Story Archaeology show

Story Archaeology

Summary: Story Archaeology combines the knowledge and skills of the storyteller with academic exploration of ancient texts. The main focus is the Irish tradition but at https://storyarchaeology.com, you will find an archive of podcast articles, stories and translations as well as new podcast conversations with people from around the world who have ‘Stories in the Landscape’ to share.

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  • Artist: Chris Thompson and Isolde Carmody
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Podcasts:

 Rowing Around Immrama 06: When is an Immram not an Immram? The Voyage of St Brendan | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:53:49

There are some characters in Irish story who are just hard to ignore. St Brendan the Navigator is one of them. Although his voyage is not one of the Immrama from the tale lists, he confidently sets of with his crew of monks to sail to the Land of Promise of the Saints. Join the Story Archaeologists as they follow in the wake of a saint. Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts! Related Articles will be posted in the days to come… Story Archaeology is run on a voluntary not-for-profit basis. If you can afford a donation towards our running costs, we would be very grateful. The “Donate” button is on the right-hand-side of each page. Check our Reading List for further reading and resources. by The Story Archaeologists Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello

 Rowing Around Immráma 05: Immrám Curaig Máel Dúin 2 – The Voyage of Mael Duin’s Boat Part 2 | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:29:05

We are reaching the end of our voyage into “official” Immráma. As we turn for home with Mael Duin and his crew, we ask, “So what does it all mean?” Journey into new waters with the Story Archaeologists as we begin to chart our Immrám adventures.   Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts! Related Articles will be posted in the days to come… Story Archaeology is run on a voluntary not-for-profit basis. If you can afford a donation towards our running costs, we would be very grateful. The “Donate” button is on the right-hand-side of each page. Check our Reading List for further reading and resources. by The Story Archaeologists Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello

 Rowing Around Immráma 05: Immrám Curaig Máel Dúin 2 – The Voyage of Mael Duin’s Boat Part 2 | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:29:05

The Galway Hooker, Eyre Square, Galway City: by Éamonn O'Doherty We are reaching the end of our voyage into “official” Immráma. As we turn for home with Mael Duin and his crew, we ask, “So what does it all mean?” Journey into new waters with the Story Archaeologists as we begin to chart our Immrám adventures. Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts! Related Articles will be posted in the days to come… Story Archaeology is run on a voluntary not-for-profit basis. If you can afford a donation towards our running costs, we would be very grateful. The “Donate” button is on the right-hand-side of each page. Check our Reading List for further reading and resources. by The Story Archaeologists Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello

 Rowing Around Immráma 04: Immrám Curaig Máel Dúin – The Voyage of Máel Dúin’s Boat | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 2:13:16

When Máel Dúin sets out on a voyage to avenge the father he has never known, he encounters a seascape of wonders and terrors where nothing is what it seems. Join the story Archaeologists as they follow in his wake, discovering some unexpected marvels. This episode is only the first installment of this maratime epic, and it lasts over 2 hours. So get comfortable and enjoy the journey! Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts! Related Articles will be posted in the days to come… Check our Reading List for further reading and resources. by The Story Archaeologists Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello

 Rowing Around Immráma 03: Immrám Uí Corra | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:25:17

This is Sydney Skybetter, Philip Montana, and Bryan Campbell performing in "The Voyage of the Húi Corra" (2008). Photo by Tony Dougherty. The tale of the Uí Corra may start out as an intriguing fairy tale, but their journey is not for the faint of heart. Their quest for knowledge soon deepens into a dark and stormy voyage of tortured souls and infernal visions. Join the Story Archaeologists as they plumb the contradictory depths of this under-appreciated Immrám. Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts!  Related Articles will be posted in the days to come… Check our Reading List for further reading and resources. by The Story Archaeologists Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello

 Rowing Around Immráma 02: Immrám Snedgussa ocus Mac Ríagla | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:17:55

In the aftermath of the Battle of Mag Rath, the Men of Ross endure a harsh sentence: to be set adrift in the Atlantic Ocean. Inspired by this, Snedgus and Mac Ríagla, two of St. Colmcille's monks, decide to try it out for themselves. Hop aboard with the Story Archaeologists to explore another trench of watery wonders. Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts!  Related Articles will be posted in the days to come. Check our Reading List for further reading and resources. By The Story Archaeologists. Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.

 Rowing Around Immráma 02: Immrám Snedgussa ocus Mac Ríagla | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:17:55

Cat and Mouse decoration from the Book of Kells In the aftermath of the Battle of Mag Rath, the Men of Ross endure a harsh sentence: to be set adrift in the Atlantic Ocean. Inspired by this, Snedgus and Mac Ríagla, two of St. Colmcille's monks, decide to try it out for themselves. Hop aboard with the Story Archaeologists to explore another trench of watery wonders. Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts!  Related Articles will be posted in the days to come. Check our Reading List for further reading and resources. By The Story Archaeologists. Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.

