Tumgik
#forfedaproject
forfeda-project · 2 months
Text
Tumblr media
THE LIVES OF ÉTAÍN
This piece depicts the themes and symbols around the character of Étaín from Tochmarc Étaíne and her various transformations throughout the tale. The two faces depict Étaín's two incarnations a thousand years apart, flanked by suns and moons to represent that "all time is made up of days and nights." The swan and fly represent Étaín's two animal forms, while the cup and pitcher represent the cup of the wife of Étar, and Étaín's skill at serving drink, by which Eochaid seeks to recognize her. Finally, the vegetation and swirling billows on the outside of the frame symbolize the "fragrant and wonderous herbs" of Aengus's crystal sun-bower, and Fuamnach's magical winds.  This was my submission to the late Ralph Kenna's EÍRÍ art project through the Irish Post in 2022, based on the prompt of Evoking Ireland's Resiliant Female Icons. The Wooing of Étaín is one of my favorite Irish myths, and I've always wanted to take a crack at representing some of the themes of the story. Hello everyone, it's been quite a while! I've been on a bit of an impromptu hiatus due to general life stuff and a bit of artistic burnout in the last year or so, but I've got a few works in progress that I'm hoping will help get me back into the swing of things!
53 notes · View notes
forfeda-project · 1 year
Text
Tumblr media
PHANTOM AT THE FORD
"I will come against you in the form of an eel about your feet in the ford, so that you shall fall… I will drive the cattle on the ford to you, in the form of a grey she-wolf… I will come to you in the form of a hornless red heifer before the cattle. They will rush on you on the plains and on the fords, and on the pools, and you will not see me before you…" - The Morrígan to Cú Chulainn, Táin Bó Cúailnge
In the Táin Bó Cúailnge ("the Cattle Raid of Cooley"), the warrior Cú Chulainn is able to stave off the advances of Queen Medb's army by invoking his right to single combat at the fords, singlehandedly defeating each of Medb's champions in turn. But when Cú Chulainn refuses help from the Morrígan, a powerful goddess, she resolves to instead be a hindrance to him, taking different animal forms to disrupt his battles - an eel to trip him, and a wolf and a heifer to drive the cattle over the ford.
This piece depicts the three forms of the Morrígan surrounded by the thorns and flowers of the hawthorn, a tree connected to terror, baneful magic, and the powers of the Otherworld in Gaelic folklore.
187 notes · View notes
forfeda-project · 2 years
Text
Tumblr media
GODSTONES - THE DAGDA
The Dagda ("the good/capable god") is portrayed in the lore as a powerful warrior, a wise chieftain, and a shaper of the land, appearing in such tales as the Second Battle of Moytura, the Wooing of Étaín, and How The Dagda Got His Magic Staff. Known for his massive stature, lowly appearance, and his mastery over all the arts, the Dagda is one of the most important figures in the Mythological Cycle.
This is an art series depicting the Gaelic gods as ancient statues, with designs loosely inspired by historical finds, such as the Boa Island and Tandragee idols from Northern Ireland, and the Ballachulish Figure from Scotland. In this piece, the Dagda is pictured with his signature harp, club, and cauldron.
566 notes · View notes
forfeda-project · 1 year
Text
Tumblr media
GODSTONES - NUADA
Nuada is portrayed in the lore as a noble king and warrior, who wields a magical sword and sacrifices both his hand and his kingship to aid the Tuatha Dé. He appears in such tales as The Fate of the Children of Tuireann and both Battles of Moytura. He may also be an ancestor of Fionn Mac Cumhaill, and may be related to (or identical with) Nechtan.
This is an art series depicting the Gaelic gods as ancient statues, with designs loosely inspired by historical finds, such as the Boa Island and Tandragee idols from Northern Ireland, and the Ballachulish Figure from Scotland. In this piece, Nuada is pictured with his signature sword and silver hand.
(I promise I'm not dead, just been busy! New stuff coming soon)
168 notes · View notes
forfeda-project · 2 years
Text
Tumblr media
THE HOOD OF CROTHRAINNE
"Gold is its woof, silver underneath it, soft to the skin is its lining; you will be hound, man, or deer, as you turn it, as you change it." - A Rí Richid, Réidig Dam
The 12th Century poet Gilla in Chomded húa Cormaic is credited as the author of a poem known as A Rí Richid, Réidig Dam, which contains an episode involving the exploits of Fionn Mac Cumhaill and the Fianna. At the end of this episode, we are told of Fionn's most marvellous possession: the magical Hood of Crothrainne, a woven mantle fashioned in the Land of Promise that can change the wearer's shape. Any tales of Fionn using this power have been lost, but the significance of both hounds and deer to the Fenian cycle remains an ever-present motif.
