Episodes

  • Welcome back to the Candlelit Tales podcast.

    This episode continues our new series on the greatest High King in mythological, pseudo-historical memory: Cormac Mac Airt.

    This episode brings us to the beginning of the end for Cormac. As the king aged, and believed that his greatest adventures were behind him, Bealtaine brought with it an invitation for the most extraordinary journey of his life.

    Please note the content of these stories may be triggering for some listeners, please take care of yourself as you listen. This story includes mentions of parental abandonment, abduction, and separation.

    This podcast is proudly sponsored by the people who donate to us each month via
    https://www.patreon.com/candlelittales and anyone who sends us a once-off donation through the Paypal button on our website http://candlelittales.ie/

    Find details of our upcoming shows here: https://candlelittales.ie/performances/

  • Welcome back to the Candlelit Tales podcast.

    This episode continues our new series on the greatest High King in mythological, pseudo-historical memory: Cormac Mac Airt.

    This episode tells the second part of last week’s story ‘Fire and Fury’ where we were introduced to some of Cormac’s struggles as a High King who was not a fighting man. Insulted by the Ulster men, he had conceded the Kingship rather than pose a direct conflict. But his mother pointed out, he found himself needing to curry favour for a much greater fight. And two men from Munster would help him. But he trusted neither, and he as it turned out, was not to be trusted either.

    Please note the content of these stories may be triggering for some listeners, please take care of yourself as you listen. This story includes mentions of public humiliation, violence, and violent death.

    This podcast is proudly sponsored by the people who donate to us each month via
    https://www.patreon.com/candlelittales and anyone who sends us a once-off donation through the Paypal button on our website http://candlelittales.ie/

    Find details of our upcoming shows here: https://candlelittales.ie/performances/

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  • Welcome back to the Candlelit Tales podcast.

    As this episode is released on the first of May, also called Bealtaine, we decided to take a break from our current series on Cormac Mac Airt, and talk you through some of what we’ve learned over the years of telling stories about this fire festival.

    We recorded a video to go along with this talk, and you can find that over on our YouTube channel. We’d love if you could check it out and let us know what you think!

    Sorcha mentions the book “The Year in Ireland” by Kevin Danaher, and we’d highly recommend you try and get your hands on it if you’re interested in this topic, though it is currently out of print. Eithne Massey’s “The Turning of the Year” is also a lovely volume, combining information about the seasonal celebrations with folktales and myths linked to particular times of year.

    Please note the content of these stories may be triggering for some listeners, please take care of yourself as you listen. This podcast includes Sorcha’s idea of what jokes are, which may be painfully cringe for some listeners.

    This podcast is proudly sponsored by the people who donate to us each month via
    https://www.patreon.com/candlelittales and anyone who sends us a once-off donation through the Paypal button on our website http://candlelittales.ie/

    Find details of our upcoming shows here: https://candlelittales.ie/performances/

  • Welcome back to the Candlelit Tales podcast.

    This episode continues our new series on the greatest High King in mythological, pseudo-historical memory: Cormac Mac Airt.

    This episode tells the story of Cormac’s struggles. Now that he had gained the kingship, he found he had to hold it, and he had promised that he would hold it with wisdom and justice, rather than violence. This proved a difficult task, with warriors from the North who claimed his leniency was a sign of weakness.

    Please note the content of these stories may be triggering for some listeners, please take care of yourself as you listen. This story includes mentions of public humiliation, violence, and violent death.

    This podcast is proudly sponsored by the people who donate to us each month via
    https://www.patreon.com/candlelittales and anyone who sends us a once-off donation through the Paypal button on our website http://candlelittales.ie/

    Find details of our upcoming shows here: https://candlelittales.ie/performances/

  • Welcome back to the Candlelit Tales podcast.

    This episode continues our new series on the greatest High King in mythological, pseudo-historical memory: Cormac Mac Airt.

    This episode tells the story of Cormac’s meeting with his beloved Eithne, and the tragic tale of what her feckless relatives did to her beloved foster father.

    Please note the content of these stories may be triggering for some listeners, please take care of yourself as you listen. This story includes mentions of poverty, injustice, and destitution.

