Welcome to the third free tutorial in Old Irish!
In this posting we will learn how to pronounce some mythic and religious terminology that you may have encountered in your reading and exploration (including place-names and animals), as well as some information about grammar, and the use of Old Irish in ritual.
Note: This will be the last free tutorial on this topic for some time, as I need to get back to my book manuscript. However, if you have a serious interest in ongoing study in Old Irish, do let me know.
Now, in terms of useful ritual or religious terminology, you can hear the following in the sound-file (once it’s uploaded):
* Religious / Mythic Terminology
Druí - Druid
Bard - Bard or poet
Fáith - Seer
Fili - Medieval poet-seer; plural form is Filid
Imbas Forosnai - A type of visionary skill highly sought after by poets, and perhaps earlier, by Druids
Imbas Forosnai - A type of visionary skill highly sought after by poets, and perhaps earlier, by Druids
Echtra - A type of early Irish tale, often translated as ‘adventure,’ plural form Echtrai
Immram - A type of tale, literally a ‘rowing about’ - often translated as ‘journey’ - plural form Immrama
Cath Maige Tuired - The Battle of Moytura, an important early Irish mythological tale
Táin Bó Cuailgne - The Cattle Raid of Cooley, an important early Irish saga
Lebor Gabála Érenn - A Medieval pseudo-History put together by clerics to give the inhabitants of early Christian Ireland a Biblical ancestry. Comprised of Christian, Classical, Medieval and some Native materials. Not a true Myth as it stands, nor actual history.
Temair - Early Irish form of Tara
Cruachu - important royal site in Connacht
Emain Macha - important royal and ritual site in Ulster
* Animals, Birds and Sea Creatures
Cú - Dog or hound
Bó - Cow
Tarb - Bull
Ech - Horse
Os - Deer, stag
Dam - Ox
Dam Allaid - Stag
Ag - Cow or Ox
Ag Allaid - Deer or Stag
Faél-chú, Cú Allaid, Mac Tíre - Wolf
Sinnach - Fox
Math-gamain - Bear
Torc - Boar
Reithe - Ram
Cáera - Sheep
Úan - Lamb
Bláthnait - Weasel
Es - Weasel or stoat
Tógan - Pine Marten or squirrel
Íaru - Stoat or squirrel
Togmal - Squirrel
Dobrán - Otter or beaver
Doburchú - Otter
Luch - Mouse
Bran or Fiach - Raven
Fiach Dub - Raven
Badb - Hooded Crow
Eala - Swan
Géd - Goose
Én - Bird
Bran or Fiach - Raven
Lon - Blackbird
Dreollán - Wren
Lacha - Duck
Escong - Eel
Fiach-Mara - Cormorant
Fiach-Garb - Vulture
Íasc - Fish
Bratán - Salmon
Brecc - Trout
Rón - Seal
Mucc-Mara - Porpoise
Míl Mór or Bled - Whale
I pray to you (singular): Guidim duit
I pray to you (plural): Guidim dúib
We pray to you (singular): Guidmi duit
We pray to you (plural): Guidmi dúib
I call on you / call to you / invoke you (singular) - Gairim airiut
I call on you / to you / invoke you (plural) - Gairim airib
We call on you / to you / invoke you (singular) - Gairmi airiut
We call you / to you / invoke you (plural) - Gairmi airib
Important Note: If you want to add the name or names of deities after these phrases, remember to use the Vocative case (see Lesson Two).
I hope that you have enjoyed these three tutorials, offered in service to the Celtic pagan and Druidic communities!
If you are interested in learning more about Celtic culture, religion, and mythology, please visit the Celticae Institute Facebook page for more information about its vision, my bio, distance learning, and Túatha Imbais.
We are currently accepting applications for:
* ‘The Sacred Grove’ (The Copper Branch level of The Three Branches of Wisdom Training), a two-year distance learning program in Celtic religion, mythology and folklore
* An upcoming Intensive training in historical uses and traditions pertaining to Ogam, which includes a copy of the book ‘A Guide to Ogam’ signed by Damian McManus
* An on-line college-level course in Celtic Civilization
* The Divine Feminine in Ancient Europe - A one-year distance learning course covering the various eras and manifestation of goddesses and sacred women
Wishing you many bright blessings!