Tyler and Saoirise 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. ‘Fosterage and Gossiprid in Late Medieval Ireland: Some New Evidence’ in Duffy, P. J., Edwards, D. and FitzPatrick, E. (eds.) Gaelic Ireland c. 1250-1650: Land, Lordship, and Settlement (Dublin: Four Courts Press, 2001), pp. 138–149. ‘How Cú Chulainn was Begotten’ in Kinsella, T. The Táin (Oxford, 1969), pp. 23–25. Kelly, Fergus. A Guide to Early Irish Law (Dublin: Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, 2020), especially pp. 68–79. Kelly, Patricia. ‘The Táin as Literature’ in Mallory, J. P. (ed.) Aspects of the Táin (Belfast: December Publications, 1992), pp. 69–102 (pp. 77–84, especially 79–80). Meyer, K. The Wooing of Emer by Cú Chulainn electronic ed. (Cork: CELT, 2004, 2008). https://celt.ucc.ie/published/T301021/index.html [Accessed 31 Aug 2025]. Ní Bhrolcháin, M. ‘Re Tóin Mná: In Pursuit of Troublesome Women’ in Ulidia 1, pp. 115–122. (especially bottom of 116–117). https://mural.maynoothuniversity.ie/id/eprint/4643/ [Accessed 31 Aug 2025]. Ní Chonaill, B. ‘Fosterage: Child-Rearing in Medieval Ireland’, History Ireland 5.1 (1997), 28–31. ‘Noínden Ulad ocus Emuin Macha: The Debility of the Ulstermen’, ed. by R. I. Best & Osborn Bergin, The Book of Leinster, formerly Lebar na Núachongbála, Vol. 2 (Dublin: Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, 1956), pp. 467–468; english trans. by George Henderson, Leabhar nan Gleann: The Book of the Glens; with Zimmer on Pictish Matriachy (Edinburgh: Norman Macleod, 1898), pp. 304–307; Modern Irish version supplied by Tadhg Ó Síocháin. https://iso.ucc.ie/Noinden-ulad/Noinden-ulad-index.html [Accessed 31 Aug 2025]. Ó Brolcháin Carmody, Isolde. ‘The Fairs of Early Irish Society’, Story Archaeology (blog), 9 Jul 2012. https://storyarchaeology.com/beidh-aenach-amarach/ [Accessed 31 Aug 2025]. Ó Corráin, Donnchadh. ‘Women and the Law in Early Ireland’ in Chattel, Servant or Citizen: Women’s Status in Church, State and Society, ed. by Mary O’Dowd and Sabine Wichert, Historical Studies 19 (Belfast, 1995), pp. 45–57. https://celt.ucc.ie/women_law.html [Accessed 16 Aug 2025]. Stokes, Whitley (trans.), ‘The Destruction of Dá Derga’s Hostel’ in The Celtic Heroic Age, ed. by J. T. Koch and John Carey, 4th edn (Aberystwyth: Celtic Studies Publications, 2003), pp. 166–184. Stokes, Whitley (ed. and trans.), ‘The Tidings of Conchobar Mac Nessa’, Ériu 4 (1910), 18–38. Wycherley, Niamh. ‘Law and Society with Prof. Liam Breatnach’, The Medieval Irish History Podcast, 20 Dec 2024. https://open.spotify.com/episode/10nfUgLHjZLLM9f46O0Wpb?si=a382c8ee01a94f98 [Accessed 31 Aug 2025]. Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EOtiCLShaFOzGdlKntrBoXunSOgJ8NlhPCWf1HPYJis/edit?usp=sharing

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 18 (1958), 44-56 Breatnach, Liam. Uraicecht na Ríar: The Poetic Grades in Early Irish Law (Dublin: DIAS, 1987). Gwynn, Edward. ‘Sinann I’ and ‘Sinann II’ in The Metrical Dindshenchas vol 2, electronic ed. (Cork: CELT 2004, 2008), pp. 288-299. (Irish: https://celt.ucc.ie/published/G106500C/index.html ; English: https://celt.ucc.ie/published/T106500C/index.html) Kelly, F. A Guide to Early Irish Law (Dublin: Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, 2020). Knott, Eleanor. 1916. ‘Why Mongán was Deprived of Noble Issue’, Ériu 8, 156-160, available at https://iso.ucc.ie/Scela-mongain/Scela-mongain-text.html Ní Chatháin, Próinséas. ‘Some Themes in Early Irish Lyric Poetry’, Irish University Review 22(1) (1992), 3-12 (p. 5). Nutt, Alfred and Meyer, Kuno. The Voyage of Bran (London: D. Nutt, 1895), pp. 49-52. https://archive.org/details/cu31924096849629/page/n73/mode/2up Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PrI-g_u5Thi7-wks6giZFAjwHGedEgWiQ-fsl0Nzfj4/edit?usp=sharing

