Podcasts by Category
Unreal is a podcast about Irish history, stories, folklore and tradition. Each episode searches for the origins of some of Ireland’s most famous myths and folklore, and takes a fresh look at exciting legends and history which have become almost forgotten in centuries past.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- 30 - RE-RELEASE: Giants and Causeways
A re-release of the second ever episode of Unreal, while I recover from illness. A new episode will come soon once my voice is back at full strength!
Giants sculpted our landscape. They are strong, and fierce, and can be terrifying if you’re unprepared. But anyone can defeat a giant – if you are clever enough to trick them…
READ THE PODCAST SCRIPT
SOURCES AND FURTHER READINGThe Story of Fionn and the Giant
The Giant’s Causeway, Dublin Penny JournalA Legend of Knockmany, by William Carleton (and the original article)Joe Moore’s Story of Finn Macooilly and the Buggane, Manx Fairytales by Sophia MorrisonVersions from the School’s Folklore Collection at Duchas.ie: 1, 2, 3, 4The very rude Scottish poem featuring the giant-sized descendants of Fionn
Other Tales Mentioned
The fall of the Viking chieftain TurgesiusMaoil a ChliobainJack and the BeanstalkJack the Giant-killerStingy Jack
MUSICAll by Slainte from The Free Music Archive
Theme Song – “The Butterfly”The Lark in the Morning / The Atholl HighlandersThe Banshee / The Gravel Walks / The Old CopperplateHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, 21 Nov 2021 - 29min - 29 - The Cry of the Banshee
The Banshee is one of Ireland’s most famous folkloric figures. A supernatural woman with a cry that foretells of death and devastation to those who hear it, stories about banshees have been terrifying listeners for hundreds of years. But has she always been this way?
Sources and Further Reading
A Folklore Survey of County Clare by Thomas Johnson WestroppThe Triumphs of Turlough translated by Standish Hayes O'GradyThe Hostel of Da Choca translated by Whitley StokesAnnals of Loch CéThe Memoirs of Lady Ann FanshawePersonal Sketches of His Own Times by Sir Jonah BarringtonKeening Tradition"The Irish Funeral Cry" in The Dublin Penny Journal O'Brien's Irish-English DictionaryMusic
The Butterfly – SláinteReturn Home - Moorland SongsThe White Birch - Moorland SongsMountain Solitude - Moorland SongsHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, 31 Oct 2021 - 27min - 28 - Mid Season Break
Hi everyone, Ruth here, and apologies for the slightly sporadic uploads to Unreal this season – I’ve just been having quite a busy time outside of podcasting. I’m actually going to take mid-season break and come back in two weeks with a special Halloween episode, and finish out the second half of the season then, hopefully with more regular uploads for those last few episodes. I hope that sounds ok, and wishing you a folklore-filled few weeks in the meantime. Go n-éirí an bóthar leat.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, 17 Oct 2021 - 0min - 27 - The Madness of Sweeney
What happens when a king goes mad? When he leaves his home, his wife and lands, and goes wandering in the woods and the wild? Such a strange frenzy came on Sweeney, an Irish king long ago. The life he came to live was a harsh and a wild one – but, as the story shows, still one where breathtaking beauty could be found . . .
Read the Podcast ScriptSources And Further ReadingBuile Suibhne. (The frenzy of Suibhne) by O'Keeffe, J. GThe King's MirrorMyrddin WyltWild Man
MusicThe Butterfly – SláinteThe Elfin Knight - TraditionalI'm Missing Ennis - Philip AyersEverything We Built - Christian AndersenIt All Went Away So Quickly - Christian AndersenHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, 03 Oct 2021 - 32min - 26 - Deirdre of the Sorrows
There once was born a cursed girl. She was beautiful, and strong-willed, and would do anything for the man she loved. But in her name, evil came to Ireland, bringing war and fighting that left hundreds dead in its wake. Her name was Deirdre, and stories told about her live on, as one of Ireland’s most sorrowful legends.
