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…

A murderer, some (possibly) cartwheeling giants, and the worst hidden affair in Ireland before Terry Keane, welcome to the invasion of partholon!

This episode of Whisper of the Winds Podcast covers the second invasion of Ireland according to Irish mythology, focusing on Parthalon and his followers.

It discusses the origins of the legend, its various sources, and how it evolved over time. The story details Parthalon's arrival in Ireland, his establishment of various 'firsts' in the country, conflicts with the Fomorians, and the eventual demise of his people due to a plague.

Narrator, Amanda Cunningham, provides historical context, interpretations, and her own commentary on the mythological elements.

For sources, further reading, and a legible transcript, check out www.cogarnagaoithe.wordpress.com

Why not start at the very beginning, I hear it’s a very good place to do so. Tonight’s episode is the story of the First invasion of Ireland, adapted from the book of invasions for your illumination and delight!

Also, Amanda has had some cough medicine… you’ve been warned!

This is the shortest of the invasions, so make yourself a small cuppa, maybe just the one biscuit, or three, and enjoy this bite sized story of the bite sized, and somewhat soggy invasion of Cessair.

Amanda Cunningham delivers this episode on the first invasion of Ireland according to the Book of Invasions. She discusses the unique aspects of Irish mythology, particularly the absence of a creation myth. This is the story of Cessair, Noah's granddaughter, who led the first invasion with 50 women and three men. The “lecture” covers their journey to Ireland, the division of land and women among the men, and the eventual demise of all but one character due to the biblical flood.

Amanda also reflects on the portrayal of women in this myth and its transcription by medieval monks.

Winter has come! And winter is all about story telling, games, and maybe some mistaken identity …

For sources, resources and a legible transcript, check out www.cogarnagaoithe.wordpress.com

November’s night is absolutely rife with lore and tradition. It is impossible to attempt to fit it all into one episode. But we did try!

This podcast episode, hosted by Amanda Cunningham, discusses Irish folklore and traditions associated with the winter season. AC begins by explaining the Celtic calendar and its importance in Irish culture. The calendar divides the year into light and dark halves, with winter marking the beginning of a new cycle. She emphasizes the significance of cycles in Irish mythology and agriculture, noting that Ireland's seasons still align with the Celtic calendar. The episode then delves into traditional winter activities in rural Ireland, including storytelling, card games, and wool spinning. We then share a folktale about a family's encounter with a mysterious stranger on a stormy night, highlighting the superstitious nature of some Irish folklore. The podcast concludes with a discussion of children's games played during winter evenings and a request for listeners to help identify some unfamiliar game names.

Episode 6 Ghosts, Sweets & Hellfire - for information, sources, further reading and a legible transcript check out the episode guide here.

https://cogarnagaoithe.wordpress.com/2024/11/30/episode-6-ghosts-sweets-hellfire/

Happy Haloween! To wrap up our Samhain Series on this auspicious night, Amanda talks about the origins of some Haloween Traditions, some traditional Irish Piseogs, food, games, and fortune telling, and of course, it wouldn’t be spooky season without a trip up Montpellier Hill to the Hellfire Club.

November’s night is absolutely rife with lore and tradition. It is impossible to attempt to fit it all into one episode. But we did try!

This podcast episode, hosted by Amanda Cunningham, discusses Irish folklore and traditions associated with the winter season. We begin by explaining the Celtic calendar and its importance in Irish culture. The calendar divides the year into light and dark halves, with winter marking the beginning of a new cycle. Emphasising the significance of cycles in Irish mythology and agriculture, noting that Ireland's seasons still align with the Celtic calendar. The episode then delves into traditional winter activities in rural Ireland, including storytelling, card games, and wool spinning.

This episode’s story is a folktale about a family's encounter with a mysterious stranger on a stormy night, highlighting the superstitious nature of some Irish folklore. It’s funny, we promise.

The podcast concludes with a discussion of children's games played during winter evenings and a request for listeners to help identify some unfamiliar game names.