Story Archaeology

Chris’ Ramble 24 ~ Welcome to the Otherworld 30.05.2026 35Min.

William Robinson: Tallanbanna with cloud front. 1988 The Irish Otherworld goes by many names, Tír na mBeo, the Land of the Living, or Emhain Abhlach, the Plain of Apples, for example. It is a world that, in Irish mythology, lies unseen, adjacent to our own, a source of beauty and fertility and occasionally, danger. Join Chis as she explores its boundaries and wonders if it is, indeed, unique. This audio article is based on a paper I wrote a while back now, but for some reason was not published on Story Archaeology. A transcript with notes included is available for this episode. Links for this episode Echtrae Nerai Story 1 ~ Corpse Carrying For Beginners Story 2 ~ Dindshenchas Episode: 08 Tochmarc Étaíne (Dindshenchas: Episodes 09, 10 and 11) The Story Of Macha Compert Con Culainn Circling the Táin 03: The Birth Pangs of Ulster Download the transcript for this episode containing notes and further references.

Chris’ Ramble 23 ~ Animal Companions in Early Irish Law and Folklore 13.05.2026 28Min.

Animal companions have played a variety of important roles in human societies over the millenia. Join Chris as she explores how dogs, cats and even the occasional crane, have been regarded and regulated both in the comprehensive early Irish law texts and Irish stories, mythology and folklore. Oweynagat: Cave of the Cats Links for this Episode This episode includes Isolde's explanation of the many grades of poet that existed, File, Bards, and even Bramble Hounds A useful article on the background to pre-Norman, early Irish law. The Lost Legal System: Pre-Common Law Ireland and the Brehon Law by Dr Noelle Higgins Fled Bricrenn: The Road to Cruachan

A Conversation with Phillipa Klaiber 03.05.2026 39Min.

From 'Understories', by Phillipa Klaiber Phillipa Klaiber is an artist, specialising in photography, who celebrates stories in the landscape through her evocative images and poetry. Join Chris and Phillipa as they explore two of Phillippa's photographic projects, Understories and Vorest, and anticipate a new project inspired by the great river Shannon. In this conversation we discuss images from both Understories and Vorest. These links will allow you to enjoy the images and poetry either, during or after, listening to the conversation. Phillipa's photograph from 'Vorest' discussed in this episode The archive image discussed in this episode.

Chris’ Ramble 22: Concerning Animal Companions 20.04.2026 15Min.

Recent DNA testing on a long ignored jawbone fragment has opened a viewpoint on the distant past to when and how animal companions began to alter the everyday lives of human communities. Join Chris as she explores this new research and wonders, on the way, what 'pet' names might they have chosen! I will be following up this ramble with one exploring animal companions in early Irish stories. If you would rather read than listen, a transcript is available for this episode. Links for this episode Listen to Chris' Ramble 21: Sheebeg and Other Cairns Dogs were widely distributed across western Eurasia during the Palaeolithic: Lead Author: William Marsh. Published in 'Nature' in March 2026. Direct link to the paper. Read the article from the Natural History Museum UK National Geograophic article on the earliest images of domestic dogs Scavenger and Sentry:The Roles of Dogs at Çatalhöyük. Author: Nerrissa Russell Ancient_Felines_and_the_Great_Goddess. I haven't fully read this yet but include it as it might be of interest. Ipuy's wife with her cat An ostracon with'cartoon' cats.

Chris’ Rambles 21: Sheebeg and Other Cairns 29.03.2026

Sheebeg in the snow Dolmens, Barrows, Cairn ? They were built millennia ago to transport the human memory and imagination from one world to another and, in so many different ways, they still do. Join Chris on a personal exploration of these liminal places as she considers not only their archaeological importance but the impact they can still have on our twenty-first century experience. Carrowkeel Story Archaeology links for this Ramble Tales of Sheebeg: The 1931 excavation Tales of Sheebeg Podcast episode from 2012 Wider Links for this episode ~ including loads more information and pictures This is an unusual audio 'ramble' where I visit a great many ancient sites, cains, caves, even castles, I have included sites in England, Scotland and even Australia as well as Ireland. To do them justice, I have included links to sites that will offer good quality information, maps, images, and more. There are too many links to add to this page so I am providing a new dedicated 'Gallery Page'.

Chris Ramble 20 ~ What is so special about the Cath Maige Tuired? 10.02.2026 29Min.

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.

Chris Ramble 19: Hidden in Plain Sight 11.01.2026 29Min.

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 our guide KiKi who was knowledgeable , patient and, well, fun! Thanks also to Travel the Unknown a company I would highly recommend for their friendly, easily accessed support, choice of trips, and flexibility.

The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 12~ The Land Restored. 19.10.2025 9Min.

