Live Irish Myths & Legends: a new series from Anthony Murphy
To counteract the negativity and anxiety around the Covid-19 (coronavirus) outbreak here in Ireland, I have started a new series of live broadcasts featuring readings and discussion of Irish myths and legends.
Episode 1: The Tuatha Dé Danann, Fomorians, Fir Bolgs and more
Episode 2: the coming of the sun-god (Lugh) and the story of the Children of Tuireann
Episode 3: Scáthach and her training of the warrior Cúchulainn
Episode 4: The Dagda, chief of the Tuatha Dé Danann
Episode 5: The Second Battle of Moytura
Episode 6: Saint Patrick in the Boyne Valley
Episode 7: Saint Sheelah, wife of Saint Patrick?
Episode 8: The Cailleach of Loughcrew
Episode 9: Aislinge Oengusso, The Dream Vision of Oengus Óg
Episode 10: Manannán mac Lir
Episode 11: Oisín in the land of Tír na nÓg
Episode 12: The High Man
Episode 13: Cesair, the first woman in Ireland
Episode 14: The Fate of the Children of Lir (part 1)
Episode 15: The Fate of the Children of Lir (part 2)
Episode 16: Bóinn, goddess of the river Boyne
More Blog Sections
Ancient Sites
Enter the ‘Ancient Sites’ section of this blog for a fascinating and wide-ranging exploration of the megalithic and sacred sites of Ireland. Find out all about the Stone Age and prehistoric ruins and learn more about the possible functions and alignments of these sites. Visit the great temples of Brú na Bóinne, the Hill of Tara, the ancient cairns of Loughcrew among many others.
Myths & Legends
Explore the ancient myths, legends and folklore of Ireland and their meaning. Read the epic Táin Bó Cuailnge, or the place-name myths in the Dindshenchas. Learn about how the Tuatha Dé Danann and the Milesians came to Ireland and how the early texts describe various invasions of prehistoric Éire. Hear about Fionn and the Fianna, and discover how some myths might contain information about astronomy and the stars.
Astronomy & the Sky
There is no doubt that the ancient megalith builders had a substantial knowledge of the movements of the sun, moon, planets and stars through the heavens. Learn more about just how complex and impressive this knowledge was. There is evidence that the people of the Neolithic knew about the 19-year Metonic cycle of the moon, as well as being able to predict eclipses.
Videos and films
Videos featuring Anthony Murphy/Mythical Ireland or relating to the many diverse topics explored on the website.
My Books
Information and posts about Anthony Murphy's books. These include Island of the Setting Sun: In Search of Ireland's Ancient Astronomers, Newgrange: Monument to Immortality, Land of the Ever-Living Ones, The Cry of the Sebac and Mythical Ireland: New Light on the Ancient Past.