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Heritage > Myths and Legends > Ireland
Introduction
The myths and legends have a charisma of their own. Early
myths were written down by Irish Christian scribes, who had heard them
from the filids (Irish storytellers).
Cu Chulainn and Finn MacCool, emerged as great heroes from Irish mythology.
From the North, Cu Chulainn with his Red Branch Knights, compares to Arthur
of England and Wales. His defence of his country continues to inspire
the Irish people today. A statue commemorating Cu Chulainn stands in the
General Post Office in Dublin. |
Later, from the countryside of the South came Finn MacCool,
whose legends are built of folklore and fairytale.
Fairies or the "Little People", are prolific in Ireland. Not content with
living at the bottom of a garden , they may prefer to make their habitat
outside a back door. Consideration from human householders helps, otherwise
fairies can be dangerous if upset.
Ireland is a rich land, full of enchantment. No doubt you will encounter
its charms and spells along the way. However, it is doubtful that in any
other country you will have the opportunity to meet the cumbersome charm
known only as the "Blink". A word of warning, if you come across a Fairy
Thorn, DO NOT proceed in unearthing it.
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A word of warning, if you come across a Fairy Thorn, DO
NOT proceed in unearthing it.
Monsters and their counterparts, beasties, are frightening. Rest assured
you will find plenty of them! It is unlikely that you will find a dragon,
unless it has been imported - like the Dragon of Navan. This is because
of St Patrick, who drove all the serpents out of Ireland.
If you miss the dragons, there are giants to fill this hole. Finn MacCool
had the misfortune of being labelled a giant, hence the creation of
the Giant's Causeway was attributed to him.
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