    This podcast is proudly sponsored by the people who donate to us each month via
    https://www.patreon.com/candlelittales and anyone who sends us a once-off donation through the Paypal button on our website http://candlelittales.ie/

    Find details of our upcoming shows here: https://candlelittales.ie/performances/

  • Welcome back to the Candlelit Tales podcast.

    This episode continues our new series on the greatest High King in mythological, pseudo-historical memory: Cormac Mac Airt.

    In this episode, young Cormac begins to come into his power at Tara, using his greatest kingly gift of judgement to prove his worth.

    Please note the content of these stories may be triggering for some listeners, please take care of yourself as you listen. This story includes mentions of poverty, injustice, and destitution.

    This podcast is proudly sponsored by the people who donate to us each month via
    https://www.patreon.com/candlelittales and anyone who sends us a once-off donation through the Paypal button on our website http://candlelittales.ie/

    Find details of our upcoming shows here: https://candlelittales.ie/performances/

    https://www.youtube.com/c/CandlelitTales
    https://open.spotify.com/show/2102WuUUe9Jl6cGXNwQEKf
    https://soundcloud.com/candlelittales
    https://twitter.com/candlelit_tales?lang=en
    https://www.facebook.com/candlelittales
    https://www.instagram.com/candlelittales
    https://vimeo.com/user52850249
    https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/00d5c29b-ee1a-4078-aacf-62e1a94522dc/candlelit-tales-irish-mythology-podcast

  • Welcome back to the Candlelit Tales podcast.

    This episode continues our new series on the greatest High King in mythological, pseudo-historical memory: Cormac Mac Airt.

    We meet Cormac’s mother, Achtan the druid’s daughter, and discover the origins of the child who would one day be the High King of Ireland.

    Please note the content of these stories may be triggering for some listeners, please take care of yourself as you listen. This story includes mentions of pregnancy, child endangerment, and death.

    This podcast is proudly sponsored by the people who donate to us each month via
    https://www.patreon.com/candlelittales and anyone who sends us a once-off donation through the Paypal button on our website http://candlelittales.ie/

    Please find details of our upcoming shows here: https://candlelittales.ie/performances/

    https://www.youtube.com/c/CandlelitTales
    https://open.spotify.com/show/2102WuUUe9Jl6cGXNwQEKf
    https://soundcloud.com/candlelittales
    https://twitter.com/candlelit_tales?lang=en
    https://www.facebook.com/candlelittales
    https://www.instagram.com/candlelittales
    https://vimeo.com/user52850249
    https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/00d5c29b-ee1a-4078-aacf-62e1a94522dc/candlelit-tales-irish-mythology-podcast

  • Welcome back to the Candlelit Tales podcast.

    In this episode, we are kicking off a new series on the greatest High King in mythological, pseudo-historical memory: Cormac Mac Airt.

    We meet Cormac’s mother, Achtan the druid’s daughter, and discover the origins of the child who would one day be High King of Ireland.

    Please note the content of these stories may be triggering for some listeners, please take care of yourself as you listen. This story includes mentions of pregnancy, child endangerment, and death.

    This podcast is proudly sponsored by the people who donate to us each month via
    https://www.patreon.com/candlelittales and anyone who sends us a once-off donation through the Paypal button on our website http://candlelittales.ie/

    Find details of our upcoming shows here: https://candlelittales.ie/performances/

    https://www.youtube.com/c/CandlelitTales https://open.spotify.com/show/2102WuUUe9Jl6cGXNwQEKf https://soundcloud.com/candlelittales https://twitter.com/candlelit_tales?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/candlelittales https://www.instagram.com/candlelittales https://vimeo.com/user52850249 https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/00d5c29b-ee1a-4078-aacf-62e1a94522dc/candlelit-tales-irish-mythology-podcast

  • Welcome back to the Candlelit Tales Podcast.

    As Spring is in full swing, and Aron and Sorcha are off gallivanting across the Pond (see our website for show dates if you’re in the New York/Vermont area at the time this podcast goes out!) we present to you collaboration with one of our favourite humans.

    This is the story of the Intoxication of the Ulstermen, and it’s the story that sprung to mind when we thought of this musician doing the score. This story is a stomper and a mad one and Fancy Dan is similarly magically mad and brings the element of stomp to all the shows he creates.

