Myths and Legends in Southern Ireland

MYTHS AND LEGENDS

Ireland is a country with uncountable tales of myths and legends. As Ireland has an ancient society that comes from centuries back in time, the Druids and Celtics believed in the power of magic, and these beliefs are spread in form of legends again and again until our days. From leprechaun, fairies, and warriors; there is plenty myths and legends we can talk about.

The Leprechaun is perhaps the most known of all Irish legends. This legend exists from medieval times. A Leprechaun is a type of fairy in the Irish folklore. They usually have the image of an old man; they use a red or green coat, a hat and a beard. They are never a female. They spend all their time making shoes, and storing their golden coins at the end of the rainbow. If they are ever surprised by a human, a leprechaun has to give his coins or concede three wishes for him to be released. The legend says that when the Danes invaded Ireland, the leprechauns hid the treasure from people. They were given the task to guard the treasure. But, unfortunately for them, a rainbow always points the location of this treasure, so they must move it constantly.

Fairies are also known in the Irish legends. They like to take human form. They like to be beautiful, and also impossible to resist. This, so they can attract people. Most fairies love to bring misfortune and bad luck to those who are near them.

Southern Ireland's flag

SOUTHERN IRELAND – ÉIRE

INTRODUCTION

Southern Ireland in green

The Republic of Ireland, known also as Éire (in Irish), is a state in Europe which occupies five-sixths of the Ireland island, with a population reaching 4,6 million in 2011. The capital of Southern Ireland is Dublin. Although Southern Ireland is considered a small country, it has made an enormous contribution to the world, in terms of arts, music, literature, sports and many more. Arts has roots that go centuries back, just like music and literature. Both with highly Celtic influence at its beginnings. Later, the influences of other cultures play a major role, but the celtic-style was never lost. Economy, demographics and education in Southern Ireland are topics mentioned in this work. Traditions, myths and legends, cousine and sports can also be found with an enormous celtic root. But in this case, their expansion throughout the world has been bigger.

Newgrange

Book of Horus.
Iluminated manuscript

High Cross Sculpture