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Irish Tree Lore | The Apple Tree
In Irish mythology, tree lore features in many of the old stories and legends. Ogham is a code based on trees, called the Tree Alphabet.
Ali Isaac
May 18, 20154 min read
Irish Mythology | ÉtaÃn
I am Etain. Once I was Sidhe, and a Queen, adored and admired. Now, I spread my wings, and they are beautiful, vibrant, shimmering.
Ali Isaac
May 14, 20152 min read
the legend of ross castle
The castle was built in 1553 by Richard Nugent, 12th Baron of Delvin, aka the Black Baron, as a defence against the native Irish of Cavan.
Ali Isaac
May 7, 20156 min read
did the ancient irish believe in reincarnation?
Irish Druids of ancient times left no written record of their belief system, so how can we know if they believed in reincarnation, or not?
Ali Isaac
Mar 30, 20155 min read
The Art of Combat in Ancient Ireland
The Irish warrior of ancient times may have been an undisciplined killing machine, fighting under the influence of the Riastradh or...
Ali Isaac
Mar 25, 20155 min read
Riastradh, the Warrior’s Battle Frenzy
Cuchullain’s battle frenzy in Irish is the riastradh. It now translates as 'contortion', but once described the warrior's red battle rage.
Ali Isaac
Mar 23, 20154 min read
cattle raids and the mysterious giant bull
Cattle raiding was a way of life to the early Irish people. Wealth was measured in the number of cattle owned, each unit known as a 'cumal'.
Ali Isaac
Mar 10, 20156 min read
Irish Mythology | The Sacred Fires
It is thought the early Irish worshipped the sun as a God. In a land that doesn't see much of it, it's power can't be taken for granted.
Ali Isaac
Mar 6, 20155 min read
Irish Mythology | The Retreat of the Tuatha de Denann
For this week’s Monday Mythology, I have decided to give you a sneak peak into the opening of the third and final book of my Tir na Nog...
Ali Isaac
Mar 2, 20155 min read
happy valentine’s day – the pursuit of diarmuid and grainne
A gorgeous little animated film telling the love story from Irish mythology, The Pursuit of Diarmuid and Grainne.
Ali Isaac
Feb 14, 20152 min read
Irish Mythology | Friday 13th… Unlucky for Some?
There is a deep-rooted fear in many cultures that Friday 13th is a very unlucky day, yet no one knows where this superstition has come from.
Ali Isaac
Feb 11, 20156 min read
irish myths | death of a hero
8 sites where legendary hero, Fionn mac Cumhail could be sleeping, awaiting the call to rescue Ireland's people in their hour of greate
Ali Isaac
Jan 19, 20157 min read
guest post | the importance of mythology by author jane dougherty
Irish author, Jane Dougherty, discusses the role of mythology in the creation of her dystopian fantasy series, The Green Woman Trilogy.
Ali Isaac
Jan 9, 20154 min read
Loughanleagh | Co Cavan’s Well of Healing
Loughanleagh lies just beyond Bailieborough on it’s Kingscourt side. Its name comes from the Irish Lough an Leighis, meaning ‘Lake of Cures'
Ali Isaac
Jan 5, 20153 min read
so what did we do in winter before the christians invented #christmas?
For our ancestors, winter was harsh and bleak, a time of hardship, and a struggle for survival. Winter Solstice was the turning point.
Ali Isaac
Dec 18, 20147 min read
Of Iconic Stones and Irish Gods
My latest article has just been published on Irish Central. It features the iconic Killycluggin Stone, reputed to be the idol of the ancient
Ali Isaac
Dec 7, 20142 min read
The Blacksmith in Irish Mythology
The most famous blacksmith in Irish mythology is Goibniu. He was a very important member of the Danann community, appearing in many stories.
Ali Isaac
Nov 24, 20144 min read
cor deiseal, the sunwise ritual
Cor Deiseal, comes from the words deis meaning ‘right-hand’ and deas meaning ‘south’. It refers to the clockwise movement of the sun.
Ali Isaac
Nov 17, 20144 min read
The Spear of Lugh
Lugh is credited with owning many spears, among them the Gae Assail; the 'Slaughterer' and the Spear Crimmall, which killed High King Cormac
Ali Isaac
Nov 10, 20144 min read
faeth fiadha, manannán’s cloak of concealment
In Irish mythology, the Faeth Fiadha is the mysterious mantle of fairy mist which blurs the border between the mortal and magical realms.
Ali Isaac
Nov 3, 20144 min read
Ali Isaac is an author and blogger specialising in Irish mythology. Through word and image, she tries to draw the human story from Ireland's landscape and tumbled stones, with a particular focus on the women history has abandoned, and legend only half remembers.
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