special events,. Youngsters may well have been present, may have enjoyed them, but tales weren’t considered as juvenelia. However they contain so much that younger audiences will enjoy. They are full of adventures and wonders. They have characters, both male and female who show courage, compassion, and comradeship and who demonstrate a sense of wonder, a sense of purpose, and, most definitely a sense of humour. I tell all of these

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 Bress. 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 Cath Maige Tuired Irish mythological and hero tales were not originally written for a young audience. No they were intended for an adult audience gathered together at feasts, Óenachs and to mark special events,. Youngsters may well have been present, may have enjoyed them, but tales weren’t considered as juvenelia. However they contain so much that younger audiences will enjoy. They are full of adventures and wonders. They have characters, both male and female who show courage, compassion, and comradeship and who demonstrate a sense of wonder, a sense of purpose, and, most definitely a sense of humour. I t

Jim Fitzpatrick 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 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 the The Cath Maige Tuired Irish mythological and hero tales were not originally written for a young audience. No they were intended for an adult audience gathered together at feasts, Óenachs and to mark special events,. Youngsters may well have been present, may have enjoyed them, but tales weren’t considered as juvenelia. However they contain so much that younger audiences will enjoy. They are full of adventures and wonders. They have characters, both male and female who show courage, compassion, and comradeship and who demonstrate a sense of wonder, a sense of purpose, and, most definitely a sense of humour.

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 Intrductory story which sets these wonderful tales firmly into their pre-Norman context. For eight and over's. Irish mythological and hero tales were not originally written for a young audience. No they were intended for an adult audience gathered together at feasts, Óenachs and to mark special events,. Youngsters may well have been present, may have enjoyed them, but tales weren't considered as juvenelia. However they contain so much that younger audience will enjoy. They are full of adventures and wonders. They have characters, both male and female who show courage, compassion, and comradeship and who demonstrate a sense of wonder, a sense of purpose, and, most def

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 tales were not originally written for a young audience. No they were intended for an adult audience gathered together at feasts, Óenachs and to mark special events,. Youngsters may well have been present, may have enjoyed them, but tales weren't considered as juvenelia. However they contain so much that younger audience will enjoy. They are full of adventures and wonders. They have characters, both male and female who show courage, compassion, and comradeship and who demonstrate a sense of wonder, a sense of purpose, and, most definitely a sense of humour. I tell all of these stories regularly in schools an

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 The Battle of Moytura: Explore Series 2 (Episodes 1-6) The Battle of Moytura: Explore Series 2 Episodes 7-12 Listen to a Conversation with Anthony Murphy from Mythical Ireland Listen to a Conversation with Professor Patrick Nunn External Links Neil Carlin: Understanding Bell Beaker identities in Ireland - people, places and identities Repeated plague infections across six generations of Neolithic Farmers (Paper in 'Nature' July 24) Last Humans Standing with geneticist, David Reich (This particular talk does offer a clear explanation of recent genetic based evidence but is very long. I w

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 originally written for a young audience. No they were intended for an adult audience gathered together at feasts, Óenachs and to mark special events,. Youngsters may well have been present, may have enjoyed them, but tales weren't considered as juvenelia. However they contain so much that younger audience will enjoy. They are full of adventures and wonders. They have characters, both male and female who show courage, compassion, and comradeship and who demonstrate a sense of wonder, a sense of purpose, and, most definitely a sense of humour. I tell all of these stories regularly in schools and libraries. I

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 The story is in two parts Part 2 begins at 11.30 mins For adults: Find out more about the background to this story. Irish mythological and hero tales were not originally written for a young audience. No they were intended for an adult audience gathered together at feasts, Óenachs and to mark special events,. Youngsters may well have been present, may have enjoyed them, but tales weren't considered as juvenelia. However they contain so much that younger audience will enjoy. They are full of adventures and wonders. They have characters, both male and female who show courage, compassion, and comr

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. Irish mythological and hero tales were not originally written for a young audience. No they were intended for an adult audience gathered together at feasts, Óenachs and to mark special events. Youngsters may well have been present, may have enjoyed them, but tales weren't considered as juvenelia. However they contain so much that younger audience will enjoy. They are full of adventures and wonders. They have characters, both male and female who show courage, compassion, and comradeship and who demonstrate a sense of wonder, a sense of purpose, and, most definitely a sense of humour. I tell all of t