 Rowing Around Immráma 01: Immrám Brain Mac Febul | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:31:22

Welcome to Series 4, "Rowing Around Immráma", where we will be exploring a tale-type which straddles land and sea, conscious and unconscious, Christian and non-Christian.  In the first episode on these magical sea voyages, we follow Bran Mac Febul on his voyage to the Island of Women. Join the Story Archaeologists as they dig the first of their somewhat watery trenches, and discover why Bran receives an offer he finds hard to refuse. Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts!  Related Articles will be posted in the days to come. Check our Reading List for further reading and resources. By The Story Archaeologists. Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.

 Rowing Around Immráma 01: Immrám Brain Mac Febul | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:31:22

Welcome to Series 4, "Rowing Around Immráma", where we will be exploring a tale-type which straddles land and sea, conscious and unconscious, Christian and non-Christian.  In the first episode on these magical sea voyages, we follow Bran Mac Febul on his voyage to the Island of Women. Join the Story Archaeologists as they dig the first of their somewhat watery trenches, and discover why Bran receives an offer he finds hard to refuse. Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts!  Related Articles will be posted in the days to come. Check our Reading List for further reading and resources. By The Story Archaeologists. Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.

 The Ulster Women’s War of Words 2: Lendabair | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

In "Fled Bricrenn 1: The Feasting Hall", we discussed the so-called Ulster Women's War of Words.  This is where the partners of the three contending heroes take turns to boast of their own greatness as well as that of their men-folk. Here is the second of these poetic weapons, here weilded by Lendabair, partner to Conall Cernach. The text is taken from the Codex Vossianius version of Fled Bricrenn. You can read George Henderson's translation (based on the Lebor na hUidre version) here. It is marked as Section 23 in both versions. You can listen to Isolde reading the Old Irish and her translation here:     §23 Isbert Lendubair ingen Eogain maic Derthacht, ben Connaill Cernaig maic Aimergin: Lendabair, daughter of Eogan the son of Derthacht, wife of Conall the Victorious, the son of Amergin: .R. “Roscad” - marks a passage of non-syllabic alliterative poetry Ar is mesi cruth cell congraim For I am a body of intelligent bearing coblethar ceimb crut cain curcastai My shapely step celebrated, graceful as reeds, a tech medrach Medquartai righ ria mnaib Ulad. From the kingly, intoxicating Mead-Circling Hall, before the women of Ulster. Ar is mo celi coem Conull coscurach credmaír For victorious, great-chested Conall is my beloved partner, coblethar cem n-ard nadguidhe [whose] high inspiring stride is celebrated [lit. “feasted”] i nuchtai ergal errind ria cach. Pre-eminent in bursting breasts before all. Cain tinnta cucum co cernaib co cennaib Cleanly cut for me with warriors, with heads / cheifs, con rucai calcae cruaidii comraicthi Ulad. bearing hard lances, acclaimed [by the] Ulaid. Arsaidh cech nath He guards every ford conid dia tul targlai which is why he is [called] “head-most of hostings”. arslaith a natha He cuts down their fords arfich a ngresae He defeats their assaults commaich laeich ar a bi lecht líac Shattering heroes who [now] underlie grave-stones laimethar mac ain Aimirgin acollaim. This splendid son of Amergin dares a declaration. Ar is Connall ar lin a cern For it is Conall, with his compliment of warriors, cingius ria cech laech. Who strides before every hero. Qid na budsi an Lendobair-si Why should not this Lendabair, li sulaie caich The delight of every eye, [NOTE: “lí súla”, “delight / lustre of the eye”, is one of the so-called kennings of the Ogam letter Luis.  It is a phrase often used in poetry.] cichsid ria cech mnai a tech ricc? Step before every woman into the kingly [?] house?

 The Ulster Women’s War of Words 1: Fedelm | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