    Find Dan’s handle and music here:
    https://www.instagram.com/fancydanmusic/

    This podcast is proudly sponsored by the people who donate to us each month via
    https://www.patreon.com/candlelittales and anyone who sends us a once-off donation through the Paypal button on our website http://candlelittales.ie/

    Please note the content of these stories may be triggering for some listeners, please take care of yourself as you listen.

    Triggers include mentions of implied emotional abuse, depression, violence, and murder.

    https://www.youtube.com/c/CandlelitTales
    https://open.spotify.com/show/2102WuUUe9Jl6cGXNwQEKf
    https://soundcloud.com/candlelittales
    https://twitter.com/candlelit_tales?lang=en
    https://www.facebook.com/candlelittales
    https://www.instagram.com/candlelittales
    https://vimeo.com/user52850249
    https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/00d5c29b-ee1a-4078-aacf-62e1a94522dc/candlelit-tales-irish-mythology-podcast

  • Welcome back to the Candlelit Tales Podcast.

    As Spring is in full swing, and Aron and Sorcha are still off gallivanting across the Pond and sharing stories with the Irish diaspora in Canada for the first time, we decided to post a special St. Patrick's Day episode today.

    It is a story that links in the old faith to the conversion of the new, and has one of the greatest heroes of the Fianna telling this famous saint all about his family and friends. The saint wrote it all down, and that's how we know the stories are true. A saint wouldn't lie!

    This podcast is proudly sponsored by the people who donate to us each month via
    https://www.patreon.com/candlelittales and anyone who sends us a once-off donation through the Paypal button on our website http://candlelittales.ie/

    Please note the content of these stories may be triggering for some listeners, please take care of yourself as you listen.

    Triggers include mentions of implied emotional abuse, depression, violence, and murder.

  • Welcome back to the Candlelit Tales Podcast.

    As Spring is in full swing, and Aron and Sorcha are off gallivanting across the Pond (see our website for show dates if you’re in the New York/Vermont area at the time this podcast goes out!) we present to you a terrible love story that ends terribly for everyone involved.

    This is the story of a woman who hid her heart so well that she hid it from herself, and what happened when she tried to break free. To learn more about the origins and sources for this story, and Sorcha’s process in writing it, check out our patreon where there is a bonus “writing of” episode.

    This podcast is proudly sponsored by the people who donate to us each month via
    https://www.patreon.com/candlelittales and anyone who sends us a once-off donation through the Paypal button on our website http://candlelittales.ie/

    Please note the content of these stories may be triggering for some listeners, please take care of yourself as you listen.

    Triggers include mentions of implied emotional abuse, depression, violence, and murder.

    https://www.youtube.com/c/CandlelitTales
    https://open.spotify.com/show/2102WuUUe9Jl6cGXNwQEKf
    https://soundcloud.com/candlelittales
    https://twitter.com/candlelit_tales?lang=en
    https://www.facebook.com/candlelittales
    https://www.instagram.com/candlelittales
    https://vimeo.com/user52850249
    https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/00d5c29b-ee1a-4078-aacf-62e1a94522dc/candlelit-tales-irish-mythology-podcast

  • Welcome back to the Candlelit Tales podcast.

    In this series, we looked back at an old story, or set of stories, and told it in a new way, from a lot of different perspectives. We called this the Táin Mosaic, as the shattered fragments of this story can be put back together in a multiplicity of ways, and we decided to shine a light on some of the lesser-known characters within the story.

    Please note the content of these stories may be triggering for some listeners, please take care of yourself as you listen.


    This podcast is proudly sponsored by the people who donate to us each month via
    https://www.patreon.com/candlelittales and anyone who sends us a once-off donation through the Paypal button on our website http://candlelittales.ie/

    Find details of our upcoming shows here: https://candlelittales.ie/performances/

  • Welcome back to the Candlelit Tales podcast.

    This is the final episode of our Táin Mosaic series. In this series, we looked back at an old story, or set of stories, and told it in a new way, from a lot of different perspectives. We called this the Táin Mosaic, as the shattered fragments of this story can be put back together in a multiplicity of ways, and we decided to shine a light on some of the lesser-known characters within the story.