Sonder MagazineLet's Talk About the Arts episode (my story is at about 28:30)Sources and further Reading
Story Sources
The Exile of the Sons of Uisliu by Vernam HullDeirdre, or, The Exile of the Sons of UsnechDeirdre, in The Three Sorrows of Storytelling by Douglas HydeThe Trí Truaighe na Scéalaigheachta by Eugene O'CurryBackground reading
Kingship Made Real? Power and the Public World in Longes Mac nUislenn by Elva JohnstonSatire in Medieval IrelandLeabharchamMilesiansHow Ronan Slew His SonCano meic GartnáinDiarmuid & GráinneMusic
The Butterfly by SláinteOur Green Lands by Bonn FieldsCalling on the Hill by Moorland SongsRed as a Rose by Rune DaleTurnpikes by Rune DaleFarewell to Ennerdale Water by Moorland SongsHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, 12 Sep 2021 - 33min - 25 - The Quest of the Sons of Tuireann
For every death, a price must be paid. Life is precious, and blood is costly, and when you take the life of a man, you do not know how high the penalty will be. This is a story about three brothers, and a life they took, the price they paid, and the devastation that followed them to their deaths.
Read the podcast scriptSources and Further ReadingStory Sources
The Fate of the Children of Tuireann from The Society for the Preservation of the Irish Language"The Quest of the Sons of Turenn" by T. W. Rolleston"The Fate of the Children of Tuireann" from The Three Sorrows of Storytelling by Douglas HydeBackground reading
"The Grail and the English Sir Perceval" (V) by Arthur C. L. Brown"Fines under Brehon Law" by Laurence GinnellÉraic / eric
MusicThe Butterfly- SláinteLúnassa - AislinnThe Road to Lisdoonvarna & Scollay's - PinnipiedThe Burning of the Piper's Hut - PinnipiedShady Grove - Shake That Little FootHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, 29 Aug 2021 - 36min - 24 - The Ship from the Sky
As strange as it is imagine, there are infinite worlds out there in the universe, far beyond our sight. But, if the stories are to be believed, a group of early Irish people came closer than most to contact with the world above our world, and the strange people who inhabited it.
Sources and Further Reading
“Aerial Ships and Underwater Monasteries: The Evolution of a Monastic Marvel” - John Carey“Voyagers in the Vault of Heaven: The Phenomenon of Ships in the Sky in Medieval Ireland and Beyond” - Michael McCaughan“Lightnings VIII” – Seamus HeaneyCuriosities of Indo-European tradition and folk-lore – Walter Keating KellyOn Hail and Thunder - Agobard of Lyons“From flying boats to secret Soviet weapons to alien visitors – a brief cultural history of UFOs” – theconversation.com“Sometimes a flying boat is just a flying boat: Not everything has to be a UFO” – esoterx.comTailtenn Games“On the Identification of the Ancient Cemetery at Loughcrew, Co. Meath” - Eugene Alfred ConwellThe Aonac Tailteann and the Tailteann Games – T. H. NallyMusic
The Butterfly - SláintePeriwinkle Waters – Christian AndersenFree Form – Amaranth CoveSea of Space – Yi NantiroHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, 08 Aug 2021 - 30min - 23 - Stories of the Snow
There is something magical about snow, but it’s also deceptive, and deadly – the perfect ingredient for dark tales on a cold winter’s night . . .
Read the Podcast ScriptSourcesWeather Lore
Customs, Beliefs and Superstitions of the Different Festivals – Dúchas.ieWeather-Lore – Dúchas.iePlucking Geese in Heaven – Dúchas.ieSigns of Snow – Dúchas.ieDerbforgaill
The Deaths of Lugaid and Derbforgaill – Carl MarstranderCuchulainn’s Ríastrad: The Cuchullin Saga in Irish Literature – Eleanor HullSaints
St Molasius (Silva Gaedelica, S. H. O’Grady)St Comghan (Mac Dá Cherda and Cummaine Foda - J. G. O'Keeffe)St Patrick (The Tripartite Life of St Patrick – Whitley Stokes)Deirdre
The Exile of the Sons of Uisliu – Vernam HullSín and Muirchertach
The Death of Muirchertach Mac Erca – Whitley StokesInternational Stories of the Snow
Snow Drop – The Brothers GrimmThe Snow Queen – Hans Christian AndersenSnegurochkaMusicDreams of the Brave – Trabant 33Sea of Clouds – Kai EngelArctica – Kai EngelKesh Jig, Leitrim Fancy – SláinteSomewhere Else – Kai EngelGander in the Pratie Hole, Morrison's Jig, Drowsy Maggie – SláinteAs Rainbows Fall – DeskantSurreal Forest – MeydänIn the Bleak Midwinter – Maya SoloveyStay up to date:
https://unrealpodcast.com/https://twitter.com/unrealpodhttps://www.facebook.com/UnrealPodHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, 20 Dec 2020 - 44min - 22 - Granuaile - The Pirate Queen
Granuaile, Ireland’s Pirate Queen , was ahead of her time but remains with us in legend. Escaping the constraints of femininity, Gráinne risked everything she had to live life she wanted, and rule the seas.
