Irish Mythology
What you'll learn
- You will have a working knowledge of the four cycles of Irish mythology, along with key themes, stories, characters and motifs.
- You will know many legends and famous tale from Irish mythology and be able to tell these to friends.
- You will gain a solid insight into the mindset and identity of the early Irish people.
- You will connect with an ancient culture and heritage.
Requirements
- All you need is an interest in the subject and a willingness to learn!
- While it is not essential, it is useful if you have already taken my course 'Ancient Ireland Culture and Society'
Description
Learn about Ireland's rich mythical past from the characters and stories of its Four Cycles of Irish Mythology.
From the mysterious Túatha Dé Danann and fairy-people of Irish folk-belief of the Mythological Cycle, we will travel north and witness the deeds of the boy warrior Cúchullain as we go through the Ulster Cycle, before tasting the Salmon of Knowledge and sleeping under the stars of Leinster with the mighty Fianna in the Fenian Cycle, and finally take a tour through the courts of famous kings as we bring our journey to a close with the Cycle of Kings.
These tales have been told around fires and at bedsides for millennia, speaking of ancient times; tales about the extraordinary other-worldy places, triumphant feats of heroes, of mysterious creatures and evil phantoms, of gods and kings, of maidens and of monsters.
From the dense forests of Ireland to its chilly mountain peaks and its rugged coastlines, Éire’s entire landscape screams out with the tales of her legends of the heroic sagas.
Chocked full of stories, analysis, and lots of useful resources this course will be your go-to reference archive for Irish Mythology.
This course is aimed at those who have little or no information about the myths of old Ireland, but is also detailed enough to engage those who are already fans and offer some new insights and perspectives.
There's also heaps of bonus materials and downloadable resources.
So what are you waiting for?
Begin your journey now...
Who this course is for:
- Everyone who likes world mythology, Irish heritage, and story telling.
- Anyone who wants to learn a lot more about a fascinating and rewarding subject.
Course content
- 03:19Are Myths Important?
- Preview04:18
- Preview07:10
- 02:03Christian Influence on the Myths
- 09:33Sources of Irish Mythology
Instructor
![Kevin Flanagan](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 64 64"%3E%3C/svg%3E){kind=avatar}
- 4.5 Instructor Rating
- 433 Reviews
- 1,539 Students
- 3 Courses
Hi and thanks for checking out my profile and course!
I'm delighted to have this opportunity to finally make these courses widely available online.
Having presented earlier versions at live events in Ireland, I wanted to make them available for everyone who wants to learn more about this fascinating area of study.
My series of courses cover a wide range of topics relating to Ancient Irish Culture and Society, ranging from its Customs and Social Structures, its advanced legal system of Brehon Laws, to its Mythologies and ancient Legends ripe with heroes, maidens and magic.
With an Academic Background in Law, I was first driven to take up this subject by a desire for greater social justice. My favorite subjects were Jurisprudence and Comparative Law, as they taught me how to view law, justice and society 'outside-the-box'.
I obtained my Masters in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics in 2019, and I bring my knowledge of these disciplines to the topics I discuss, adding my own unique flair and perspective.
Earlier academic experience includes basic certificate levels in: History, Classical Studies, Philosophy, Psychology, and Literature.
I was inspired when, in 2009, I first learned about Ireland's native system of justice. Realizing that it still had many lessons to teach us today, I devoted my attention to learning more about it.
During my studies I completed a thesis arguing for reform of the prison system based on the principles derived from Ireland's laws and customs. In 2012, I presented these views at Trinity College Dublin's Law Colloquium, in addition to being awarded 'Best Academic Performance' for that year. In 2013, I was a guest speaker of the first Conference on Early Irish Law at Maynooth University, Kildare, and earlier this year I gave a presentation at the traditional Béaltaine Fire Festival (May 2015).
Since graduating with my Degree in 2013 I have continued and broadened my research into Irish cultural heritage and the courses on offer are developed to guide you through step-by-step logical progression so that you get a really good grasp of all the topics covered.
I invite you to check out my courses and if you have any questions please get in touch.
Is mise le meas (I am with respect),
Kevin Flanagan.