    We’re delighted to have artwork for this episode from Maria Magee, you can find more from her @mariamagee.ie on Instagram

    Please note the content of these stories may be triggering for some listeners, please take care of yourself as you listen. This story includes mentions of violence, death, and animal death.

    This podcast is proudly sponsored by the people who donate to us each month via
    https://www.patreon.com/candlelittales and anyone who sends us a once-off donation through the Paypal button on our website http://candlelittales.ie/

    Find details of our upcoming shows here: https://candlelittales.ie/performances/

  • Welcome back to the Candlelit Tales podcast.

    In this episode, we are going right back to before the beginning, where the seeds of this conflict were planted before any of the participants were even born. This is also, ultimately, a conflict between two individuals. If you've missed the earlier episodes, go back to catch up from the start.

    This is the conclusion of a brand new series. In this series, we are looking back at an old story, or set of stories and telling it in a new way, from a lot of different perspectives. We are calling this the Táin Mosaic, as the shattered fragments of this story can be put back together in a multiplicity of ways, and we decided to shine a light on some of the lesser known characters within the story.

    Please note the content of these stories may be triggering for some listeners, please take care of yourself as you listen. This story includes mentions of violence, unending conflict, sudden death, and animal death.

    This podcast is proudly sponsored by the people who donate to us each month via
    https://www.patreon.com/candlelittales and anyone who sends us a once-off donation through the Paypal button on our website http://candlelittales.ie/

    Find details of our upcoming shows here: https://candlelittales.ie/performances/

  • Welcome back to the Candlelit Tales podcast.

    In this episode, we are taking the perspective of Conchubar Mac Nessa’s youngest son, Follman. Follman’s story is a particularly tragic one, as he has experienced huge loss in his young life, and does not survive the War. If you've missed the earlier episodes, go back to catch up from the start.

    This is part of a brand new series. In this series, we are looking back at an old story, or set of stories and telling it in a new way, from a lot of different perspectives. We are calling this the Táin Mosaic, as the shattered fragments of this story can be put back together in a multiplicity of ways, and we decided to shine a light on some of the lesser known characters within the story.

    Please note the content of these stories may be triggering for some listeners, please take care of yourself as you listen. This story includes mentions of violence, death, mutilation, child soldiers, implied child death.

    This podcast is proudly sponsored by the people who donate to us each month via
    https://www.patreon.com/candlelittales and anyone who sends us a once-off donation through the Paypal button on our website http://candlelittales.ie/

    Find details of our upcoming shows here: https://candlelittales.ie/performances/

  • Welcome back to the Candlelit Tales podcast.

    This week, we are taking a break from our Táin Mosaic series to check in with the Goddess, and Saint, Brigid. The first day of February, also known as Imbolg, has always been associated with Brigid, and commemorated in folk practice. Cloaks are hung out the evening before to catch some of her healing magic, and crosses are woven from reeds, as the first flowers are said to bud in the wake of her footsteps across the land.

    Aron and Sorcha also had a conversation about this podcast, and about Brigid more generally, which we are releasing simultaneously over on Patreon.

    Please note the content of these stories may be triggering for some listeners, please take care of yourself as you listen. This story includes mentions of violence, death, and child death.

    This podcast is proudly sponsored by the people who donate to us each month via
    https://www.patreon.com/candlelittales and anyone who sends us a once-off donation through the Paypal button on our website http://candlelittales.ie/

    Find details of our upcoming shows here: https://candlelittales.ie/performances/

    https://www.youtube.com/c/CandlelitTales https://open.spotify.com/show/2102WuUUe9Jl6cGXNwQEKf https://soundcloud.com/candlelittales https://twitter.com/candlelit_tales?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/candlelittales https://www.instagram.com/candlelittales https://vimeo.com/user52850249 https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/00d5c29b-ee1a-4078-aacf-62e1a94522dc/candlelit-tales-irish-mythology-podcast

  • Welcome back to the Candlelit Tales podcast.

    In this episode, we are hearing from Medbh and Aillil’s daughter, Finnibhear, whose hand in marriage was offered to any warrior who would take on Cuchulainn in single combat. If you've missed the earlier episodes, go back to catch up from the start.

