To celebrate the autumn equinox, I would like to share with you one of my favorites songs, Gaoth Barra na dTonn. My favorite rendition is Clannad’s, but it’s a very beautiful and haunting example of ancient poetry put to more modern mediums. I’ve written out the lyrics, below.
Scrín an Chathaigh
The shrine of the 7th century Cathach of St Columba. The Cumdach (shrine) itself was initially completed between 1062-1098. The gilt face was added between 1350-1375. The Ó Domhnaill used the Cathach (Battler) as a talisman in battle, kept by Mac Robhartaigh.
@jamie_o1999 It’s such a masterpiece. To know that it’s been carried into battle numerous times over really lends to its presence. What an incredible creation by Gaelic hands.
@GrilledSand1es@runesword1 I think the key word here is nourishing. Life feeds on life, feeds on life. We are the villains for taking the ear, but villains need to eat too, y’know?
As much as I love @runesword1 and would 100% be one of his brigands, I can’t help but love this little goblin and feel the urge to shield him from the wrath of the Rune Sword. He would never be safe, though.
Scabbard found in Hallstatt (Grave 994), a Celtic sword from La Tène A period, 5th century BC, which could be a calendar depicting the war season...Thanks to @celtic_latene for the original pic...
@wylfcen I love that for the Celts, Ogma or Ogmios was depicted with a pierced tongue, having a chain attached from it to the ears of men. The god of language being able to lead men just using his tongue. Fascinating concept for such an ancient culture, just like the runes’ whispers.
Everyone needs to know the origin of the word “rune.” When ancient Germanics formed their own alphabet, they called the letters *rūnōz or “whispers,” because as your eyes followed them, they spoke to you, silently. Reading is magic to a people at the dawn of literacy, who haven’t yet learned to take the miracle for granted.
🇮🇪 🐟 The Salmon of Knowledge. An Bradán Feasa. In Irish lore, this wise salmon swam in the River Boyne, eating hazelnuts from the Well of Wisdom.
Fionn mac Cumhaill gained all knowledge after burning his thumb on it and sucking it.
W.B. Yeats captured its mythic power in 'Sailing to Byzantium' "The salmon-falls, the mackerel-crowded seas"
A true national symbol, the salmon graced Ireland’s coins for decades from the pre-decimal florin to the 10p piece.
Yet Ireland’s wild Atlantic salmon are now critically endangered.
Major threats include sea lice from open-net salmon farms, agricultural pollution & runoff destroying spawning grounds, river barriers blocking migration, and escaped farmed fish diluting wild genetics and poaching.
Time to protect this ancient symbol of wisdom. 🇮🇪
#SaveOurSalmon
This is where my Irish Temperate Rainforest borders the public road. All planted just 22 years ago. Proof if ever it was needed, that Nature is the sacred force that dominates!
@Portach333 Absolutely, it’s all so stunning!! It may not be the tallest mountain in Ireland, but it has such a presence and such an ancient history. Some people do it barefoot, which I genuinely could not fathom trying to do myself. XD Ireland is so photogenic, every bit of her.
@fiannafact@Portach333 That’s fair!! Most of what met my eye were spruce plantations, but I know there are nooks and crannies and small spots that still have the old growth rainforests!! I want to commit the rest of my life to helping to restore them where I can. Especially in old Luighne!
@Portach333@MartinCorryTD Of course! That’s one of the most beautiful court tombs in all of Ireland. It’s called Creevykeel/Craobhaí Chaol, the Narrow Branch. It’s also in Sligo. The full name is An Tuama Cúirte na Craobhaí Chaol. It really stuck with me! Medieval metalworking was done there, too!
@RockallisIrish Conchobhar, lover of hounds, one of the best names and epithets of all Gaelic names. Connor is my middle name, too. It couldn’t be more fitting, the dogs in my life have been such dear family. The Irish had such a profound connection to their canine companions.