#lugh — Public Fediverse posts

Romulus en Remus & co

Al ruim eenentwintig eeuwen geldt de eenentwintigste april als de stichtingsdag van Rome. Volgens de traditie waren Romulus en Remus, zoals de stichters heetten, eigenlijk herders, en dat is wat raar, aangezien in de meeste verhalen over stadstichtingen de klus in handen is van koningszonen of aristocraten. Waar komt het Romeinse verhaal vandaan?

Verzonnen dateringen

Eerst iets over de datum. Op 21 april vierden de Romeinen de Parilia. Het was een herdersfeest, waarbij mensen sprongen over vuurtjes van stro en olijftakken. Omdat de Romeinen meenden dat de oudste kern van hun stad iets primitiefs moest zijn geweest, en omdat ze niets primitievers kenden dan herders, redeneerden ze dat de eerste Romeinen ook wel herders zouden zijn geweest. Je zou het een sociologische theorie kunnen noemen. In elk geval heeft het niets van doen met de historische waarheid, want die is dat de eerste bewoners van Rome boeren waren. Niks herders, het archeologisch bewijs is zonneklaar. Maar goed. Als je aanneemt dat de eerste Romeinen herders waren, dan houd je herdersfeesten in ere, en vanaf de eerste eeuw v.Chr. meende men dat Rome was gesticht op 21 april.

Ook van het stichtingsjaar, dat wij 753 v.Chr. noemen, weten we hoe het is verzonnen. De eerste Romeinse geschiedschrijvers kenden voldoende magistraten om de stichting van de republiek te dateren in 505 v.Chr., en daar voegden ze voor elk van de zeven koningen vijfendertig jaar aan toe, plus één jaar voor een zogeheten interrex. Het oudste berekende stichtingsjaar was dus 751. Volgens een andere berekening 749. Toen Julius Caesar en Augustus de monarchie stichtten, lasten stroopsmeerders jaren in waarin Rome door volkomen fictieve alleenheersers zou zijn bestuurd. Zo verzon men het stichtingsjaar 753. Antieke geschiedschrijvers als Titus Livius en Velleius Paterculus waren professioneel genoeg om aan deze flauwekul niet mee te doen: volgens deze auteurs is Rome gesticht in 751.

Niet dat dat jaartal accuraat is, overigens. Vanzelfsprekend is er noch één dag noch één jaar aan te wijzen voor het aaneengroeien van enkele op heuveltoppen gelegen boerendorpjes. Rome is niet op één dag gebouwd. Het verhaal over de stadstichting is pas ontstaan toen de Romeinen zelf steden stichtten en zich begonnen af te vragen wie hun eigen stad had gesticht. Het is dus een vrij jong, bewust in elkaar geflanst verhaal.

Romulus en Remus

De hoofdpersonen Romulus en Remus zijn ook al niet heel speciaal. Om te beginnen zijn ze de kinderen van de god Mars. Dit is een standaardmotief in de Indo-Europese literatuur: zie de helden die zijn verwekt door de Griekse oppergod Zeus (Herakles, Perseus…). Uit het Indische gedicht Mahabharata vernemen we hoe de zonnegod Surya bij Kunti de vijf Pandava’s verwekte. In de Ierse mythologie was de held Cú Chulainn de zoon van de god Lugh. De Griekse oorlogsgod Ares is de vader van Parrhasios en Leukastos, over wie zo meteen meer.

De moeder van Romulus en Remus, Rhea Silvia, is zo’n meisje dat geen man mag hebben omdat er een of andere onheilsvoorspelling is, en die dus door haar vader wordt opgesloten. Voor de goden uit de vorige alinea is dat doorgaans geen werkelijk beletsel – de verkrachting van een gevangen vrouw was in de oude wereld, of althans in het mythische deel daarvan, blijkbaar geen onoverkomelijk probleem. De Griekse Danaë en de al genoemde Indische Kunti zijn lotgenoten van Rhea Silvia. Een bijzonder nauwe parallel is die met de gevangen Germaanse prinses Hiltburg, dochter van koning Waldigund, die de moeder wordt van Wolfdietrich.

Vervolgens belanden Romulus en Remus in een mandje in de rivier. Perseus en dat meisje op de Kinderdijk bedienden zich van hetzelfde transportmiddel. Dit motief is overigens vanuit het oosten gekomen, waar de Mesopotamische koning Sargon van Akkad en de joodse leider Mozes in biezen mandjes de rivier bevoeren. Ook een van de kinderen van de Indische Kunti, Karna, drijft in een mandje weg.