In "Fled Bricrenn 1: The Feasting Hall", we discussed the so-called Ulster Women's War of Words.  This is where the partners of the three contending heroes take turns to boast of their own greatness as well as that of their men-folk. Here is the first of these poetic weapons, here weilded by Fedelm Nóicride, partner to Lóegaire Búadach. The text is taken from the Codex Vossianius version of Fled Bricrenn. You can read George Henderson's translation (based on the Lebor na hUidre version) here. It is marked as Section 22 in both versions. You can listen to Isolde reading the Old Irish and her translation here: §22 Isbert Fedilm Nocridi, ben Laegairi Buadaigh: Fedelm of the Noble Heart [Henderson renders this “Fresh Heart”, which seems an awkward epithet], the wife of Lóegaire the Triumphant, said: .R. “Roscad” - marks a passage of non-syllabic alliterative poetry Codumbert-sa bru soer sruith I was born of a womb of noble descent dim cloinn comcineoil offspring from my great people cin-siu do curp rigna sceo rig I am born from the body of a queen with a king richt forcaine costud manifestation of arrangement of graciousness conid cruth buidech bertar uaim so that I am called “satisfying shape” noithim crut cain. I am celebrated for fair form. Consert la febha feniu Strewn with the qualities of the People [Féni] fogart gen-siu genuss Generously, I was conceived in purity luchdonn laimdercc Loecairi The captaincy [?] of Loegaire’s red hand lin bemand mbalc mbuada full of striking glorious victories berus ar iath n-Ulad it gives to the land of the Ulaid arslig cricha comnamat. On the way [to?] the territories of mutual enemies. Imusdich immusdecrathar imgoin airri From him, defence and protection from wounding airdercai laechaib Laegairi famous warriors of Loegaire lin a bhuadhai bias os cech laech. The compliment of his victories is greater than every hero. Cid na budsi in Feidilmmsi Findcoemh Why should not Fedelm Fair-Lovely crutbuaduch buageltach gifted of form, a guardian, cichsed ria cech mnai step before every woman hi tech medrach Midcuarta? Into the intoxicating Mead-circling hall?

 Fer Fio’s Cry: A Poem for Long Life | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 2:10

In exploring the Dindshenchas of Inber Ailbine, we looked at the poem Nuall Fer Fio, "Fer Fio's Cry", to gain some understanding of the nine daughters of the sea in their bronze boats.  In the episode, I incorrectly attributed the translation to Dr. John Carey.  This is because I first read about the poem in his excellent article, ‘Téacsanna draíochta in Éirinn sa mheánaois luath’ [‘Magical texts in early medieval Ireland’] (translated into Irish by Pádraig Ó Fiannachta), Léachtaí Cholm Cille 30 (2000) 98-117; presented at Léachtaí Cholm Cille, Dingle, 10 April 1999.  It is also in this article that I read about the charms calling for the help of Goibniu and Dían Cécht, which I discussed in "How to Get Help from a Craftsman". Carey points out that Nuall Fer Fio is cited in a medieval text as an example of a cétnad, "hundred-poem"; a quasi-metrical verse form containing 100 stressed syllables.  He also cites Liam Breathnach's observation that the poem contains those hundred syllables if the Latin coda is omitted. This coda calls for the blessings of God and Christ.  I have omitted this section below, but you can read it in full, with a translation of the Latin by Mary Jones, on her Celtic Literature Collective.  I have made a few amendations to Meyer's translation. You can listen to the Old Irish, read by Isolde   Nuall Fer Fio Ed. by Kuno Meyer from two MSS (Laud 610 and Book of Ballymote). "Miscellany presented to John Macdonald Mackay". Liverpool, 1914. Ad-muiniur secht n-ingena trethan I call on the seven daughters of the sea, dolbtae snáithi macc n-áesmar. who shape the threads of long-lived children. Tri bás flaimm ro-ucaiter, Three deaths be taken from me, tri áes dom do-rataiter, three ages be given to me, secht tonna tocaid dom do-ra-dáilter! seven waves [of plenty] poured for me. Ním chollet messe fom chúairt May I not be molested on my journey i llúrig Lasréin cen léiniud! in my radiant breastplate / Breastplate of Lasrén without stain. Ní nassar mo chlú ar chel! May my name not be pledged in vain; dom-í-áes; May I have long life; nim thi bás comba sen! may death not come to me until I am old. Ad-muiniur m’Argetnia I call on my Silver Champion, nád bá nád bebe; who has not died and will not die; amser dom do-r-indnastar may time be granted to me findruini febe! of the quality of bronze. Ro orthar mo richt, May my double be slain ro saerthar mo recht, may my law be ennobled, ro mórthar mo nert, may my strength be increased, nip ellam mo lecht, may my tomb not be readied, nim thí bás for fecht, may I not die on my journey, ro firthar mo thecht! may my return be ensured to me. Ním ragba nathair díchonn, May the two-headed serpent not attack me, ná dorb dúrglass, nor the hard pale worm, ná doel díchuinn! nor the senseless beetle. Ním millither téol, May no thief attack me, ná cuire ban, nor a company of women, ná cuire buiden! nor a company of warriors. Dom-i urchar n-aimsire May I have increase of time ó Rig inna n-uile! from the king of all. Ad-muiniur Senach sechtaimserach I call on Senach of the seven ages, con-altatar mná side whom fairy women reared far bruinnib búais. on the breasts of good fortune. Ní báitter mo shechtchaindel! May my seven candles not be quenched. Am dun díthagail, I am an invincible fortress, am all anscuichthe, I am an immovable rock, am ha lógmar, I am a precious stone, am sen sechtmainech. I am the symbol of seven treasures. Roba chétach May I be [the man of] hundreds [of possessions], cétbliadnach, hundreds of years,   cach cét diib ar úair. each hundred in its [proper] time.

