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Welcome everybody to the very first episode of the IrishMyths StoryTime podcast.
Or rather, to the blog post introducing the podcast.
You know what I mean.
So, here’s the deal:
While my content typically offers overviews of mythological concepts and/or highlights specific mythological figures or mysteries, one piece that’s largely been missing is the myths themselves.
Are the myths themselves.
(Is? Are? Whatever.)
That’s what this podcast is all about.
The IrishMyths StoryTime Podcast
Each episode of IrishMyths StoryTime will be dedicated to a single story—pulled from the pages of Irish mythology—that I will narrate in full.
Moving forward, I’ll open each episode with an ever-so-brief introduction explaining the origin of the myth in question and the version/translation I’ll be reading.
You’ll be able to find IrishMyths StoryTime on most of the major podcasting platforms, including:
For this inaugural episode of IrishMyths StoryTime, I’ve got a real special one for yas.
This is a story I tell my two kids at bed-time—with a few changes. It’s short. It’s sweet. And for the most part, it’s self-contained.
It’s called The Secret of Labra.
The Secret of Labra
As far as I can tell, the story was first recorded by Geoffrey Keating in his 1634 masterwork The History of Ireland.
However, the title character, the High King Labhraidh Loingseach [lao-ruh lin-shuh], Loingseach meaning “the exile” or “the mariner,” has been written about since at least the 12th-century, appearing in the Book of Leinster.
And, of course, as Irish mythology was largely an oral tradition prior to Christianization, it’s likely stories about Labhraidh date back to many centuries before then.
Now, I will be reading T. W. Rolleston’s retelling of The Secret of Labra, which was published in the year 1900 in his book The High Deeds of Finn and other Bardic Romances of Ancient Ireland.
Two quick clarifications are in order before we dive in.
Firstly, while the king’s name can also be pronounced “Lao-ree,” I’ve opted for the “Lao-ruh” pronunciation, primarily because Rolleston spells his name L-A-B-R-A.
Secondly, in the opening line of the story you’ll hear a reference to a “certain voyage” Labra made. And just for context, that’s a reference to Labra returning from exile with a bunch of ships and men from Gaul and reclaiming his territory and kingship in Ireland.
I could go into more of the background details but that’s not what I’m doing with this podcast. Head over to IrishMyths.com or check out my videos on the IrishMyths YouTube channel if you want to journey down rabbit holes.
This is StoryTime.
And now, your story:
Want to learn about the darker side of Irish and Celtic mythology? Check out…
Samhain in Your Pocket
Perhaps the most important holiday on the ancient Celtic calendar, Samhain marks the end of summer and the beginning of a new pastoral year. It is a liminal time—a time when the forces of light and darkness, warmth and cold, growth and blight, are in conflict. A time when the barrier between the land of the living and the land of the dead is at its thinnest. A time when all manner of spirits and demons are wont to cross over from the Celtic Otherworld. Learn more…
Irish Monsters in Your Pocket
In the Ireland of myth and legend, “spooky season” is every season. Spirits roam the countryside, hovering above the bogs. Werewolves lope through forests under full moons. Dragons lurk beneath the waves. Granted, there’s no denying that Samhain (Halloween’s Celtic predecessor) tends to bring out some of the island’s biggest, baddest monsters. Prepare yourself for (educational) encounters with Irish cryptids, demons, ghouls, goblins, and other supernatural beings. Learn more…
Neon Druid: An Anthology of Urban Celtic Fantasy
“A thrilling romp through pubs, mythology, and alleyways. NEON DRUID is such a fun, pulpy anthology of stories that embody Celtic fantasy and myth,” (Pyles of Books). Cross over into a world where the mischievous gods, goddesses, monsters, and heroes of Celtic mythology live among us, intermingling with unsuspecting mortals and stirring up mayhem in cities and towns on both sides of the Atlantic, from Limerick and Edinburgh to Montreal and Boston. Learn more…
More the listenin’ type?
I recommend the audiobook Celtic Mythology: Tales of Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes by Philip Freeman (narrated by Gerard Doyle). Use my link to get 3 free months of Audible Premium Plus and you can listen to the full 7.5-hour audiobook for free.