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Earthlore Introduction | Earthlore Contents | Ireland Introduction | Ireland Contents | E-mail
| Ireland: or Erin is Celtic; from Eri or Iar (western). Wormius derives the word from the Runic Yr, a bow. Called by the natives “Erin,” i.e. Eri-innis, or Iar-innis (west island). By the Welsh “Yver-den” (west valley). By Apule’ius, “Hiber’nia,” which is Iernia, a corruption of Iar-inni-a. By Juvenal (ii. 260) “Juverna” or “Juberna,” the same as Ierna or Iernia. By Claudian “Ouernia,” the same. By moderns “Ireland,” which is Iaren-land (land of the west). —E. Cobham Brewer, Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, 1898 Among all the early literatures of Europe, there are two which, at exactly opposite corners of the continent, display most strikingly similar characteristics. These are the Greek and the Irish, and the legend of the Irish champion Cuchulain, which well illustrates the similarity of the literatures, bears so close a resemblance to the story of Achilles as to win for this hero the title of “the Irish Achilles.” Certainly in reckless courage, power of inspiring dread, sense of personal merit, and frankness of speech the Irish hero is fully equal to the mighty Greek. —Thomas Bulfinch, The Age of Fable |
Set
aside some time for yourself and venture on a journey through a landscape
of vibrant stories cultivated by an ancient people!
Experience a vital and illustrious existence, spanning nine thousand years, and within its pathways uncover the threads of relevance to intertwine within your own life.  An immersive library of resources exploring the cultural and historical legacies of the people of Ireland.
 Despite
its modest size and isolation as an island country, the influences
of Ireland upon Western civilization have been profound. During the
'Dark Ages' of European history, Ireland lived through a period of
 expansive
learning and artistic development. The creative and intellectual expressions
of the Irish people from this era served to nourish cultural and religious
centers across the continent over time. The technology of print publishing
reach Ireland early and established an immediate foothold. In 1551
the Book of Common Prayer was published in Dublin by Humphrey
Powell. Twenty years later the first publication entirely in Irish
charaters was printed; Aibidil Gaoidheilge, agus Caiticiosma
(ABC and Catechism) by John Kearney. |
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One of the characteristics of Irish poetry according to Thomas MacDonagh is a certain naiveté. “An Irish poet,” he says, “if he be individual, if he be original, if he be national, speaks, almost stammers, in one of the two fresh languages of this country; in Irish (modern Irish, newly schooled by Europe), or in Anglo-Irish, English as we speak it in Ireland…. Such an Irish poet can still express himself in the simplest terms of life and of the common furniture of life.” 5 Thomas MacDonagh is speaking here of the poetry that is being written to-day, of the poetry that comes out of a community that is still mainly agricultural, that is still close to the soil, that has but few possessions. And yet, with this naiveté there must go a great deal of subtility. “Like the Japanese,” says Kuno Meyer, “the Celts were always quick to take an artistic hint; they avoid the obvious and the commonplace; the half-said thing to them is dearest.” 6 This is said of the poetry written in Ireland many centuries ago, but the subtility that the critic credits the Celts with is still a racial heritage.  Irish poetry begins with a dedication—a dedication of the race to the land. The myth of the invasion tells that the first act of the invaders was the invoking of the land of Ireland—its hills, its rivers, its forests, its cataracts. Amergin, the first poet, pronounced the invocation from one of their ships, thereby dedicating the Milesian race to the mysterious land. That dedication is in many poems made since Amergin’s time—the dedication of the poet to the land, of the race to the land. —Padraic Colum, Anthology of Irish Verse, 1922 (5) Literature in Ireland. (6) Ancient Irish Poetry. |
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Today
the spiritual and artistic wells of Ireland still soothe the soul-thirst
of the faithful from many traditions. Throughout the world, the hearth
fires of our ancestors are drawing us
together once again. There is much we can learn, within our modern age, from the histories and cultural accomplishments of those who passed before us. It is an honor to our predecessors, when we turn from the transient news of the day, and pause to listen to the
words of an old folktale. It is also a gift to ourselves, for we may
often find a familiar passage or story worth holding on to and making
our own.Within
Earthlore will always be found paths of learning and exploration
through cultural subjects such as the great cathedral era of medieval
Europe or the innovations in religion and philosophy of ancient Egypt.
You will also find journeys into larger questions; Who are we, reflected
through our cultural heritage?... What are the historical forces which
led us to where we are today?... What, if any, is our destiny as globally
connected, yet unique, cultures? Here, you may explore the great mysteries
of history, and perhaps come to understand a little more about the
mystery of your own self.
The
intent of Earthlore is to encourage and support individual quests
and original thinking. These features were created as source for content
rich interaction with subjects of cultural history. To this end, the
content featured will center around the personal experiences and findings
of those who have immersed themselves in these subjects. All subjects
will be treated objectively and presented in a manner best suited
for subjective utilization. Within this stance, we look forward to
the sharing of your own views!
May You Find That Which Your Heart Hath ever Sought! 
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| Development & Production Credits |
| Theme
Editor : Nicole Blackford —
Primary Text : Rhey Cedron Art Direction : Thierry Alberto — Art Research : Malcolm Hurrell Principal Photography : Rhey Cedron Structural Design : Mark Nelson — Research Assistant : Walter McCrae Support Production : Henry Craig, Clara Kelly |
| E-mail : queries@elore Your questions and comments are always welcome! Learn more about the Earthlore story, upcoming web features and future cultural projects. Ask to receive your free newsletter  |
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Persevering
through long centuries of hardship, and great opposition, Irish culture
and the lamp of Celtic Spirit burn vibrantly at the dawn of a
new Millennium. Through this digital information age many contemporary
scribes are working to interpret these works anew, preserving Irish
culture for the centuries ahead. Earthlore has supported this important
work for over five years by developing educational resources within
contemporary media. Our primary objective is to provide a broad public
with accessibility to the vitality of traditional culture. It is our
belief that a developed appreciation of the past teaches us a great
deal about who we are today, and who we may
yet become in centuries in front of us. 
Cla'irseoir
- A Harpist
