Teddy asked Brian O'Sullivan:

Hi Brian, I'm writing a paper on Irish mythology at the moment. I have trouble finding out the right stories. I want to write about the Fear Grota (or Man of Hunger). As I consider you as an expert, I hope you can help me. Do you know where in Irish tales or short stories I can find information about that. Do you have any idea? Best regards.

Brian O'Sullivan Hi Teddy. The Fear Gorta is really more folklore than mythology - certainly any reference to the term dates from after the Great Famine (1845-1852-ish) so it's not very old. Many people believe its a mistranslation of the Irish term for Hungry Grass ('féar gortach' as opposed to 'fear gortach') and is actually a 'false' term. I think the original reference may have come from WB Yeats which makes me believe that's probably true (Yeats knew very little about Irish mythology/folklore and made a lot up). There are no credible sources of the term that I personally know of unfortunately. Sorry, not much help.

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