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. These are very hard to find elsewhere as the early Irish is very obscure. Moytura secion 162 -167 Appologies for the slightly husky voice. I will re-record once my voice has recovered Statue of Turlough O'Carolan in Mohill Leitrim Music: Lamentum from SacrumProfanum , Ben Dwyer

The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 11~ The Great Battle. 30.09.2025 17Min.

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

The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 10~ The Well and the Forge. 26.09.2025 19Min.

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

The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 9~ The Muster. 17.09.2025 6Min.

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

The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 8~ What the Dagda Did Next. 13.09.2025 15Min.

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 cauldron 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, somewhat, explicit, and I want to ensure these re-tellings are fully appropriate for an older primary age-group, as well as an adult one. 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 introduce two of these powerful battle poets and illustrate the inportant roles expected to be undertaken by women in these early stories. Cath Maige Tuired: 83 - 94 Music: Lamentum from SacrumProfanum , Ben Dwyer

The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 7~ The Arrival of the Ildánach 07.09.2025 12Min.

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 remarkable 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. Cath Maige Tuired: 52-82 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 tell all of these stories regularly in schools and libraries. I have also recorded them as audio stories and I am happy to share them. Why? Well first they need to be shared. Second, I love audiobooks. As a story teller, I think these stories work best in this format. Have fun. Chris Music: Lamentum from SacrumProfanum , Ben Dwyer

The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 6~ Among the Fomoire 04.09.2025 14Min.

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 find out what the Fomoire king , Elaha thinks of his son's actions among the Dé Danann and we hear the disturbing tale of Eithliu, daughter of Balor, and her baby 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. In one oral version, three babies are thrown into the sea. Lugh in Welsh, Lleu (Llew Llaw Gyffes) is a second, secret baby born to Arianrhod, the first, Dylan is also thrown to the sea. Read 'Lugh Who? Where did he come from?' to find out more. Cath Maige Tuired 44 -51 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 tell all of these stories regularly in schools and libraries. I have also recorded them as audio stories and I am happy to share them. Why? Well first they need to be shared. Second, I love audiobooks. As a story teller, I think these stories work best in this format.Have fun Chris Have fun. Chris Music: Lamentum from SacrumProfanum , Ben Dwyer

The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 5~ Betrayal. 31.08.2025 12Min.

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 Cath Maige Tuired 36 - 43 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 tell all of these stories regularly in schools and libraries. I have also recorded them as audio stories and I am happy to share them. Why? Well first they need to be shared. Second, I love audiobooks. As a story teller, I think these stories work best in this format. Have fun Chris Music: Lamentum from SacrumProfanum: Ben Dwyer

The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 4~ The Healers. 30.08.2025 13Min.

ceramic on glass by Chris Thompson 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 4,The Healers, we discover how Nuada achieves another shot at the kingship, the sad fate of Miach, Dian Cécht's son and we 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 example, Isis and Osiris or even, in the Uk, John Barleycorn. In this audo re-telling. I have just kept to the story, as it is given in the text(s), concentrating on the characters, their actions and their relationships rather than any inherant symbolism that they may carry. Cath Maige Tuired 33 -35 a gift from Abydos Musc: Lamentum from SacrumProfanum: Ben Dwyer

The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 3~ Wasteland! 29.08.2025 15Min.

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 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 Cath Maige Tuired: 26 - 32 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 tell all of these stories regularly in schools and libraries. I have also recorded them as audio stories and I am happy to share them. Why? Well first they need to be shared. Second, I love audiobooks. As a story teller, I think these stories work best in this format. Have fun. Chris Music: Lamentum from SacrumProfanum: Ben Dwyer

The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 2~ The Shadow of the Fomoire. 29.08.2025 21Std.

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 Bres. 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 Cath Maige Tuired 15 -25 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 tell all of these stories regularly in schools and libraries. I have also recorded them as audio stories and I am happy to share them. Why? Well first they need to be shared. Second, I love audiobooks. As a story teller, I think these stories work best in this format. Have fun Chris Music: Lamentum from SacrumProfanum , Ben Dwyer

The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 1~ The First Battle. 28.08.2025 15Min.

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 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 Cath Maige Tuired 1-14 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 tell all of these stories regularly in schools and libraries. I have also recorded them as audio stories and I am happy to share them. Why? Well first they need to be shared. Second, I love audiobooks. As a story teller, I think these stories work best in this format. Have fun. Chris Music: Lamentum from SacrumProfanum , Ben Dwyer

Audio stories: Fergus Mac Léite and the fearsome péiste’ 28.07.2025 21Min.

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 Introductory 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 definitely a sense of humour. I tell all of these stories regularly in schools and libraries. I have also recorded them as audio stories and I am happy to share them. Why? Well first they need to be shared. Second, I love audiobooks. As a story teller, I think these stories work best in this format. Have fun. Chris