In this episode we feature Balor of the Evil Eye, king of the Fomorians and the birth of the god Lugh, half Fomorian, raised by the Tuatha de Danann and prophesied to greatness.

Brigid, woman, wife, witch, goddess, abbess, saint… not to mention a smith, a farmer, and a poet. This one stop shop is a stalwart of feminism, protection and care, but how much do we really know about Brigid?

Transcripts for our episodes are available on www.cogarnagaoithe.com and feel free to send an email, or comment on the episode in Spotify or Apple Podcasts if you have any questions or comments. I can only apologise on behalf of Dorothy because she unashamedly purred through this entire recording, and screeched loud enough to be heard through soundproofing when I ejected her from the office, I did what I could.

This episode is in no way explicit, and I managed not to swear, but there is discussion of St Brigid’s Virginity and the miracles she performed in order to qualify for beatification, so if that isn’t something you’re comfortable with, no bother, sure we’ll chat to ya next time when we’re back with the Tuatha Dé Danann in the mythological cycle.

After the first battle of MoyTura, having beaten the FirBolg and colonised the island of Ireland, the Tuatha Dé Danann faced a bit of a conundrum. Who could be their king, when Nuadha was no longer fit to rule by their own laws?

Some difficult, and terrible choices were made, and the poor Tuatha ended up with Bres, a very handsome, very poor leader.

This episode covers the suffering, even of the gods, under his disasterous rule.

And there’s jokes.

The episode covers the story of the Tuatha Dé Danann's invasion of Ireland, as documented in the Book of Invasions. It details how the Tuatha Dé, having learned magical arts in the northern islands, arrived in Ireland to confront the resident FirBolg people. The narrative describes diplomatic exchanges between the two groups, led by their respective champions Sreng (Firbolg) and Bres (Tuatha Dé), and the subsequent four-day Battle at Moytura. Key events include the Tuatha Dé Dé's arrival in magical mists, their initial offer to share the island, the Firbolg's refusal, and the eventual defeat of the Firbolg. The battle resulted in significant casualties on both sides, including the maiming of the Tuatha Dé king Nuada, who lost his arm. Amanda also discusses the historical and archaeological evidence for these events, including debates about the battle's location and the nature of the Tuatha Dé themselves - whether they were gods, Supernatural beings, or simply an advanced Bronze Age people.

A very brief introduction to Women’s Christmas, the folklore and customs associated with Little Christmas, the 12th day of Christmas, or the feast of the epiphany.

New Year's Eve and New Year's Day in Ireland, drawing from the Schools Folklore Collection from the 1930s. The content includes information about how Irish people traditionally welcomed the new year, various superstitions about what brings good or bad luck, and specific regional traditions. While Ireland was Christianized in the 5th century, many traditions have evolved over the 1,500 years since then. This episode includes both ancient customs and more modern adaptations, with particular attention to activities that are believed to influence luck throughout the coming year.

This podcast episode discusses the fourth wave of mythical immigration to Ireland, focusing on the Fir Bolg.

Host, Amanda, provides a detailed account of the Fir Bolg's origins, their journey from Greece to Ireland, and their reign over the island. Tonight’s story is based on various historical and mythological sources, despite the differences and inconsistencies between these accounts.

The Fir Bolg were descendants of Nemed, who had previously fled Ireland due to Fomorian oppression (check out episode 10).

After 200 years in Greece, where they were initially welcomed but later exploited, they built makeshift boats and returned to Ireland.

After their arrival, Fintán escapes his cave to arbitrate the division of Ireland into five provinces, and the succession of Fir Bolg kings.

And they live happily ever after… for a very brief time.​

Nemid and his descendants were the next brave, or foolhardy bunch to occupy our island, though it seems as though she had some thoughts about that, and some help from the Fomorians (who probably did not cartwheel around, but may have been addicted to puffins…)

Join Amanda on her death bed (man flu) as she recounts the tale of Nemid’s invasion…