Through exploring mythological and fantastical topics writers were able to connect with their cultural routes when their own nationality was becoming more complex, and with the advances in modernity and technology. In the nineteenth century there is a strong interest in Irish fairy tales from Irish writers. The edition is accompanied with illustrations by Arthur Rackham which bring the narrative to life.įirst illustration from the Bodleian copy of Irish Fairy Tales – written by James Stephens, illustrated by Arthur Rackham This is often referred to as the Fenian Cycle of myths. His Irish Fairly Tales (1924) focuses on the heroic figure Fionn mac Cumhaill, a legendary mythical hunter, and the challenges he and his followers must overcome. James Stephens (1880-1950) focused on retelling these narratives. Within the mythological narratives there is often a focus on romantic heroes and ruthless gods, reminiscent of Norse and Greek mythology. It was very much an oral narrative tradition. Tales would have been passed around when people gathered together to share stories. Ireland has a long cultural tradition of engaging with the mythical past, folklore and fairies through the creation of narratives and stories. These narratives have arisen from Irish cultural traditions and shape thoughts about national identity. For March, the EFL has on display texts which engage with the mythic past of Ireland through writing about fairy and folk tales.
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