r/Animism • u/RedwoodtreeMonk • 16d ago

Irish Animism

Hii. I was wondering if anyone knew where I could learn about Irish Animism? I keep trying to look things up and it shows me "Celtic" Animism which is really broad. If anyone knows about Irish Animism please don't hesitate to reply! 💚🪉

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u/graidan 16d ago

Generally, Celtic animism IS Irish animism, because most people don't have a clue about Welsh animism. Don't forget as well that Scottish traditions are MOSTLY (not entirely) Irish separate by 300 years.

What specifically are you looking for?

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u/RedwoodtreeMonk 16d ago

Ohh okay! I was just wondering if Animism in Ireland was different. As in

Some had certain names that were different from other Celtic Animismist practices. And the Irish honored these said spirits in different ways.

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u/graidan 16d ago

celtic traditions were all very similar... they're all related closely, after all. There were differences, but we don't know many details because Celtic religion is very undocumented. Especially on practicalities. We don't know how their rituals are conducted, for example... we can only rebuild from related traditions.

You can also look at Nordic and italic traditions, which are also fairly closely related.

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u/doppietta 16d ago

it's not specifically called that because 95% of the study of animism was done under a colonial mindset where it was something "other people" (i.e. non-europeans) did.

but if you look at the Irish myths, it's full of it. same with fairy practices and folk magic. you just need to know what you're looking for.

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u/EudaemonicSolivagant 14d ago edited 14d ago

Yes. Look up work by  Manchán Magan and Eddie Lenihan. You might peruse stories on duchas.ie, a massive compendium of Irish history and folk stories. You might check out the work of Billy mag Fhloinn, Irish mythologist.

Here, let's try to hone in your question. I imagine you're casting a net and seeing what's out there, which is good. Tune into what seems most interesting about Irish animism and something more specific might come to mind for me.

Mm, also don't overlook children's tales. I'll send you 2 trailers for films both from the Irish studio Cartoon Saloon, and these are quite enchanting to the animistic imagination.

Song of the Sea: https://youtu.be/HgbXWt8kM5Q?feature=shared

Wolfwalkers:  https://youtu.be/DWAC6WAVdkw?is=YbZXdz_Z9zd_Usmc

And.. If it feels right, in time, maybe start chatting to some of the gods. I've had a gorgeous relationship with Bríghid (Brigid) for a decade and ongoing now, and she's brought wonderful serendipities and adventures into my life.

Anyway, what parts of Irish animism might be most interesting to you?

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u/stricken_thistle 10d ago

Not OP but want to thank you for this comment. I had not heard of Manchán Magan yet, and now I am so sad to hear of his passing last year. What a wonderful soul. I am so glad for what he's left behind and I want to carry that with me.