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 References and Suggested Media: Helsen, Kate. ‘Codicology’ video lecture. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVDvpfXbOdg Helsen, Kate. ‘Codicology and Palaeography’ video lecture. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_r3EQtyYSCw Murray, Kevin. 2001. ‘The Finding of the Táin’, Cambrian Medieval Celtic Studies 41 (Summer), 17–23 ‘Sewing the Gatherings’ virtual exhibition: https://exhibitions.bgc.bard.edu/craftandcodex/hotspots/sewing-the-gatherings Short videos on manuscript production: --Vellum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-SpLPFaRd0 --Quills: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocnhYzKLeHU --Ink: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7k4-wj8mZ8 --Pigment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIf-9s5Lvos --Paint: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaIlRuDGhlg --The page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRlWpKRm0WU --Whole manuscript: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuNfdHNTv9o

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, L. 2011. ‘Muirchú’s Text in English’. https://confessio.ie/more/muirchu_english# Bieler, L. 2011. ‘Tírechán’s Text in English’. https://confessio.ie/more/tirechan_english# Carey, J. (with O’Loughlin, T.). 2006. ‘Christianity, Celtic’ in Celtic Culture: A Historical Encyclopedia vol 2, ed. by Koch, J. T. McCarthy, P. 2011. ‘Confession’. https://confessio.ie/etexts/confessio_english# Wycherley, N. The Medieval Irish History Podcast, https://x.com/EarlyIrishPod

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-awpWCYyDY3M9v0RUkmiNOrghXE/edit?usp=sharing References and Suggested Media: Bhreathnach, E. (ed.) 2005. The Kingship and Landscape of Tara. Bhreathnach, E. and Newman, C. 1995. Tara. Carey, J. 2005. ‘Tara and the Supernatural’ in The Kingship and Landscape of Tara, ed. by E. Bhreathnach (Dublin: Four Courts Press), 32-48. Dillon, M. 1946. ‘Baile in Scáil: The Phantom's Frenzy’ in The Cycle of Kings, electronic ed. https://www.ancienttexts.org/library/celtic/ctexts/phantom.html Grogan, E. 2009. The Rath of the Synods, Tara, Co. Meath: Excavations by Seán P. Ó Ríordáin. Gwynn, L. ‘De Síl Chonairi Móir’ in Ériu 6 (1912), 130-143 (pp. 138-141). Herbert, M. 1992. Goddess and King: The Sacred Marriage in Early Ireland in Women and Sovereignty ed by L. Fradenburg. Hull, V. ‘Geneamuin Chormaic’ in Ériu 16 (1952), 79-85 (§10); available at Irish Sagas Online: https://iso.ucc.ie/Geneamuin-chormaic/Geneamuin-chormaic-text.html#Section_10 Koch, J. and Carey, J. (eds). 2003. The Celtic Heroic Age 4th edn: ‘Echtra Mac nEchach’ (The Adventures of the Sons of Eochaid Mugmedón), pp. 203-208 and ‘Togail Bruidne Da Derga’ (The Destruction of Da Derga’s Hostel), pp. 166-169 (§1-15). Newman, C. ‘Procession and Symbolism at Tara: Analysis of Tech Midchúarta (the “Banqueting Hall”) in the context of the sacral campus’ in OJA 26/4 (Nov. 2007), 415–438. Ó Bróin, T. ‘Lia Fáil: Fact and Fiction in the Tradition’ Celtica 21 (1990), pp. 393-401. O’Sullivan, A. and Kinsella, J. 2013. ‘Living with a sacred landscape: interpreting the early medieval archaeology of the Hill of Tara and its environs, AD 400-1100.’ in M. O’Sullivan (ed.) Tara: from the past to the future, pp 321-344. Stokes, W. The Rennes Dindshenchas https://www.ucd.ie/tlh/trans/ws.rc.15.001.t.text.html Wadell, J. 2022. The Prehistoric Archaeology of Ireland new edn, Ch.9. What the Folklore? (comedy podcast) https://www.wtfolklorepodcast.com/

