Fabula Celtica: A Celtic Studies Podcast

This episode was originally recorded in August 2025: apologies for the delay on getting it out! Tyler and Saoirse discuss independent freemen, dependent workers, and slaves in medieval Ireland, and things get a wee bit political. Main topics addressed: status and professions for the non- nemed ('noble'/privileged) classes in early medieval Ireland. This episode includes swearing and we dis...

Tyler and Saoirse have too much fun questioning the medieval Irish patriarchy. Main topics addressed: patriarchy, misogyny, women, and children in early medieval Ireland. This episode includes sexual references and swearing. References and Suggested Media : ‘Debility of the Ultonian Warriors’ in Hull, Eleanor, The Cuchullin Saga in Irish Literature (London: David Nutt, 1898). Fitzsimmons, F. ‘Fost...

We introduce a new co-host and chat about one of the most fascinating (and powerful) figures in medieval Irish society: the fili , or poet. Main topics addressed: poets, seers, praise poetry, satire, ominous background characters, working in a bar This episode includes sexual references and swearing. References and Suggested Media : Binchy, D. A. ‘The Date and Provenance of Uraicecht Becc ’, Ériu...

Tyler attempts to untangle the relationship between kingship and early Irish law through depictions of crime and compensation in The Saga of Fergus Mac Léti . Main topics addressed: kingship, early Irish law References and Suggested Media : The additional music is ‘The Theme of Law & Order’ by Mike Post, 1990. Binchy, D. A. 1952. ‘The Saga of Fergus Mac Léti’, Ériu 16, 33-48 (pp. 39-44) Binchy...

Tyler provides an overview of early medieval Irish society, discussing D. A. Binchy's description of that society as "tribal, rural, hierarchical, and familiar". Main topics addressed: Irish petty kingdoms, cow-based currency, the social (and legal) hierarchy, kinship Transcript:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wm5oW5IHKKLWuq-GPp6wqtpF5zQINkxCrEQyumujzLI/edit?usp=sharing Reference...

In last of three episodes about early Irish writing, Tyler discusses the sources for Early Irish Law (a.k.a Brehon law). He emphasises the importance of tradition, Christian influences, and the nature of manuscript culture in how these sources have come down to us. The law texts will serve as an important lens through which we can understand medieval Irish society. Main topics addressed: manuscrip...

In the second of three episodes about early Irish writing, we explore the nature of Ireland's earlies medieval manuscripts, including who wrote them, how they put them together, and the variety of content they contained. Main topics addressed: manuscripts, codicology, palaeography Transcript:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_S03Lgi2WFZZ6vWfQZtEI4hGjavHkeCc-GjBqbVRCSc/edit?usp=sharing Refe...

In the first of three episodes about early Irish writing, we explore the fascinating myths, enigmatic history, and linguistic quirks of the stone markings known as ogam or ogham . Main topics addressed: Irish language, Latin, ogam ( ogham ), Ogma, early medieval Ireland. Transcript:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gg2THDqf5Tm0JpaIus2zgpSzKA7-1oaOhbGndYL1wA0/edit?usp=sharing References and Sug...

This episode surveys the earliest texts written by and about Saint Patrick, the man credited with Christianising Ireland. But is it really that simple? Main topics addressed: Saint Patrick, hagiography, Christianity, paganism, early medieval Ireland Transcript:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sdX_pAGLVz2pp2YWMYzGkJ20STLtKxjzX8nB6sLMpsE/edit?usp=sharing References and Suggested Media : Bieler,...

Tyler and Michael discuss the Hill of Tara and the legendary high kingship associated with it, alongside the actual history and archaeology of the site. Main topics addressed: Iron Age, Tara, sacred kingship, sovereignty goddesses, and rather odd job requirements. This episode contains references to alcohol, sex, and nudity. Transcript:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1l7tgf2gkqBgVRw8D-awpWCYy...

The episode title is in Latin (Incipit) and Old Irish, and translates to 'The Selected Language Begins'. Tyler and Michael discuss the legendary origins of the Irish language according to Auraicept na nÉces (The Scholar's Primer) and the Lebor Gabála (The Book of Invasions), finally concluding our overview of the Book of Invasions with the fifth and final taking of Ireland by the Sons...

Our new co-host Michael joins Tyler in exploring just what makes the Iron Age so mysterious. The enigmatic quality of the period is exemplified by the archaeology of the 'royal site' of Ulster, Emain Macha (Navan Fort) and a lesser-known site known as Corlea Trackway. Note this episode contains reference to violence and sexual topics. Main topics addressed: Iron Age, Navan Fort (Emain Mach...

This is a short news and announcements episode explaining upcoming changes to the podcast and when you can expect full episodes to resume (spoiler: mid-March!) Main topics addressed: solar myth theory, podcast schedule and format. Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xdtnXBSQWZbO-Nursb4yZ_uUDP6LFqRL-ONVrVoRDTM/edit?usp=sharing References and Suggested Media : Chatterton, G. Rambles in t...

We look at the major features of the Bronze and Iron Age, again drawing upon the Lebor Gabála Érenn (The Book of Invasions) as our legendary touchstone. Note this episode contains reference to violence and sexual topics. Main topics addressed:  The Book of Invasions , Bronze Age, Iron Age, Classical propaganda, 'Royal Sites' of Ireland. Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JPExw...

Tyler and Kevin encounter the divine beings who lurk in the landscape of the Boyne Valley Neolithic burial complex, including the world-famous passage tomb, Newgrange. Note this episode contains references to sex, rape, and incest. Main topics addressed:  The Wooing of Étaín , Neolithic passage tombs, the Irish Otherworld, Newgrange, dindshenchas , cultural memory. Transcript:  https://docs.google...

Tyler and Kevin introduce the podcast, themselves, and our first series, 'Ancient Ireland'. We look at medieval legends about the earliest inhabitants of Ireland and compare these to what archaeology tells us about the people who first arrived on the island 10,000 years ago. Note this episode contains sexual references.. Main topics addressed: The Book of Invasions , Mesolithic Period, Neo...