8 Comments
User's avatar
Erica O'Reilly's avatar

I am so in awe of this folktale, Jen! I do have two wonderings:

i) is it possible to share the Dúchas link to this particular folktale? I'd love to read it - especially if she's the one who wrote it down.

ii) Owls (particularly snowy owls) are among my Animal Realm and Otherworldly guides, and I'm wondering how one might say: 'Cailleacha na hOíche'

Ah! My spirit is just a' bubble (like warm broth dancing with the heat of a mystical cauldron!) this morning after reading this piece! Go raibh maith agat!

Expand full comment
Jennifer Murphy's avatar

Ah I'm delighted it entered your cauldron Erica! The reference is: School: Easgéiphtine page 13. It's called 'Hidden Treasure' as so, so many Irish folktales are - the 'Star Hag' title/embellishments are my own. So enlivening to hear of your connection to owls 🦉 have you come across Abair.ie? Abair is the verb to speak in Irish and this website is a gem - enter any Irish word and choose a dialect on the map so maybe munster for you because you'll be there during the summer and it will play the word back to you in a native tongue. ✨️

Expand full comment
Erica O'Reilly's avatar

Céad míle buíochas, Jen! I'm chuckling to myself this morning because I had come across Abair.ie, but had felt a little overwhelmed and always clicked out of the screen; rather than taking the time to see if I could figure it out. This morning, I thought: I'll just ask for help and move slowly to see if I can figure it out.

Turns out, it was as simple as translating the landing page into English. Seems a bit obvious to me now and I feel a bit silly, but sometimes ya just gotta as Spirit for some help and have an openness to see things in a new way!

Oh, how I love the pronunciation of 'Cailleacha na hOíche' it feels and sounds like an enchantment all it's own! I will definitely keep this website/app close at hand - especially this summer!

Expand full comment
Jennifer Murphy's avatar

I love it Erica! & hear hear to asking Spirit for openness to see things through fresh eyes! & Cailleacha na hOíche does sound and feel like an enchantment in of itself. I feel like it's the best term for an owl - ever! I just love it! 🦉✨️

Expand full comment
Alicia Kwon's avatar

Love this!

Expand full comment
Jennifer Murphy's avatar

So glad to hear Alicia 🧡

Expand full comment
Ell, the Cellestiallographer's avatar

This is so beautiful thank you for sharing

Expand full comment
Jennifer Murphy's avatar

Thanks a million Ell I'm so delighted it resonates with you! ✨️❤️‍🔥

Expand full comment