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The Storyteller of Inis Mor

 

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful story written in the oral tradition, December 19, 2014

Eilish Frazier (Tyler, Texas) – See all my reviews

This review is from: The Storyteller of Inis Mor: Could a legend save his life? (Kindle Edition)

I rarely write reviews, but when I do, the story has reached into my soul. The Storyteller of Inis Mór accomplished this and so much more! Raised with storytelling of the oral tradition by my grandmother, who was a Celt, this story brought back cherished memories of sitting at her feet, hearing stories of the old ways, with a warm crackling fire. I have not received any compensation for this review, other than the privilege of reading a beautiful and well written story. Conner has lost everything, and has hit rock bottom when he receives a letter from his grandmother, who is dying. By the time he arrives on Inis Mór, she is no more than a memory-a distant memory for Conner. According to her will, he inherits the homestead, as well as an old boat that has seen better days. With nothing but time on his hands, and the help of a mysterious old gentleman, he sets out to restore the boat to her former glory. The old man attempts to help Conner discover who he is, by regaling him with tales of the old ways, He tells Conner that we each have a gift-a special purpose in life, to not only help ourselves, but others. He begins to teach Conner that there is much more to life than money and material possessions. While reading these stories within the story, I could hear the Gaelic lilt in the old man’s voice, smell the salty air, and felt as though I was walking the rocky shores of Inis Mór. Does Conner realize his gift, his purpose in life? Ahh, you must read the story and discover that for yourself! This is a story I will read many times through my life, and one I will share with my family during story time.

Meaning and Purpose

“What’s the meaning of life?” That is said to be the eternal question. Joseph Campbell, arguably the worlds most renowned scholar of myths, legends and creative and empowering role they can play in our lives, was fond of saying that there was no real meaning to life, and that it is our own obligation to add meaning to our lives; but he also talked about having a calling, a purpose in life. The idea of finding and following a calling was espoused 2500 years ago by the Greek philosopher Plato and before him Aristotle, both of whom believed that every human being has an internal ‘Daemon’, a guiding spirit, somewhat similar to the Christian concept of a guardian angel that carries with it the potential purpose of our life’s work or ‘Calling’. How many of us discover that purpose? How many of us are working at careers or professions we truly love

Grace O’Malley – The Pirate Queen

Grace O’Malley – The Pirate Queen

There are still places in the world where time seems to have been somehow put on hold. Places that have been isolated by their geography, their history or simply because they were not well enough known. Inis Mor, the largest of the three Aran Islands, is such a place. Lying with its two cousins, Inishmaan and Inis Meáin strewn across the mouth of Galway Bay, Inis Mór has captured the hearts and imaginations of poets, artists and writers for generations. With a population of perhaps 1,000 hardy souls the island is renowned for characters like Grace O’Malley, the woman known as The Pirate Queen of Inis Mór. Grace O’Malley lived in the 16th century and at the height of her career, she controlled the entire west coast of Ireland, trading goods and political intrigue with Spain, Portugal and Scotland, she fought rival clans seeking to control the harbours of the West Coast as well as English forces sent to subdue her. At one stage she held 11 castles and a fleet that included captured Turkish corsairs and numerous hostages held for ransom.

Where is Inis Mór?

Kilronan

Inis Mór lies approx 25 miles or so off the Connemara on the west coast of Ireland. It is a wild windswept little island whose rugged and isolated nature has attracted writers, poets and artists to it secluded shores for many years. The first language is Irish, but virtually all of the islanders now speak English as well. The main industry for many years was fishing, although Inis Mór was also known for fattening up cattle for the market or for agricultural shows. The island has a fascinating history as well as some of the greatest examples of ancient forts and fortresses in the world. It also has an almost haunted air to it, perhaps by its isolated and rugged nature, or perhaps, as some suggest, that the ancient legends of Ireland are true, and that ghosts and such like things still wander abroad in many of Ireland’s hidden places.

The Storytellers of ancient Ireland

The Seanachie of Inis Mór

Seanachie’s (traditional Irish storytellers) can be traced back in Irish culture for thousands of years. In ancient times every King and nobleman had in their employ a gifted Seanachie. The craft predated the written word in the Celtic world and seanachies were respected, almost revered, for centuries. The training required to become a seanachie was said to last twelve years and  they were required to know at least one hundred and seventy eight stories off by heart. one for each night of the Celtic winter. Storytelling held the Irish nation together in the years they were occupied by the British, keeping alive the myths, legends, history and language of the Irish people.