Read the Podcast ScriptSources and Further Reading
Granuaile: Ireland's Pirate Queen by Anne Chambers"Eighteen articles of interrogatory to be answered by Grany ne Malley" (Granuaile in her own words!)Anthologica Hibernica: 1, 2Folktales from Dúchas.ieGranuaile folk songs from Dúchas.ie
MusicThe Butterfly - SláinteShady Grove - Shake That Little FootThe Banshee, Gravel Walks, The Old Copperplate - SláinteCeltic Blessing - Bonnie GracePretty Little Dog - Shake That Little FootJig of Slurs, Dublin, Reel, The Merry Blacksmith, The Mountain Road - SláinteStay up to date:
My guest episode on the Candlelit Tales podcast
https://unrealpodcast.com/https://twitter.com/unrealpodhttps://www.facebook.com/UnrealPodHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, 29 Nov 2020 - 29min - 21 - Oisín's Adventures in the Land of Youth
The story of Oisín’s journey to Tír na nÓg with Niamh of the Golden Hair has become one of Ireland’s best-loved legends. But the history of how it came to be told may still surprise you . . .
Read the Podcast ScriptSources and Further ReadingLay of Oisín on the Land of Youth by Michael ComynSgéalta ó Ṫír Ċonaill by Énrí Ó Muirgheasa (translation at end)Sgéal ar Oisín agus na Fiantaibh (translation at end)The Colloquy with the Ancients translated by Standish H O'GradyLeabhar na Feinne, by J. F. CampbellCeltic Mythology by J. A. MacCullochUrashima TarōKing Herla
MusicThe Butterfly by SláinteBack to the Shires - Christian AndersenLovely Maria - AislinnFor a Lifetime - Yi NantiroThe Road Map- Jo WandriniThe Burning of the Piper's Hut - PinnipedStay up to date:
https://unrealpodcast.com/https://twitter.com/unrealpodhttps://www.facebook.com/UnrealPodHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, 15 Nov 2020 - 32min - 20 - Bridget Cleary: "The Last Witch Burned in Ireland"
Witch trials came to an end after 1711. But in the decades that followed, hushed into small, catholic communities in the Irish countryside, fear of the supernatural was growing. And 1895 brought the most infamous execution of a suspected fairy ever to take place – the burning of Bridget Cleary in County Tipperary . . .
READ THE PODCAST SCRIPTSOURCES AND FURTHER READINGMain Sources
The “Witch-Burning” at Clonmel – Folklore, Vol. 6, No. 4 Dec., 1895Belief in Fairies and Witches, in Five Years in Ireland, Michael J. F. McCarthyNewspaper Accounts
New York Times (1, 2, 3)The Pall Mall GazetteBismark Daily TribuneOther cases mentioned
Witchcraft in Tipperary (1, 2), The Times, Sep 18, 1850Revelation from a Hamlet near Athlone, New York Times, March 22, 1896The Times, Tuesday March 10, 1896MUSICThe Butterfly – SláinteCapclear – AislinnEvening Bells – Arnaud CoutancierToo Ra Loo Ra Loo Ral (Irish Lullaby) – Chauncey OlcottLunassa – AislinnDark Alleys – Kai EngelInterception – Kai EngelFragile Ice – Sergey CheremisinovShe Moved Through the Fair – SláinteStay up to date:
https://unrealpodcast.com/https://twitter.com/unrealpodhttps://www.facebook.com/UnrealPodHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, 25 Oct 2020 - 44min - 19 - The Witch Panic of Islandmagee
The story of the last and largest witch trial ever to take place in Ireland.
Sources and Further Reading
Possessed by the Devil: The Real History of the Islandmagee Witch Trial, by Andrew SneddonWitchcraft and Magic in Ireland, by Andrew SneddonAccount of the Trial of Eight Reputed Witchesby William TisdallSatan’s Invisible World Discovered,by George SinclairIrish Witchcraft and Demonology, by St. John D. SeymourMusic
The Butterfly – SláinteBy the Winds - Sergey CheremisinovParanoia – Kai EngelDance with Me – Sergey CheremisinovAll of This – Ayla NereoHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, 18 Oct 2020 - 28min - 18 - The Cursed Kiss of Florence Newton
In 1661, rumours swept the town of Youghal about the deadly kiss of a woman named Florence Newton, a kiss that could bring terrible pain, claim lives, and that marked her out for what she truly was – a witch.
