Irish folklore

mary-annef · Post by **mary-annef** » 26 Mar 2020, 04:11

This is the first time I've heard reference to cannibalism during the Irish famine but it makes complete sense. I was initially sceptical of the memorial as a real motivation for endangering oneself but then I recalled my visit to Ireland. I remember being struck by how people talked about the famine as though it was recent history or something they had lived through themselves. There are theories of trauma being inherited and passed down generations. The book got me thinking about how that might be true.

Leyla Ann · Post by **Leyla Ann** » 26 Mar 2020, 08:01

I find myths to be quite intriguing, and I believe that they add more charm to the story.

wendilou49 · Post by **wendilou49** » 26 Mar 2020, 08:27

I like to think of leprechauns as being cute and friendly. In my mind, they run around making jokes and having fun but not causing trouble. Cute little guys! And I love the fantasy aspect folklore added to this book. I remember as a kid lying in the grass looking for a 4-leaf clover. Magic!

AntonelaMaria · Post by **AntonelaMaria** » 26 Mar 2020, 14:17

ivana7 wrote: ↑25 Mar 2020, 02:13 I haven't read the book, but I adore Irish mythology, history and culture, so I'm very interested in it and can't wait to read it!

I hope to enjoy it. It is not a perfect five-star read for me but it was an interesting take on some relatable subjects with an okay cast of characters.

Happy reading!

AntonelaMaria · Post by **AntonelaMaria** » 26 Mar 2020, 14:21

freshbook wrote: ↑24 Mar 2020, 16:31 I think these themes complement the genre of the book very well. However, I personally am not a history buff and do not enjoy reading history. It did make me curious to learn more about Irish culture, but I most likely will not pursue my curiosity.

Either you are a very positive half glass full person or this book is that good that can a non-history reader curious about subjects that are in it. Or maybe both?! The little that I explored and researched about Irish myths outside this book is that it is filled with some scary and dark beings. So add that to your list too.

AntonelaMaria · Post by **AntonelaMaria** » 26 Mar 2020, 14:24

mary-annef wrote: ↑26 Mar 2020, 04:11 This is the first time I've heard reference to cannibalism during the Irish famine but it makes complete sense. I was initially sceptical of the memorial as a real motivation for endangering oneself but then I recalled my visit to Ireland. I remember being struck by how people talked about the famine as though it was recent history or something they had lived through themselves. There are theories of trauma being inherited and passed down generations. The book got me thinking about how that might be true.

"This is the first time I've heard reference to cannibalism during the Irish famine but it makes complete sense."
I think so too. I felt that was very obvious so why didn't I come about that earlier. Now I am curious about passed down trauma.

Raycheal+2020 · Post by **Raycheal+2020** » 26 Mar 2020, 14:35

I haven't read much of Irish culture related books. However, the detailed descriptions of past events from Ireland piqued my interest. If I wasn't a fan of Irish folklore and culture, I am now.

The ghost stories were scary

and realistic, but I just couldn't run away from the book.

HanElizabeth397 · Post by **HanElizabeth397** » 29 Mar 2020, 08:26

I read somewhere that the idea of fairies (or fae) being slightly darker or more evil came from Irish Folklore

AntonelaMaria · Post by **AntonelaMaria** » 29 Mar 2020, 08:46

Raycheal+2020 wrote: ↑26 Mar 2020, 14:35 I haven't read much of Irish culture related books. However, the detailed descriptions of past events from Ireland piqued my interest. If I wasn't a fan of Irish folklore and culture, I am now.

The ghost stories were scary and realistic, but I just couldn't run away from the book.

I know right, so scary. But then again I find most of the myths scary.

funninessishappiness · Post by **funninessishappiness** » 30 Mar 2020, 20:40

I am an American citizen, but my mother is Irish. She has the accent and everything. I grew up with Irish stories my whole life. I even know the Ireland's national anthem. One of the most popular ones I remember is the scary legend of seeing your doppelganger. In Irish folklore, if you ever see someone that looks exactly like you it means you will die soon, usually in a horrific fashion. There is also the screaming banshee, which almost everyone has heard of. I love that my culture and I'm glad that others can learn about it too.

Maa1 · Post by **Maa1** » 30 Mar 2020, 23:07

think these themes complement the genre of the book very well. I remember being struck by how people talked about the famine as though it was recent history or something they had lived through themselves.

AntonelaMaria · Post by **AntonelaMaria** » 31 Mar 2020, 07:41

funninessishappiness wrote: ↑30 Mar 2020, 20:40 I am an American citizen, but my mother is Irish. She has the accent and everything. I grew up with Irish stories my whole life. I even know the Ireland's national anthem. One of the most popular ones I remember is the scary legend of seeing your doppelganger. In Irish folklore, if you ever see someone that looks exactly like you it means you will die soon, usually in a horrific fashion. There is also the screaming banshee, which almost everyone has heard of. I love that my culture and I'm glad that others can learn about it too.

Whaaat? I didn't knew that one. Wow. Wait, is there an Irish legend or myth story that isn't scary? Or has such dark undertones? Thank you for sharing and I think it is important that we know and cherish our ancestors and cultures that we come from.

Mai Tran · Post by **Mai Tran** » 31 Mar 2020, 10:58

I wasn't at all familiar with Irish folklore until I read the book. The ghost stories were fascinating, and the famine was heart-breaking to read.

AntonelaMaria · Post by **AntonelaMaria** » 31 Mar 2020, 14:21

TuyetMai wrote: ↑31 Mar 2020, 10:58 I wasn't at all familiar with Irish folklore until I read the book. The ghost stories were fascinating, and the famine was heart-breaking to read.

Yes, and as I so far learned is that Irish mythology is full of them.

Nnlibby · Post by **Nnlibby** » 31 Mar 2020, 14:51

I am real big on history and ancestry. As a descendant of Alastair Mackrorie, who was a POW shipped to the colonies during the Battle of Worcester, it was great to read the correct lore in a book. It shows the author did her homework studying the history. Ghost stories always stem from an actual event. As the years go on, the story gets told better.