Live Irish Myths episode #28: Niall and the hag

The subject of today's episode of Live Irish Myths was chosen by Mythical Ireland followers by public vote from three choices. Today, we talk about Niall of the Nine Hostages and the curious story of his kissing the hag. This is taken from the tale known as 'The Adventures of the Sons of Eochaid Mugmedon'. Anthony Murphy relates a dream he had about kissing the hag and explores its myth and meaning.

[lthomas]

I love what you are doing, keep up the great work!

[Justificus]

What is left unspoken Anthony, about your wonderful dream...is that these lovely thoughts of archetypes and the symbolism you expressed so well, and because of your natural modesty, and although it may seem intellectually improbable to some...the incredible fact is, that the Cailleach is as real as anything in this universe...and you, Anthony...actually, truly, met Her! Your heart has loved Her for a much longer time, and then your dream caught up and confessed it to yourself. She knows who loves Her!

[philipegan]

One of my favourite tales. It reminds me of Beauty and the Beast.

[marcrhodes-taylor]

this is an amazing story, it is one of my favourite videos from this series easily. i was going to mention the story of boann as a form of sacrificial dismemberment, i feel that story too shares a theme of sacrifice and change.

[peggystull]

I can hear from you just fine, everythings good

[naomiseraphina]

The tale of Niall and the hag seems to me to be in part a metaphor about the nature of leadership/sovereignty, describing the fact that leadership is not (or should not be) about the ego or the greed or the self-centered lust of the individual. It is not about power over others, nor the privilege of being adored; it is about accepting the responsibility of making difficult decisions and performing frightening or unpleasant tasks on the behalf of the group. For the greater good, for the sake of his brothers, Niall puts aside whatever qualms he may feel about kissing the elderly woman; instead he thinks of the life-saving water and his family's need. The fact that she can help him to provide for them makes her beautiful to him. He is ego-less. Without pride or fear he embraces what fate has placed before him, and in an effort to do what is right for all, he finds the formerly fearsome "adversary" to have become lovely. Eire will only allow a king to rule who is willing to place his own ego and safety aside for the good of the land and the people. Only those capable of great self-sacrifice are fit to rule. At least that is one way of looking at the story.

[aldomontalvo]

hello! I stumbled upon your video researching Niall and his family. I had my DNA tested and I apparently am one of Niall's descendants through the male lineage of my father. Thank you for the story!