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 LoreCustoms, Beliefs and Superstitions of the Different Festivals – Dúchas.ieWeather-Lore – Dúchas.iePlucking Geese in Heaven – Dúchas.ieSigns of Snow – Dúchas.ieDerbforgaillThe Deaths of Lugaid and Derbforgaill – Carl MarstranderCuchulainn’s Ríastrad: The Cuchullin Saga in Irish Literature – Eleanor HullSaintsSt 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)DeirdreThe Exile of the Sons of Uisliu – Vernam HullSín and MuirchertachThe Death of Muirchertach Mac Erca – Whitley StokesInternational Stories of the SnowSnow 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 Solovey Stay up to date:https://unrealpodcast.com/https://twitter.com/unrealpodhttps://www.facebook.com/UnrealPod

Unreal Irish Folklore

Stories of the Snow

  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 Script Sources 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, 2 Folktales from Dúchas.ie Granuaile folk songs from Dúchas.ie   Music The Butterfly - Sláinte Shady Grove - Shake That Little Foot The Banshee, Gravel Walks, The Old Copperplate - Sláinte Celtic Blessing - Bonnie Grace Pretty Little Dog - Shake That Little Foot Jig of Slurs, Dublin, Reel, The Merry Blacksmith, The Mountain Road - Sláinte   Stay up to date: My guest episode on the Candlelit Tales podcast https://unrealpodcast.com/ https://twitter.com/unrealpod https://www.facebook.com/UnrealPod      

Granuaile - The Pirate Queen

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 Script Sources and Further Reading Lay 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   Music The Butterfly by SláinteBack to the Shires - Christian AndersenLovely Maria - AislinnFor a Lifetime - Yi NantiroThe Road Map - Jo WandriniThe Burning of the Piper's Hut - Pinniped Stay up to date:https://unrealpodcast.com/https://twitter.com/unrealpodhttps://www.facebook.com/UnrealPod

Oisín's Adventures in the Land of Youth

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 SourcesThe “Witch-Burning” at Clonmel – Folklore, Vol. 6, No. 4 Dec., 1895Belief in Fairies and Witches, in Five Years in Ireland, Michael J. F. McCarthyNewspaper AccountsNew York Times (1, 2, 3)The Pall Mall GazetteBismark Daily TribuneOther cases mentionedWitchcraft 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 – Sláinte Stay up to date:https://unrealpodcast.com/https://twitter.com/unrealpodhttps://www.facebook.com/UnrealPod

Bridget Cleary: "The Last Witch Burned in Ireland"

The story of the last and largest witch trial ever to take place in Ireland. Read the Podcast Script Sources and Further Reading Possessed by the Devil: The Real History of the Islandmagee Witch Trial, by Andrew Sneddon Witchcraft and Magic in Ireland, by Andrew Sneddon Account of the Trial of Eight Reputed Witches by William Tisdall Satan’s Invisible World Discovered, by George SinclairIrish Witchcraft and Demonology, by St. John D. Seymour MusicThe Butterfly – SláinteBy the Winds - Sergey CheremisinovParanoia – Kai EngelDance with Me – Sergey CheremisinovAll of This – Ayla Nereo

The Witch Panic of Islandmagee

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. Read the Podcast Script Sources and Further ReadingIrish 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 SneddonWitchfinders, by Malcolm Gaskill MusicThe Butterflyby SláinteCurtains are Always Drawn – Kai EngelFog – Sergey CheremisinovRun – Kai EngelSea & Night - Sergey CheremisinovMindship - Sergey CheremisinovIvory Tongue - Ayla Nereo Stay up to date:https://unrealpodcast.com/https://twitter.com/unrealpodhttps://www.facebook.com/UnrealPod

The Cursed Kiss of Florence Newton

(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. WardThe History and Antiquities of the Diocese of Ossory by Rev. William CarriganIrish Witchcraft and Demonology by St. John D. SeymourWitchcraft: A Very Short Introduction  by Malcolm GaskillThe 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 Nereo

Alice Kyteler: Ireland's First Witch Trial (Re-release)

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!

