| Traditions et Legends |
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Irish
mythology has a great importance in European myths. It is the oldest
mythology written in the people’s language, not in a classical language
which could be understood only by literate people. The oldest texts
seem to go back to the 7th century although it is not known when the
oral tradition goes back to. The Táin (Táin Bó Cuailnge) is the most
famous of Irish epic poems, in which the reader will encounter warriors
who can be compared to the Knights of the Round Table. At a time |
when
people would sat down around the fireplace for a story telling, the
reading of the Táin could take up to a week. The theme of the poem is a
war between the realm of Ulster and the realm of Connaught. Additional
tales include the Three Sorrowful Tales of Ireland, of which the story
of Deirdre (a feminine Irish name which means sorrow) is probably one
of the most beautiful love stories of Irish literature.
The visitor to Ireland has not to be surprised if items such as a pipe
or toothbrush mysteriously disappear. He has probably been tricked by a
leprechaun. A leprechaun is a tiny imp, all dressed in green and a very
cheeky character. Officially the shoemaker of the gods, his greatest
pleasure is to play tricks on people. Although he repairs only one shoe
in a pair, he is very good at catching thieves or miserly people. Also
guardian of the treasures of the elves, the leprechaun makes rainbows
indicating pots of gold appear and disappear. You had better be friends
with him, so you might want to try and treat him with an apple pie, a
portion of Irish stew or a slice of grilled bread with cheese… |
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