203 notes · View notes
forfeda-project · 2 years
Text
Tumblr media
"O grandson of Conn, O Cormac," said Carbre, "what were your habits when you were a lad?" "Not hard to tell," said Cormac. "I was a listener in woods, I was a gazer at stars, I was blind where secrets were concerned, I was silent in a wilderness…
~ Tecosca Cormaic
Tecosca Cormaic, or the Instructions of Cormac Mac Airt, is an Old Irish wisdom text where the legendary high king Cormac provides judgements and advice to his son Carbre on how to be a good man and a wise king. Upon being asked about his conduct as a young man, Cormac recounts, among other things, time spent in the woods and wilds of Ireland, saying "it is through these habits that the young become old and kingly warriors."
This piece is built around my favorite line from the Tecosca, and features far more knotwork than I ever want to draw again (but probaly will). Wanted to illustrate this quote for a while, so I'm very pleased with how it's turned out.
369 notes · View notes
forfeda-project · 2 years
Text
Tumblr media
GODSTONES - MANANNÁN MAC LIR
Manannán, the "son of the sea," is portrayed in the lore as a trickster figure, a great magician, and a powerful lord of the Otherworld, appearing in such tales as the Voyage of Bran, Cormac's Adventure in the Land of Promise, and the Birth of Mongán. Manannán is also the patron and namesake of the Isle of Man, where he is revered as a wizard and necromancer whose magical mists kept the island hidden from invaders. This is a new art series depicting the Gaelic gods as ancient statues, with designs loosely inspired by historical finds, such as the Boa Island and Tandragee idols from Northern Ireland, and the Ballachulish Figure from Scotland. In this piece, Manannán is pictured with his signature Corrbolg (crane-bag) and shrouded in sea mist.
178 notes · View notes
forfeda-project · 2 years
Text
Tumblr media
Bricriu Nemthenga ("poison-tongue") is a slippery figure from the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology, who was the hospitaller in charge of a great feasting hall (bruiden) in Dun Rudraige, modern day Dundrum. Known for tricking Ulsters's greatest warriors into competing against each other for the Champion's Portion, no feast at Bruiden Bricriu remains uneventful for long…
I've always loved the look of traditional pub signs and whisky labels, and wanted to apply that design style to some of the iconic hostels and halls from the Ulster Cycle. The story of Fled Bricrenn ("Bricriu's Feast") is a personal favorite, and seemed like a fitting first subject. This piece features Bricriu's eponymous poison tongue, along with a nod to the folklore motif of the Beheading Game famously featured in Fled Bricrenn.
41 notes · View notes
forfeda-project · 2 years
Text
Tumblr media
BRIGID
One of the most famous figures in all of Gaelic mythology is the goddess Brigid, said to be a wise woman and a daugher of the Dagda. In the Book of the Takings of Ireland, Brigid is said to possess two oxen, Fea and Femen; the King of Boars, the Torc Triath; and Cirb, the King of Sheep; each of which have plains in Ireland that bear their name. In the Second Battle of Moytura, Brigid is the wife of Bres and the mother of Ruadán, and when Ruadán is killed by Goibniu the smith, Brigid, in her grief, establishes the first practice of keening in Ireland. The Old Irish glossary Sanais Cormaic suggests that "Brigid" was a name for all the goddesses of Ireland, but that it referred specifically to three sisters: Brigid the Smith, Brigid the Poet, and Brigid the Healer, all daughters of the Dagda. The goddess Brigid has also long been syncretized with an Irish saint of the same name, who had an abbey in Kildare, and is depicted in Gaelic folklore as the nursemaid of Jesus. Saint Brigid's origins are ultimately a mystery, but her enduring and ever-present influence have lead many to theorize that she may be a euhemerized version of the goddess. This piece features an anvil, an ollamh's staff, and healing herbs to represent the domains of Cormac's Three Brigids, as well as a Cros Bríd to represent syncretism with the Irish saint. Engraved on the anvil are Brigid's boar, sheep, and two oxen, along with tears shed for Ruadán.