Sources and Further Reading
Irish Witchcraft and Demonology, by St. John D. Seymour
‘Florence Newton’s trial for witchcraft, Cork, 1661: Sir William Aston’s transcript’, Edited by Dr Andrew Sneddon
‘Witchcraft belief and trials in early modern Ireland,’ Dr Andrew Sneddon
Witchfinders, by Malcolm Gaskill
Music
The Butterflyby SláinteCurtains are Always Drawn – Kai EngelFog – Sergey CheremisinovRun – Kai EngelSea & Night - Sergey CheremisinovMindship - Sergey CheremisinovIvory Tongue - Ayla NereoStay up to date:
https://unrealpodcast.com/https://twitter.com/unrealpodhttps://www.facebook.com/UnrealPodHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, 11 Oct 2020 - 32min - 17 - Alice Kyteler: Ireland's First Witch Trial (Re-release)
(Re-released episode from Season 1)
In 1324, Dame Alice Kyteler of Kilkenny became the first woman tried for witchcraft in Ireland. But things did not go according to plan…
SOURCES AND FURTHER READINGThe Sorcery Trial of Alice Kyteler: A Contemporary Account, translated and edited by L. S. Davidson and John O. Ward
The History and Antiquities of the Diocese of Ossory by Rev. William Carrigan
Irish Witchcraft and Demonology by St. John D. Seymour
Witchcraft: A Very Short Introduction by Malcolm Gaskill
The Sorcery Trial of Alice Kyteler by Bernadette Williams
MUSIC"Beacon" by Ayla Nereo“The Butterfly” by SláinteChurchbells, St. Nicholas Cossack Cathedral in Omsk, recorded by Zabuhailo“Global Warming” by Kai Engel“daemones” by Kai Engel“periculum” by Kai Engel"Wheel of Time" by Ayla NereoHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, 04 Oct 2020 - 31min - 16 - Season 3 Trailer
Welcome to season 3 of Unreal a podcast about Irish history, stories and tradition. I’m doing something a little different this time around. For the month of October, I will be bringing you weekly true stories of Irish witches: their lives, their trials, their fates. Alice Kyteler. Florence Newton. The women of Islandmagee. Bridget Cleary. These women were part of our history. Their lives and what they went through are all unique, and their stories are a mark of who we were and how far we have come. But all of them deserve to be remembered.
So join me next Sunday, to begin a new Chapter of Unreal: The Season of the Witch.
Song: Beacon by Ayla Nereo
**** A note for my regular listeners - the first episode will be a repeat of Alice Kyteler's story which I previously hosted in Season 1, so you may want to give that one a miss and tune in from the week after. Or feel free to listen again!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, 27 Sep 2020 - 1min - 15 - The Salmon of Knowledge
The tale of the Salmon of Knowledge is one of the most famous and well-loved stories of Irish in mythology. It’s a story about becoming – of a hero before he was a hero. Everyone in Ireland knows the story. But you might be surprised by its roots!
Sources and Further Reading
The Salmon of Knowledge Variants
Salmon of KnowledgeThe Boyish Exploits of Finn – translated by John O’Donovan“Had I but eaten of the salmon of knowledge...” Cath Mhuighe Léana translated by Eugene O’Curry (p97)The High Deeds of Finn and other Bardic Romances – T. W. RollestonMy previous episode featuring Fintan mac BóchraFionn / Enchanted Water Stories
Fionn and Cúldub – translated by Kuno MeyerThe Fountain of the Moon – edited by Nicholas KearneySigurd and Taliesen
SigurdHanes Taliesen, Taliesen, CeridwenIntervention and Disruption in the Myths of Finn and Sigurd – Joseph Falaky NagyAbstract Narrative in Ireland – R. Mark ScowcroftReviewed Work: The Thumb of Knowledge in Legends of Finn, Sigurd, and Taliesin- Robert D. Scott (Review by: G. M.)Sinnan and Boand
Revue Celtique (Sinnan) – translated by Whitley StokesRevue Celtique (Boand) – translated by Whitley StokesOn the Manners and Customs of the Ancient Celts – Eugene O’CurryThe Well of Faery – translated by Kuno MeyerThe Metrichal Dindsenchas – translated by Edward GwynnMusic
The Butterfly – SláinteThe Crosses of Annagh. The Humors of Tulla. The Cup of Tea – SláinteJig of Slurs. Dublin Reel - Merry Blacksmith. The Mountain Road – SláinteThings you never known – Lobo LocoRelaxing Piano Music – Kevin MacLeodBy the Wind – Sergey CheremisinovLadies Choice – Dance Hall – Lobo LocoStay up to date:
https://unrealpodcast.com/https://twitter.com/unrealpodhttps://www.facebook.com/UnrealPodHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sat, 20 Jun 2020 - 33min - 14 - Lost and Sunken Places
Tales of mythical islands and enchanted cities have captivated our storytellers for generations. We are always searching, searching on the far horizon and in the depths of our lakes and rivers, for the worlds we have lost, and the promised lands we still have left to find.