 Fer Fio’s Cry: A Poem for Long Life | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 2:10

In exploring the Dindshenchas of Inber Ailbine, we looked at the poem Nuall Fer Fio, "Fer Fio's Cry", to gain some understanding of the nine daughters of the sea in their bronze boats.  In the episode, I incorrectly attributed the translation to Dr. John Carey.  This is because I first read about the poem in his excellent article, ‘Téacsanna draíochta in Éirinn sa mheánaois luath’ [‘Magical texts in early medieval Ireland’] (translated into Irish by Pádraig Ó Fiannachta), Léachtaí Cholm Cille 30 (2000) 98-117; presented at Léachtaí Cholm Cille, Dingle, 10 April 1999.  It is also in this article that I read about the charms calling for the help of Goibniu and Dían Cécht, which I discussed in "How to Get Help from a Craftsman". Carey points out that Nuall Fer Fio is cited in a medieval text as an example of a cétnad, "hundred-poem"; a quasi-metrical verse form containing 100 stressed syllables.  He also cites Liam Breathnach's observation that the poem contains those hundred syllables if the Latin coda is omitted. This coda calls for the blessings of God and Christ.  I have omitted this section below, but you can read it in full, with a translation of the Latin by Mary Jones, on her Celtic Literature Collective.  I have made a few amendations to Meyer's translation. You can listen to the Old Irish, read by Isolde   Nuall Fer Fio Ed. by Kuno Meyer from two MSS (Laud 610 and Book of Ballymote). "Miscellany presented to John Macdonald Mackay". Liverpool, 1914. Ad-muiniur secht n-ingena trethan I call on the seven daughters of the sea, dolbtae snáithi macc n-áesmar. who shape the threads of long-lived children. Tri bás flaimm ro-ucaiter, Three deaths be taken from me, tri áes dom do-rataiter, three ages be given to me, secht tonna tocaid dom do-ra-dáilter! seven waves [of plenty] poured for me. Ním chollet messe fom chúairt May I not be molested on my journey i llúrig Lasréin cen léiniud! in my radiant breastplate / Breastplate of Lasrén without stain. Ní nassar mo chlú ar chel! May my name not be pledged in vain; dom-í-áes; May I have long life; nim thi bás comba sen! may death not come to me until I am old. Ad-muiniur m’Argetnia I call on my Silver Champion, nád bá nád bebe; who has not died and will not die; amser dom do-r-indnastar may time be granted to me findruini febe! of the quality of bronze. Ro orthar mo richt, May my double be slain ro saerthar mo recht, may my law be ennobled, ro mórthar mo nert, may my strength be increased, nip ellam mo lecht, may my tomb not be readied, nim thí bás for fecht, may I not die on my journey, ro firthar mo thecht! may my return be ensured to me. Ním ragba nathair díchonn, May the two-headed serpent not attack me, ná dorb dúrglass, nor the hard pale worm, ná doel díchuinn! nor the senseless beetle. Ním millither téol, May no thief attack me, ná cuire ban, nor a company of women, ná cuire buiden! nor a company of warriors. Dom-i urchar n-aimsire May I have increase of time ó Rig inna n-uile! from the king of all. Ad-muiniur Senach sechtaimserach I call on Senach of the seven ages, con-altatar mná side whom fairy women reared far bruinnib búais. on the breasts of good fortune. Ní báitter mo shechtchaindel! May my seven candles not be quenched. Am dun díthagail, I am an invincible fortress, am all anscuichthe, I am an immovable rock, am ha lógmar, I am a precious stone, am sen sechtmainech. I am the symbol of seven treasures. Roba chétach May I be [the man of] hundreds [of possessions], cétbliadnach, hundreds of years,   cach cét diib ar úair. each hundred in its [proper] time.

 Dindshenchas 12: A Magical Mystery Tour | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:30:15

Have your tickets ready for inspection and your guide-books open to page 1! To round off Series 3, we're going to discover some Dindshenchas gems in the Irish countryside. Join the Story Archaeologists as they take you on a magical mystery tour of mythic cartography, mapping myths as they go. Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts!  Related Articles will be posted in the days to come. Check our Reading List for further reading and resources. By The Story Archaeologists. Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.

 Dindshenchas 12: A Magical Mystery Tour | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:30:15

Have your tickets ready for inspection and your guide-books open to page 1! To round off Series 3, we're going to discover some Dindshenchas gems in the Irish countryside. Join the Story Archaeologists as they take you on a magical mystery tour of mythic cartography, mapping myths as they go. Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest posts!  Related Articles will be posted in the days to come. Check our Reading List for further reading and resources. By The Story Archaeologists. Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello.

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