Live Irish Myths episode #115: Trees in Irish myth and folklore, part 1: The Yew Tree

In this week's episode, #115, look at myths, folklore and beliefs about trees in Irish tradition. Many trees were held to be sacred, and some get more mention in mythology than others. Because there is much to talk about, I expect this will be the first of two episodes on the subject of trees.
Join us for myths and legends and a welcoming immersion into ancient Irish lore. Pull up a chair, pour yourself a brew (or a dram!) and join me at Teach Mhurchú for some good Irish stories. Don't forget to say hello and tell us where you're watching from – you'll get a big Céad Míle Fáilte (a hundred thousand welcomes).
Go to 24:00 to skip the hellos and introductions.
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Thanks for visiting and welcome to Mythical Ireland!

[aoifefurey]

More tree lore please, great stuff !!

[mezmarionybarra]

So amazing so fascinating, I love Trees! listened twice yesterday and listening again now!

[qflqzjg]

50:23 wow! 9, 500 years old! After a quick check of the *Yew tree* in Wikipedia, I now understand why they live so long: their taxine alkaloids, despite being growth inhibitors (cancer treatment), are also cardiotoxins, that's why the cutting of a yew tree implies bad luck since it may cause heart complications from sawdust or pollen from male yews.
Interestingly from 50:55, those Yew branches touching the ground allowing new stems to grow, reminded me immediately of _Ficus benghalensis_ (the "Indian banyan") which "has its roots upward and its branches down" and are the dwelling place of "taotaomona, duendes, and other spirits"... The oldest known one was planted in 288 BC "from a cutting from the original tree which Buddha became enlightened".

[cosmicman]

...thanks Anthony for the brilliant poem..Yew of Ross’s”...I will add it to my..collection...and the book recommendation..by Nial Mac Coitir.Slainte.Bright Moments🌈

[blueneptune]

Well, I'm very late to the party but even a year after the fact it's a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. 🇮🇪💚🇮🇪☘️🇮🇪💚

[SpiralMoss]

Hi there I'm just wondering is there course's one can do to learn more about Irish folklore.
I'm very interested in folklore and mythology unsolved mysteries and heritage ?
I enjoy listening to you

[yewtrees]

Hi Many thanks for the episode! Sorry to say Dick made an error in the article, the place linked to Pontius Pilate is Fortingall, Perthshire 🙂

[davidallard]

How many Irish myths exist? Have you ever counted them? When you run out of Irish ones, will you do the Scottish ones?

[sharonholt]

Hi Anthony..great to see and listen...brilliant
I'm a bit late but loving all the catch ups..
Hope you're sore throat gets better
Sharon
🧚‍♂️🌳🌲🍀🌿🍂🍂🍁🍁🍁💐