Sources and Further Reading
Introductions
Ireland’s Mysterious Lands and Sunken Cities by Jon Douglas SingerImmramCeltic OtherworldKilstuiffeen
Ordnance Survey Letters by John O’Donovan and Eugene O’CurryIreland: its scenery, its character etc. by S. C. HallLegendary Fictions of the Irish Celts by Patrick KennedyA Folklore Survey of County Clare by Thomas John WestroppThe Monks of Kilcrea by A. G. GeogheganCaher Linn
@RostrevorRARE’s postDúchas StoriesCarlingfordCarlingford VolcanoLouth Folk Tales by Doreen McBrideCarlingford LeafletFintan Mac Bochra
Lebor Gabála Érenn translated by R. S. MacalisterThe Hawk of Achill or the Legends of the Oldest Animals by Eleanor HullLiban
Annals of the Kingdom of IrelandThe Topography of Ireland by Giraldus CambrensisMystical Islands
The Topography of Ireland by Giraldus CambrensisSpeculum Regale translated by Laurence Marcellus LarsonThe Voyage of Brendan
Lives of Saints from the Book of Lismore translated by Whitley StokesBrendanCumann Comnae by Julianne PigottMusic
The Butterfly by SláinteDrops of Brandy / The Mountain Kid by AislinnThe Burning of the Piper’s Hut by PinnipiedPretty Little Dog by Shake that Little FootShady Grove by Shake that Little FootHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, 31 May 2020 - 29min - 13 - Irish Werewolves and their Tales
Early Irish forests were thick with wolves. Fierce, fast and predatory, it’s no wonder these animals inspired so many myths and stories before their extinction. The legend of the werewolf - men and women who could walk through the world in the shape of wolves - has captured imaginations for centuries.
WerewolfWolves in Folklore, Religion and MythologyBretha Crólige (Brehon Laws) translated by D. A. BinchyOssory Werewolves
Leabhar Breathnach Annso Sis, translated by James Henthorn ToddTopographia Hibernia, by Gerald of WalesThe Wonders of Ireland by Patrick Weston JoyceWerewolves of OssorySt Ronan
“Chronique IX” by By H. D’Arbois de Jubainville, in Revue Celtique (translation here)Ronan of Locronanstronans.co.ukThe Wolf Women of Cruachan Cave
“The Story of the Three She-Wolves” in Irische Texte by Whitley Stokes“The Cave of Cruachan” in Gods and Fighting Men by Lady Augusta GregoryLady Jane Wilde’s Wolf Stories – in Ancient Legends, Mystic Charms & Superstitions of Ireland
Cathal the KingConnor and the Wolf MenFiachna
“Fragmentary Annals” in Silva Gaedelicaby Standish H. O’Grady
Cormac Mac Art
“Birth of Cormac Grandson of Conn” in Silva Gaedelicaby Standish H. O’Grady“The Birth of Cormac” in The High Deeds of Finnby T. W. RollestonMusic
The Butterfly by SláinteMagic Forest by Kevin MacLeodHidden Past by Kevin MacLeodSurreal Forest by MeydänSmouldering by Kai EngelSound Effects
Forest Day by sonidosreales245Dusk Wolf by killyourpepeCooper Creek Solitary Wolf Howl by betchkalWood of Wolves in the Rain by maurolupoHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, 17 May 2020 - 30min - 12 - For Fear of Little Men
Down in the hollows, hiding just out of sight, the wee folk are watching our every move. And despite their size, these little beings can bring about an incredible amount of destruction.
