Whisper of the Winds, Irish Mythology and Folklore

Amanda Cunningham

Whisper of the Winds, Cogar na Gaoithe Irish mythology & folklore Irish mythology has survived thousands of years through our oral tradition. Story telling, an ancient art combining poetry & history brings to life the tales of heroes & gods, of invasions and of the otherworld. Listen to epics, and the magic of Irish mythology and folklore that shaped our people &our culture. Amanda takes an ancient, highly respected tradition into 2025, with added terrible jokes, a dose of realism and some analysis, academic & … other. She also accepts pity caffeine www.buymeacoffee.com/whisperofthewinds

  1. Episode 19 - Lugh and Bres. Tuatha Dé Danann vs Fomorians

    05/04/2025

    Episode 19 - Lugh and Bres. Tuatha Dé Danann vs Fomorians

    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…

    20 min
  2. Episode 18 - Bealtaine

    05/01/2025

    Episode 18 - Bealtaine

    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.

    7 min
  3. Episode 17 - We Need to Talk About the Fomorians

    03/02/2025

    Episode 17 - We Need to Talk About the Fomorians

    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.

    33 min
  4. Episode 16 - Brigid

    02/14/2025

    Episode 16 - Brigid

    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 comments. I can only apologise on behalf of Dorothy because she unashamedly purred through this entire recording, and screeched loud enough to be heard through soundproofing when I ejected her from the office, I did what I could. This episode is in no way explicit, and I managed not to swear, but there is discussion of St Brigid’s Virginity and the miracles she performed in order to qualify for beatification, so if that isn’t something you’re comfortable with, no bother, sure we’ll chat to ya next time when we’re back with the Tuatha Dé Danann in the mythological cycle.

    43 min
  5. Episode 15 - Tuatha Dé Danann - The Kingship of Bres

    02/02/2025

    Episode 15 - Tuatha Dé Danann - The Kingship of Bres

    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 gods, under his disasterous rule. And there’s jokes.

    46 min
  6. Episode 14 - Conquest of the Tuatha Dé Danann

    01/15/2025

    Episode 14 - Conquest of the Tuatha Dé Danann

    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), and the subsequent four-day Battle at Moytura. Key events include the Tuatha Dé Dé's arrival in magical mists, their initial offer to share the island, the Firbolg's refusal, and the eventual defeat of the Firbolg. The battle resulted in significant casualties on both sides, including the maiming of the Tuatha Dé king Nuada, who lost his arm. Amanda also discusses the historical and archaeological evidence for these events, including debates about the battle's location and the nature of the Tuatha Dé themselves - whether they were gods, Supernatural beings, or simply an advanced Bronze Age people.

    34 min
  7. Episode 13 - Nollaig na mban, Women’s Christmas

    01/05/2025

    Episode 13 - Nollaig na mban, Women’s Christmas

    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.

    11 min
  8. Episode 12 - An Irish New Year

    12/31/2024

    Episode 12 - An Irish New Year

    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 then. This episode includes both ancient customs and more modern adaptations, with particular attention to activities that are believed to influence luck throughout the coming year.

    18 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Whisper of the Winds, Cogar na Gaoithe Irish mythology & folklore Irish mythology has survived thousands of years through our oral tradition. Story telling, an ancient art combining poetry & history brings to life the tales of heroes & gods, of invasions and of the otherworld. Listen to epics, and the magic of Irish mythology and folklore that shaped our people &our culture. Amanda takes an ancient, highly respected tradition into 2025, with added terrible jokes, a dose of realism and some analysis, academic & … other. She also accepts pity caffeine www.buymeacoffee.com/whisperofthewinds

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