608 notes · View notes
forfeda-project · 2 years
Text
Tumblr media
BRADÁN FEASA
The Well of Wisdom in Irish mythology shows up in many places under many different names. Sometimes called the Well of Segais, the Well of Nechtan, or Connla's Well, among other titles, it can be found at the source of Ireland's great rivers, and contains such incredible power than none can look into the waters of the well and remain unblemished - and, in many stories, these wounds prove fatal.
The Dindshenchas, a collection of Irish place-name lore, describes the well as being surrounded by nine hazel trees whose nuts fall into the waters, and are eaten by the salmon who dwell there. By eating these magical hazelnuts, the salmon are imparted with all the knowledge of the world, and, according to the Boyhood Deeds of Fionn, if one is able to catch and eat one of these marvelous fish, they will have that knowledge imparted unto them, in turn.
199 notes · View notes
forfeda-project · 2 years
Text
Tumblr media
CÓNOCHT AN EARRAIGH / SPRING EQUINOX
While it's unlikely that the Equinoxes were observed as such in the ancient Gaelic nations, we find from Scotland an interesting collection of modern observations centered around the coming of spring--and featuring a magical figure who may have roots in much older practices. Held on March 25th, Lá na Cailleach, or Cailleach's Day, signified the time that the Cailleach, the Hag of Winter, was said to make her final struggle against the warmth and growth of spring, throwing down her staff and whirling up harsh winds and wild storms, before her eventual defeat. As March 25th was originally the date for the new year in Scotland, as well as the fixed date of the vernal equinox, Lá na Cailleach served as a turning point for the seasons and signaled the onset of changes in the weather. This design features the Cailleach's magical staff, and the Cailleach herself, now turned to stone until next winter. Also incorporated are storm clouds, spring flowers, and a basket of seeds, ready for the sowing season.
161 notes · View notes
forfeda-project · 2 years
Text
Tumblr media
SAMHAIN
By far the best known Gaelic festival, Samhain marked the end of summer in Ireland, when assemblies were held and the cattle were brought to winter pastures. The traditional (though contested) date is usually given as November 1st, with festivities beginning at dusk on October 31st. Like with Bealtaine, the festival of Samhain is marked by bonfires and an emphasis on protection from Otherworldly forces. Syncretism with All Hallow's Eve resulted in many traditions involving the dead or the Daoine Sidhe roaming the lands on Samhain, looking to snatch away or otherwise harm those who did not observe the proper rites. As such, the wearing of disguises and the creation of charms were meant to ward away unwanted attention. Divination games were also common on Samhain, primarily concerning matters of love and marriage. Hiding trinkets such as coins or rings in plates of food and loaves of bread was the most popular method, although apples and hazelnuts were also employed. Samhain is also the setting for many of Irish mythology's most famous tales, especially stories of wooings and conceptions. Modern Scottish tradition associates Samhain with the Cailleach, the hag of winter, who rules over the colder months. The Brugh na Boinne was particularly associated with Samhain, and modern folklore describes it as the site of battles, feasts, and games carried out by the Daoine Sidhe on Samhain night. This piece features a deer skull to evoke the deer herd of the Cailleach and the traditions surrounding death, with crossed swords and the Brugh na Boinne for the Daoine Sidhe. Loaves of bannock and barmbrack, along with nuts and apples, encompass the culinary aspects of the holiday, and the quaich cup (a common sight at weddings) and divinatory trinkets hint at its more romantic overtones. Finally, bonfire flames, a carved tumshie lantern, and a parshell cross serve as charms to ward away Otherworldly dangers. Lá Fhéile Shamhna sona daoibh!
235 notes · View notes
forfeda-project · 2 years
Text
Tumblr media
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Friendly reminder that the myth about Patrick driving the snakes (pagans) out of Ireland was a late invention, and that the Christianization efforts were largely peaceful ;)
Hope you all have a good one!