But were the wee folk always thought of as so sinister? And do they think of humans as being just as magical as we think of them?
Read the Podcast Script Sources and Further ReadingLeprechauns
Fairy Legends and Traditions of the South of Ireland, by Thomas Crofton CrokerIrish Wonders, by D. R. McAnallyRevue Celtique, by Whitley Stokes“Another Illusion Shattered: "leprechaun" not native Irish” in Language LogKing Fergus and the Wee Folk
The High Deeds of Finn and other Bardic Romances of Ancient Ireland, by T. W. RollestonSilva Gadelica, by Standish Hayes O’GradyThe Saga of Fergus Mac Létí, translated by D. A. Binchy
MusicThe Butterfly by Sláinte The King of the Fairies – The DublinersThe King of the Fairies – Alan StivellLunassa by AislinnThe Banshee. Gravel Walks. The Old Copperplate – SláinteGander in the Pratie Hole, Morrison's Jig, Drowsy Maggie - SláinteHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sat, 02 May 2020 - 30min - 11 - Mermaids, Merrows and Selkies
Far below the ocean waves live the strange and mysterious people of the sea. From ancient times to the modern day we have been fascinated by stories of the sea folk – the way they look, the songs they sing, and the great hold they have on us. But the merfolk are very different to humans, and when human and sea person meet, things rarely go according to plan…
Sources and Further Reading
Introductions
MermaidsMerrowsSelkiesStories
Lebor Gabála Éirenn, translated by Robert Stewart MacAlisterRoth Mac Cithaing & Port Láirge, in the Rennes Dindsenchas translated by Whitley StokesThe Wonderful Tune / The Lady of Gollerus by Thomas Crofton CrokerOrkney Folk-lore: Selkie Folk by William Traill DennisonThe Little Mermaid by Hans Christian AndersonThe Fisherman and His Soul by Oscar WildeEssays
The Testimony of Tradition by David MacRitchieThe Motif of the Mermaid in English, Irish, and Scottish Fairy- and Folk Tales by Stephanie KickingerederSupernatural Beings in the Far North: Folklore, Folk Belief, and The Selkie by Nancy Cassell MacEntireMusic
The Butterfly by SláintePure Water by MeydnSiren Song by Platypus VACapclear by AislinnCobweb Morning by Kai EngelThe Great Selkie of Sule Skerry by June TaborRain by MeydnO Come Ye by Ayla NereoOctober by Kai EngelHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, 19 Apr 2020 - 36min - 10 - The Old Cures
When disease swept through a community, people would try anything that might help to save the ones they loved. In times before modern medicine, illnesses rarely seen today, like measles, pox and whooping cough, were killers, and traditions were passed down by families desperate for anything to give them the luck they needed to survive through the crisis.
But putting your trust in superstitious actions and legends of past cures could also lead to some very strange results...
With thanks to Con Ryan, my grandfather, for his unique and fascinating insight on these traditions.
Sources And Further Reading
Thinking Critically About Coronavirus
How to Spot Coronavirus Fake NewsCoronavirus: How Bad Information Goes ViralCoronavirus: The Fake Health Advice You Should IgnoreDo Onions Fight Off The Flu Virus?Old Cures
Nosanna Agus Piseoga na nGaelby Sean Ó SúilleabháinAncient legends, Mystic Charms & Superstitions of Ireland by Lady WildeOld Cures on Dúchas.ieMinor Monuments by Ian Maleney
Music
The Butterfly by SláinteThe Lark in the Clear Air by Shake That Little FootNorthern Lullaby by Sergey CheremisinovThe Irish Washerwoman by Howie and Ann MitchellLovely Maria by AislinnHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, 29 Mar 2020 - 30min - 9 - Did St Patrick Banish Snakes from Ireland?
St Patrick banished snakes from Ireland forever, and none have since dared to touch the land he charmed. But is the story really as simple as that?
