Podcast Title: The Ancients
Episode: Irish Mythology
Host: Tristan Hughes
Guest: Anthony Murphy
Release Date: July 24, 2025

Introduction to Irish Mythology

In this captivating episode of The Ancients, host Tristan Hughes welcomes renowned Irish mythology expert Anthony Murphy to delve deep into the rich tapestry of Ireland's ancient stories. Anthony, a non-academic scholar with decades of dedicated research, shares his profound insights into how Irish mythology intertwines with Ireland's prehistoric sites, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the nation's mythological landscape.

The Origins and Preservation of Irish Myths

Anthony Murphy opens the discussion by highlighting the vastness of Irish mythology, comparing its richness to classical Greek and Roman traditions. He notes that many Irish myths have survived primarily because Christian monks painstakingly documented them during the medieval period. This preservation was no small feat, given the intrinsic tension between the pagan narratives and the Christian worldview of the scribes.

Anthony Murphy [05:46]: "Most of what survives in terms of Irish mythological material... was written down by Christian monks in the Middle Ages."

He further emphasizes that beyond the written records, a treasure trove of folklore has been orally transmitted through generations, keeping the ancient stories alive into the modern era.

The Four Cycles of Irish Mythology

Anthony elucidates the scholarly categorization of Irish myths into four distinct cycles:

1. Mythological Cycle: Focuses on the ancient gods and their interactions.
2. Ulster Cycle: Centers around heroic tales, notably the Táin Bó Cúailnge (Cattle Raid of Cooley).
3. Finn Cycle: Revolves around the hero Finn and his warrior band, the Fianna.
4. Kings' Cycle: Chronicles the lives and reigns of Ireland's historical kings.

He cautions against rigidly boxing these stories, as they often interweave and crossover, reflecting the fluid nature of oral traditions.

Anthony Murphy [06:04]: "Trying to neatly fit them into boxes is something that academic scholars like to do. But in fact, you find that they're not necessarily neatly constrained."

The Tuatha Dé Danann and the Fomorians

A significant portion of the episode delves into the epic saga of the Tuatha Dé Danann—the god-like beings who once ruled Ireland—and their eternal struggle against the Fomorians, a race of adversarial giants. Anthony draws parallels between these myths and similar narratives in other cultures, such as the Greek Gigantomachy.

Anthony Murphy [51:35]: "The leader of the Fomorians, an individual called Balor, Balor of the Baleful Eye... is something you definitely did not want to see."

He intriguingly connects Balor's fearsome eye to the iconic Eye of Sauron from Lord of the Rings, suggesting that such archetypal symbols emerge from universal human consciousness.

Linking Mythology to Prehistoric Sites

Anthony passionately discusses the symbiotic relationship between Irish myths and the country's ancient monuments. He cites the passage tomb at Newgrange and the Hill of Tara as prime examples where mythological tales provide a narrative context to these archaeological wonders.

One standout story is the Incest of Brú na Bóinne:

Anthony Murphy [14:54]: "Genetic scientists... revealed that a man buried inside the chamber of Newgrange... was the product of first-degree incestuous union."

This revelation underscores the possibility that ancient myths encapsulate real historical events or practices, bridging the gap between legend and reality.

The She Mounds and Eternal Mythos

The concept of the "she mounds" is explored as the mystical realms where the Tuatha Dé Danann reside after their defeat by the Milesians—the mortal invaders who represent the ancestors of modern Irish people. Anthony posits that these mounds are not merely mythical but correspond to actual Neolithic structures like Newgrange, blurring the lines between mythology and archaeology.

Anthony Murphy [46:53]: "Newgrange is a 12th-century name... the old name of the monument was Sí Deargach... literally, we have that word 'sí' in the original name."

He elaborates on how these sacred sites were central to medieval Irish kingship, serving both spiritual and political purposes by legitimizing the rulers through divine associations.

The Salmon of Knowledge and Heroic Transformation

One of the episode's highlights is the exploration of the Salmon of Knowledge myth, detailing the transformative journey of the young hero Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn MacCool). Anthony narrates how Fionn gains unparalleled wisdom by accidentally consuming a salmon blessed with all the world's knowledge.

Anthony Murphy [58:22]: "He puts the fish on a spit, turns it over the fire, and everything's going well... he burnt his thumb... and immediately he put his thumb in his mouth... he gains all the knowledge of the salmon."

This myth not only exemplifies the themes of sacrifice and transformation but also highlights the deep connection between nature and wisdom in Irish folklore.

Anthony Murphy's Contributions and Resources

Towards the episode's conclusion, Anthony shares details about his extensive work in the field of Irish mythology. He promotes his website, MythicalIreland.com, which boasts a plethora of resources including articles, videos, and books. Additionally, listeners are encouraged to engage with his YouTube channel and live streams for ongoing explorations of Irish myths.

Anthony Murphy [66:46]: "I've written 10 books, mostly nonfiction, some fiction. Probably the best one to start with is the one called Mythical Ireland, New Light on the Ancient Past."

Final Thoughts

Tristan Hughes wraps up the episode by expressing his admiration for Anthony Murphy's expertise and the depth of Irish mythology. He hints at future episodes that will further unravel the intricate stories of heroes, battles, and mystical creatures that populate Ireland's ancient narratives.

Tristan Hughes [69:00]: "Anthony is absolutely extraordinary. ... Irish mythology could be a series in its own right."

Conclusion

This episode of The Ancients offers an immersive journey into Irish mythology, skillfully bridging the gap between legend and archaeological reality. Anthony Murphy's profound knowledge and engaging storytelling provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of how Ireland's ancient myths continue to shape its cultural and historical identity.

Notable Quotes:

• Anthony Murphy [05:46]: "Most of what survives in terms of Irish mythological material... was written down by Christian monks in the Middle Ages."

• Anthony Murphy [06:04]: "Trying to neatly fit them into boxes is something that academic scholars like to do. But in fact, you find that they're not necessarily neatly constrained."

• Anthony Murphy [51:35]: "The leader of the Fomorians, an individual called Balor, Balor of the Baleful Eye... is something you definitely did not want to see."

• Anthony Murphy [14:54]: "Genetic scientists... revealed that a man buried inside the chamber of Newgrange... was the product of first-degree incestuous union."

• Anthony Murphy [46:53]: "Newgrange is a 12th-century name... the old name of the monument was Sí Deargach... literally, we have that word 'sí' in the original name."

• Anthony Murphy [58:22]: "He puts the fish on a spit, turns it over the fire, and everything's going well... he burnt his thumb... and immediately he put his thumb in his mouth... he gains all the knowledge of the salmon."

• Anthony Murphy [66:46]: "I've written 10 books, mostly nonfiction, some fiction. Probably the best one to start with is the one called Mythical Ireland, New Light on the Ancient Past."

• Tristan Hughes [69:00]: "Anthony is absolutely extraordinary. ... Irish mythology could be a series in its own right."

Resources Mentioned

• Website: MythicalIreland.com
• Book: Mythical Ireland, New Light on the Ancient Past by Anthony Murphy
• YouTube: Mythical Ireland Channel

For those fascinated by the ancient tales that have shaped Ireland's cultural heritage, this episode provides both a scholarly perspective and engaging narratives that breathe life into the myths of yore.