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 the South of Ireland During the Year 1838. London: Saunders and Otley, 1839. Davies, E. Mythology and Rites of the British Druids. London: J. Booth, 1809. Georgiou, A. ‘Man Finds Prehistoric Hilltop Tomb With “Sun Altar”' Lost for 180 Years’, Newsweek 24 Jan 2024 [Accessed 25 Feb 2024] https://www.newsweek.com/man-finds-prehistoric-tomb-sun-altar-lost-180-years-1863597 Müller, M. Comparative Mythology: An Essay. London: George Routledge and Sons Limited, 1909 (originally published 1856).

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/1JPExwyR2iRlRm9K-SErcv6fBmOwfgdRimqhTzuN9ZZA/edit?usp=sharing References and Suggested Media: An Iron Age bog body and his leather arm ring: http://irisharchaeology.ie/2015/05/treasures-from-the-bog-an-iron-age-leather-arm-ring-from-co-offaly/ Bronze Age artefacts: http://irisharchaeology.ie/?s=bronze+age Fraser, J. ‘The First Battle of Moytura.’ Ériu 8 (1915), pp. 1-63. Koch, J. and Carey, J (eds.). The Celtic Heroic Age 4th ed. Aberystwyth: Celtic Studies Publications, 2003. Macalister, R. A. S. Lebor Gabála Érenn vol 3. Dublin: Irish Texts Society, 1940. O’Toole, F., ‘Bronze Age Dugout Canoe, Circa 2200 BC’, The Irish Times (2011).

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 sexual references.. Main topics addressed: The Wooing of Étaín, Neolithic passage tombs, the Irish Otherworld, Newgrange, dindshenchas, cultural memory. Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12e4aV8oAGNK8BCMSYGJirXXXAyRj96zcon0itKHDWfM/edit?usp=sharing References and Suggested Media: Bergin, O. and Best, R. I. ‘Tochmarc Étaíne’, Ériu, 12 (1938), pp. 142-193. Available on Irish Sagas Online: https://iso.ucc.ie/Tochmarc-etaine/Tochmarc-etaine-text.html Gwynn, E. The Metrical Dindshenchas vol. 3. Dublin: Irish Texts Society: vol 3: ‘Boand II’ and ‘Cnogba’ (Knowth), available on CELT: https://celt.ucc.ie/published/T106500C/index.html ; vol 4: ‘Dubad’ (Dowth), available on CELT: https://celt.ucc.ie/published/T106500D/index.html Koch, J. T. and Carey, J., The Celtic Heroic Age, pp. 144-145 (‘The Origin of Dowth’) O’Kelly, M. J. et al. Newgrange: Archaeology, Art, and Legend (London 1982). Newgrange and the Winter Solstice: http://irisharchaeology.ie/2011/12/newgrange-and-the-winter-solstice/ Stout, G. and Stout, M. Newgrange (Cork, 2008). Timeline of Archaelogical Periods in Ireland: http://irisharchaeology.ie/work/

Tyler and Kevin introduce the podcase, 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, Neolithic Period, Megalithic Tombs. References and Suggested Media ‘Ceide Fields & Downpatrick Head’, Marren's Magical Mayo, 2020: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LABxH9VFiTY Daltun, E. (2022) An Irish Atlantic Rainforest. Dublin: Hachette Books Ireland, pp. 126-129. Macalister, R. A. S. (1939) Lebor Gabála Érenn vol 2. Dublin: Educational Co. of Ireland. pp. 182-195, 210-229, 268-273. 'Mount Sandel, a Mesolithic Campsite', Irish Archaeology. http://irisharchaeology.ie/2013/07/mount-sandel-a-mesolithic-campsite/ ‘Mountsandel Hidden Heritage’, NIEA 2010. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YXXdqCAn38 Snook, J. ‘Ceide Fields’, 9 October 2020, World History Encyclopedia Online. https://www.worldhistory.org/Ceide_Fields/