    This is part of a brand new series. In this series, we are looking back at an old story, or set of stories and telling it in a new way, from a lot of different perspectives. We are calling this the Táin Mosaic, as the shattered fragments of this story can be put back together in a multiplicity of ways, and we decided to shine a light on some of the lesser known characters within the story.

    Please note the content of these stories may be triggering for some listeners, please take care of yourself as you listen. This story includes mentions of violence, death, loss of autonomy, implied forced marriage, and implied suicide.

    This podcast is proudly sponsored by the people who donate to us each month via
    https://www.patreon.com/candlelittales and anyone who sends us a once-off donation through the Paypal button on our website http://candlelittales.ie/

    Find details of our upcoming shows here: https://candlelittales.ie/performances/

  • Welcome back to the Candlelit Tales podcast.

    In this episode, we are spending some more time with a character we last met in The Muster: Fraech. Fraech is the kind of character who would have been one of the greatest warriors of Irish mythology if he hadn’t happened to meet Cuhculainn in this story. If you've missed the earlier episodes, go back to catch up from the start.

    This is part of a brand new series. In this series, we are looking back at an old story, or set of stories and telling it in a new way, from a lot of different perspectives. We are calling this the Táin Mosaic, as the shattered fragments of this story can be put back together in a multiplicity of ways, and we decided to shine a light on some of the lesser known characters within the story.

    Please note the content of these stories may be triggering for some listeners, please take care of yourself as you listen. This story includes mentions of violence, warfare, and sudden character death.

    This podcast is proudly sponsored by the people who donate to us each month via
    https://www.patreon.com/candlelittales and anyone who sends us a once-off donation through the Paypal button on our website http://candlelittales.ie/

    Find details of our upcoming shows here: https://candlelittales.ie/performances/

  • Welcome back to the Candlelit Tales podcast.

    In this episode, we come to the initial part of the war for the Brown Bull, and a campaign of guerilla warfare carried out by Cuchulainn. If you've missed the earlier episodes, go back to catch up from the start.

    This is part of a brand new series. In this series, we are looking back at an old story, or set of stories and telling it in a new way, from a lot of different perspectives. We are calling this the Táin Mosaic, as the shattered fragments of this story can be put back together in a multiplicity of ways, and we decided to shine a light on some of the lesser known characters within the story.

    Please note the content of these stories may be triggering for some listeners, please take care of yourself as you listen. This story includes mentions of violence, death, and mutilation of bodies.

    This podcast is proudly sponsored by the people who donate to us each month via
    https://www.patreon.com/candlelittales and anyone who sends us a once-off donation through the Paypal button on our website http://candlelittales.ie/

    Find details of our upcoming shows here: https://candlelittales.ie/performances/

  • Welcome back to the Candlelit Tales podcast.

    In this episode, we are catching up with Cuchulainn’s chariot driver Leag, as he has a few frustrated thoughts ahead of Meadbh’s army arriving in Ulster for the raid on the Brown Bull of Cooley. If you've missed the first three episodes, go back to Episode 230 to catch up from the start.

    In this series, we are looking back at an old story, or set of stories, and telling it in a new way, from a lot of different perspectives. We are calling this the Táin Mosaic, as the shattered fragments of this story can be put back together in a multiplicity of ways, and we decided to shine a light on some of the lesser-known characters within the story.

    Please note the content of these stories may be triggering for some listeners, please take care of yourself as you listen.

    This podcast is proudly sponsored by the people who donate to us each month via
    https://www.patreon.com/candlelittales and anyone who sends us a once-off donation through the Paypal button on our website http://candlelittales.ie/

    Find details of our upcoming shows here: https://candlelittales.ie/performances/

    https://www.youtube.com/c/CandlelitTales
    https://open.spotify.com/show/2102WuUUe9Jl6cGXNwQEKf
    https://soundcloud.com/candlelittales
    https://twitter.com/candlelit_tales?lang=en
    https://www.facebook.com/candlelittales
    https://www.instagram.com/candlelittales
    https://vimeo.com/user52850249
    https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/00d5c29b-ee1a-4078-aacf-62e1a94522dc/candlelit-tales-irish-mythology-podcast