Season 3 Trailer

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! Read the Podcast Script Sources and Further Reading The Salmon of Knowledge VariantsSalmon 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 Bóchra Fionn / Enchanted Water StoriesFionn and Cúldub – translated by Kuno MeyerThe Fountain of the Moon – edited by Nicholas Kearney Sigurd and TaliesenSigurdHanes 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 BoandRevue 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 Gwynn MusicThe 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 Loco Stay up to date:https://unrealpodcast.com/https://twitter.com/unrealpodhttps://www.facebook.com/UnrealPod

The Salmon of Knowledge

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. Read the Podcast Script Sources and Further Reading IntroductionsIreland’s Mysterious Lands and Sunken Cities by Jon Douglas SingerImmramCeltic Otherworld KilstuiffeenOrdnance 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. Geoghegan Caher Linn@RostrevorRARE’s postDúchas StoriesCarlingfordCarlingford VolcanoLouth Folk Tales by Doreen McBrideCarlingford Leaflet Fintan Mac BochraLebor Gabála Érenn translated by R. S. MacalisterThe Hawk of Achill or the Legends of the Oldest Animals by Eleanor Hull LibanAnnals of the Kingdom of IrelandThe Topography of Ireland by Giraldus Cambrensis Mystical IslandsThe Topography of Ireland by Giraldus CambrensisSpeculum Regale translated by Laurence Marcellus Larson The Voyage of BrendanLives of Saints from the Book of Lismore translated by Whitley StokesBrendanCumann Comnae by Julianne Pigott MusicThe 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 Foot

Lost and Sunken Places

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. Read the Podcast ScriptSources and Further Reading WerewolfWolves in Folklore, Religion and MythologyBretha Crólige (Brehon Laws) translated by D. A. Binchy Ossory WerewolvesLeabhar Breathnach Annso Sis, translated by James Henthorn ToddTopographia Hibernia, by Gerald of WalesThe Wonders of Ireland by Patrick Weston JoyceWerewolves of Ossory St Ronan“Chronique IX” by By H. D’Arbois de Jubainville, in Revue Celtique (translation here)Ronan of Locronanstronans.co.uk The 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 Gregory Lady Jane Wilde’s Wolf Stories – in Ancient Legends, Mystic Charms & Superstitions of IrelandCathal the KingConnor and the Wolf Men Fiachna“Fragmentary Annals” in Silva Gaedelica by Standish H. O’Grady Cormac Mac Art“Birth of Cormac Grandson of Conn” in Silva Gaedelica by Standish H. O’Grady“The Birth of Cormac” in The High Deeds of Finn by T. W. Rolleston MusicThe Butterfly by SláinteMagic Forest by Kevin MacLeodHidden Past by Kevin MacLeodSurreal Forest by MeydänSmouldering by Kai Engel Sound EffectsForest Day by sonidosreales245Dusk Wolf by killyourpepeCooper Creek Solitary Wolf Howl by betchkalWood of Wolves in the Rain by maurolupo

Irish Werewolves and their Tales

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 ReadingLeprechaunsFairy 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 Log King Fergus and the Wee FolkThe 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 - Sláinte 

For Fear of Little Men

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… Read the Podcast ScriptSources and Further ReadingIntroductionsMermaidsMerrowsSelkies StoriesLebor 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 Wilde EssaysThe 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 MacEntire MusicThe 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 Engel

Mermaids, Merrows and Selkies

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. Read The Podcast ScriptSources And Further ReadingThinking Critically About CoronavirusHow to Spot Coronavirus Fake NewsCoronavirus: How Bad Information Goes ViralCoronavirus: The Fake Health Advice You Should IgnoreDo Onions Fight Off The Flu Virus? Old CuresNosanna Agus Piseoga na nGael by Sean Ó SúilleabháinAncient legends, Mystic Charms & Superstitions of Ireland by Lady WildeOld Cures on Dúchas.ie Minor Monuments by Ian Maleney MusicThe 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 Aislinn

The Old Cures

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 FolkloreIreland’s Animals: Myths, Legends and Folklore by Niall Mac CoitirSerpent Symbolism St Brigid and Snakes: Carmina Gadelica, Volume 1, by Alexander CarmichealGaedil Glas: Lebor Gabála Érenn, translated by R. A. B. MacAlisterFionn and Snakes: The Ballad of Sliabh Truim from Duanaire Finn, translated by John Mac NeillCónán and the CaorannachThe great folly, superstition, and idolatry, of pilgrimages in Ireland by John Richardson‘Underwater Worlds of the Donegal Bay Area’ by Helen MeehanHesione and HeraclesSt PatrickThe 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 Aislinn

Snakes and Saints

Welcome to Unreal, a podcast about Irish history, stories and tradition.

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Unreal Irish Folklore

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