Whisper of the Winds, Irish Mythology and Folklore

Nuada rights the wrongs of Bres, Lugh escapes his grandfather’s assassination attempt and both find themselves on opposing sides of their half Tuatha half Fomorians lineages. Tensions mount and preparations are made for the next battle for Ireland, but who were Bres and Lugh and what brought them to war? Well, let me tell you a story…

Welcome back after an unfortunate sos beag, our host, Amanda, is mostly able to talk and breathe at the same time, just in time for the official start of Summer, Bealtaine festivals and traditions are our topic for today, so grab your bag o’cans and join us by the (Bon) fire for a quick chat.

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 comme...

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 g...

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),...

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...

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 Bo...

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...

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 bi...

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 folklo...

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, an...

The Morrigan, goddess of war, death and fate, portend of death, igniter of frenzy, and part time cattle breeder… joins us in our story tonight. The adventures of Nera. Set in Rathcroghan during the Ulster Cycle, Nera plays an unwitting role in the start of the Táin. A trip through Roscommon’s very own gateway to hell, an elvish deception, and a hanged man taking liberties, this is the perfect stor...

Bonus episode featuring two stories for the price of one (so, still free…) this week’s episode is all about the Púca. This wonderful shapeshifter comes around at Halloween, or Samhain, but also has their very own day in November, and much like all the best mythical beasts, it’s a pure messer! These stories are taken from the duchas.ie schools collection, and links can be found on the episode guide...

Sticking with Halloween for this episode, let us introduce you to the much maligned Banshee. Should you enjoy these stories and want to find out more about the mythology behind them, check out our new website, www.cogarnagaoithe.wordpress.com

Stingy Jack and the first Jack o’lantern. We are staying with the theme of Samhain / Haloween for this week’s episode. A more modern myth than most, Jack, a scoundrel and a cheat finds himself in front of the devil himself, and a decades-long battle of trickery ensues. You’ll have to listen to find out where the pumpkin comes into it! Episode Guide: https://cogarnagaoithe.wordpress.com/2024/10/16/...

A bit of housekeeping and explaining myself! And a short first episode, all about the cailleach, or winter hag, and just how very hard done she is by the reputation we have given her! Episode guide: https://cogarnagaoithe.wordpress.com/2024/10/11/episode-1-the-hag-of-beara/

An introduction to the podcast, Irish mythology and story telling. For more content and resources to check out : https://cogarnagaoithe.wordpress.com/2024/10/15/content-to-check-out/