82 notes · View notes
forfeda-project · 3 years
Text
Tumblr media
NA MORRÍGNA
One of the most enigmatic characters in all of Irish literature is the Morrígan. Alternatively described as a goddess, a trio of goddesses, a collective of battle spirits, and even a gloss for the Greek Furies, the Morrígan was known as a prophetess and a shapeshifter, appearing frequently in the form of a scald-crow. When appearing as a trio of sisters, the three Morrígna are most commonly named as Morrígu, Badb, and Macha, although other names such as Fea, Anand, or Nemain are given in other sources. The name "Morrígan" itself may even have been seen as a title rather than a proper name, which was assumed by different figures at different times. One of the Morrígan's most notable appearances is in the Táin Bó Regamna (the Cattle-Raid of Regamna), a prequel story to the better known Táin Bó Cuailgne. In the tale, the hero Cú Chulainn has an encounter with a strange, red-haired woman, whose presence is preceded by a terrible cry from the North. The woman, driving a chariot with a one-legged horse and accompanied by a man and a cow, tells Cú Chulainn that she is a satirist, and gives him a cryptic poem before transforming - chariot and all - into a black bird on a branch. Now recognizing the woman as the Morrígan, Cú Chulainn says he would have handled things very differently, had he known it was her. In response, the Morrígan tells him that misfortune would have resulted either way. Cú Chulainn insists that she has no power over him, to which she replies "I have power indeed; it is at the the guarding of thy death that I am, and I shall be," fortelling of Cú Chulainn's tragic fate, and the role she would play in bringing it about.
403 notes · View notes
forfeda-project · 2 years
Text
Tumblr media
"The father of Ogham is Ogma, the mother of Ogham is the hand or knife of Ogma." The ogham alphabet is a mysterious writing system from the Early Medieval period, though its origins may stretch back much further. The creation of this alphabet is attributed to the Irish god Ogma in the text of the Ogham Tract, which says that Ogma first used it to serve as a warning for Lugh. In its standard form, the ogham alphabet contains twenty letters--fifteen consonants and five vowels--which are divided into five "aicme" or families; although the manuscript tradition later included an additional aicme known as the forfeda ("extra letters"). The Ogham Tract lists many varieties of ogham with many different kennings, associations, and mnemonics for each letter, as well as different "scales" or variant ways of writing them. While tree and plant names make up the bulk of the letter names, ogham cannot correctly be called a "tree alphabet," as not all the letters are named after trees, despite popular belief - "soil," "terror," "weaver's beam," "ingot," "sulfur," and "the act of wounding" are among the meanings of the letter names. Each letter also has an associated bird, color, agricultural tool, and art, in addition to an associated tree. This piece features twenty staves of yew, engraved with the letters of the ogham alphabet and arrayed around a circular diagram known as Fionn's Window, which is one of the scales found in the Ogham Tract. The forfeda are included as engraved stones to reference the many, many examples of "ogham stones" across Ireland and Western Britain. The center of the piece features Ogma's knife, modeled after a traditional Scottish sgian dubh, and decorated with a sun design for Ogma himself, who was known by the epithet Grianainech ("sun-face").
198 notes · View notes
forfeda-project · 3 years
Text
Tumblr media
CÓNOCHT AN FÓMHAIR / AUTUMN EQUINOX
While it's unlikely that the Equinoxes were observed in the ancient Gaelic nations, the Catholic festival of St. Michael's Day was held on September 29th, close to the traditional date of the Autumn Equinox, and the day's festivities came to reflect elements of the changing seasons. Common to the day was the baking of bread - struan in Scotland and bannock in Ireland - and the harvesting of carrots, which were given as gifts. Horse races were also featured, along with a cavalcade around the area in a deiseal (sunwise) direction, possibly for good luck or protection for the coming months. St. Michael's Day also marked the goose harvest in Ireland, called the Fomhar na nGéan, and goose was a traditional food eaten on this day, along with lamb for those who could afford it, and cockles, which were in abundance this time of year, particularly around the Isle of Skye. St. Michael's day in Ireland also marked the end of different seasons in different parts of the country, such as the apple season, the fishing season, and the tourist season - the lattermost leading to an amusing tradition in County Waterford where seaweed dollies would be made and then thrown into the sea to protest the loss of this lucrative source of income. It was also the last day that blackberries could be picked in Ireland, as it was said that the Púca, a shape-shifting spirit, would fly through the land and defile them after that day, making them unfit to eat - a tradition that also exists around Hallowe'en in many parts of the country. This design incorporates carrots, blackberries, bread, and apples to reflect the fruits of the land this time of year, as well as cockles and seaweed for the fruits of the sea, goose feathers for the Fomhar na nGéan, and horses to represent the sunwise procession that would take place on Michaelmas morning.
178 notes · View notes