Or could the legends of snakes, saints and Ireland’s beginnings stretch much further, with many more twists and turns?
https://unrealpodcast.com/https://twitter.com/unrealpodhttps://www.facebook.com/UnrealPod/
READ THE PODCAST SCRIPTSOURCES AND FURTHER READINGGeneral Introductions to Serpent Symbolism and Folklore
Ireland’s Animals: Myths, Legends and Folklore by Niall Mac CoitirSerpent SymbolismSt Brigid and Snakes: Carmina Gadelica, Volume 1, by Alexander Carmicheal
Gaedil Glas: Lebor Gabála Érenn, translated by R. A. B. MacAlister
Fionn and Snakes: The Ballad of Sliabh Truim from Duanaire Finn, translated by John Mac Neill
Cónán and the Caorannach
The great folly, superstition, and idolatry, of pilgrimages in Ireland by John Richardson‘Underwater Worlds of the Donegal Bay Area’ by Helen MeehanHesione and HeraclesSt Patrick
The Life and Acts of St Patrick, by Jocelin, translated by Edmund L SwiftThe Festival of Lughnasa by Máire Mac Neill
MUSICThe Butterfly by SláintePatrick was a Gentleman by Christy MoorePatrick’s Arrival by Christy MooreSliabh – Cathal by AislinnDrops of Brandy – The Mountain Kid by AislinnToss the Feathers – Otters Holt by AislinnLunassa by AislinnHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sat, 14 Mar 2020 - 29min - 8 - The Wren, The Wren, the King of the Birds
“The wren, the wren, the king of the birds,
On St Stephen’s Day was caught in the furze..."Traditions surround this tiny bird in winter - but does the Wren Hunt have much more ancient roots?
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, 15 Dec 2019 - 31min - 7 - Who's the Fastest of them All?
For the warriors of Ireland, speed was an important trait in a wife, tested in gruelling contests. But when you marry a fast, strong woman against her will, you can bet that the running she will do will be far and long away from you…
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sat, 30 Nov 2019 - 24min - 6 - Sheela na Guira, The Tyrant Queen
Crumbled and overgrown, Cullohill Castle is no longer the seat of great deeds , But local legends tell of a tyrant queen who killed lovers nightly, and terrorized the area. The legend may now be almost forgotten – but people nearby still recall. For who could forget the rule of Sheela na Guira?
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, 10 Nov 2019 - 25min - 5 - Alice Kyteler: The First Witch Trial in Ireland
In 1324, Dame Alice Kyteler of Kilkenny became the first woman tried for witchcraft in Ireland. But things did not go according to plan...
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, 27 Oct 2019 - 29min - 4 - Kidnapping at the Circus
In 1937, the kidnapping of a young German acrobat by an Irish circus hand led to a midnight car chase, and a court case that captivated the country.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, 13 Oct 2019 - 23min - 3 - Giants and Causeways
Giants sculpted our landscape. They are strong, and fierce, and can be terrifying if you're unprepared. But anyone can defeat a giant - if you are clever enough to trick them...
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sat, 28 Sep 2019 - 29min - 2 - The Surprising History of The Children of Lir
The mythical world, beautiful storytelling and devastating conclusion of The Fate of the Children of Lir has left its mark on all who have heard through the years.
But even one of Ireland's best known legends has a few surprises left in store...
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sat, 14 Sep 2019 - 28min - 1 - Trailer
Hello there, and welcome to Unreal, a podcast about Irish history, stories and tradition.
I’ll be releasing fortnightly episodes, starting Sunday 15/09/2019.
Written and created by Ruth Atkins
Theme music: "The Butterfly" by Sláinte
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, 08 Sep 2019 - 1min
Podcasts similar to Unreal Irish Folklore
Global News Podcast BBC World Service- Kriminálka Český rozhlas
- El Partidazo de COPE COPE
- Herrera en COPE COPE
- The Dan Bongino Show Cumulus Podcast Network | Dan Bongino
- Es la Mañana de Federico esRadio
- La Noche de Dieter esRadio
- Hondelatte Raconte - Christophe Hondelatte Europe 1
- Affaires sensibles France Inter
- La rosa de los vientos OndaCero
- Más de uno OndaCero
- La Zanzara Radio 24
- Espacio en blanco Radio Nacional
- Les Grosses Têtes RTL
- L'Heure Du Crime RTL
- El Larguero SER Podcast
- Nadie Sabe Nada SER Podcast
- SER Historia SER Podcast
- Todo Concostrina SER Podcast
- 安住紳一郎の日曜天国 TBS RADIO
- The Tucker Carlson Show Tucker Carlson Network
- 辛坊治郎 ズーム そこまで言うか！ ニッポン放送
- 飯田浩司のOK! Cozy up！ Podcast ニッポン放送
- 武田鉄矢・今朝の三枚おろし 文化放送PodcastQR