Tot slot wordt de Romeinse tweeling gevoed door een wolvin. Wolfdietrich dankt zijn naam aan zijn dierlijke min, de Ierse koning Cormac mac Airt is een ander wolfskind. Wolvinnen dragen ook zorg voor de Griekse tweeling Parrhasios en Leukastos en de Poolse tweeling Waligóra en Wyrwidab.

Over the top

Kortom, de Romeinen waren niet bijster origineel toen ze Romulus en Remus verzonnen. Het verhaal is een mix van traditionele Indo-Europese elementen. Als er al iets bijzonders aan is, is het dat het zo véél elementen combineert. Het is alsof de Romeinen dachten: “we hebben geen stichtingsverhaal, we moeten iets verzinnen, laten we maar alle bestaande verhalen combineren en iets maken dat volkomen over the top is”.

Het ziet er niet best uit voor Libanon. Als u meer wil weten over dat geteisterde land, lees dan mijn boek. Deze blog kunt u ook volgen via een Whatsapp-kanaal.

Zelfde tijdvak

Romulus en Remus & co

Al ruim eenentwintig eeuwen geldt de eenentwintigste april als de stichtingsdag van Rome. Volgens de traditie waren Romulus en Remus, zoals de stichters heetten, eigenlijk herders, en dat is wat raar, aangezien in de meeste verhalen over stadstichtingen de klus in handen is van koningszonen of aristocraten. Waar komt het Romeinse verhaal vandaan?

Verzonnen dateringen

Eerst iets over de datum. Op 21 april vierden de Romeinen de Parilia. Het was een herdersfeest, waarbij mensen sprongen over vuurtjes van stro en olijftakken. Omdat de Romeinen meenden dat de oudste kern van hun stad iets primitiefs moest zijn geweest, en omdat ze niets primitievers kenden dan herders, redeneerden ze dat de eerste Romeinen ook wel herders zouden zijn geweest. Je zou het een sociologische theorie kunnen noemen. In elk geval heeft het niets van doen met de historische waarheid, want die is dat de eerste bewoners van Rome boeren waren. Niks herders, het archeologisch bewijs is zonneklaar. Maar goed. Als je aanneemt dat de eerste Romeinen herders waren, dan houd je herdersfeesten in ere, en vanaf de eerste eeuw v.Chr. meende men dat Rome was gesticht op 21 april.

Ook van het stichtingsjaar, dat wij 753 v.Chr. noemen, weten we hoe het is verzonnen. De eerste Romeinse geschiedschrijvers kenden voldoende magistraten om de stichting van de republiek te dateren in 505 v.Chr., en daar voegden ze voor elk van de zeven koningen vijfendertig jaar aan toe, plus één jaar voor een zogeheten interrex. Het oudste berekende stichtingsjaar was dus 751. Volgens een andere berekening 749. Toen Julius Caesar en Augustus de monarchie stichtten, lasten stroopsmeerders jaren in waarin Rome door volkomen fictieve alleenheersers zou zijn bestuurd. Zo verzon men het stichtingsjaar 753. Antieke geschiedschrijvers als Titus Livius en Velleius Paterculus waren professioneel genoeg om aan deze flauwekul niet mee te doen: volgens deze auteurs is Rome gesticht in 751.

Niet dat dat jaartal accuraat is, overigens. Vanzelfsprekend is er noch één dag noch één jaar aan te wijzen voor het aaneengroeien van enkele op heuveltoppen gelegen boerendorpjes. Rome is niet op één dag gebouwd. Het verhaal over de stadstichting is pas ontstaan toen de Romeinen zelf steden stichtten en zich begonnen af te vragen wie hun eigen stad had gesticht. Het is dus een vrij jong, bewust in elkaar geflanst verhaal.

Romulus en Remus

De hoofdpersonen Romulus en Remus zijn ook al niet heel speciaal. Om te beginnen zijn ze de kinderen van de god Mars. Dit is een standaardmotief in de Indo-Europese literatuur: zie de helden die zijn verwekt door de Griekse oppergod Zeus (Herakles, Perseus…). Uit het Indische gedicht Mahabharata vernemen we hoe de zonnegod Surya bij Kunti de vijf Pandava’s verwekte. In de Ierse mythologie was de held Cú Chulainn de zoon van de god Lugh. De Griekse oorlogsgod Ares is de vader van Parrhasios en Leukastos, over wie zo meteen meer.

De moeder van Romulus en Remus, Rhea Silvia, is zo’n meisje dat geen man mag hebben omdat er een of andere onheilsvoorspelling is, en die dus door haar vader wordt opgesloten. Voor de goden uit de vorige alinea is dat doorgaans geen werkelijk beletsel – de verkrachting van een gevangen vrouw was in de oude wereld, of althans in het mythische deel daarvan, blijkbaar geen onoverkomelijk probleem. De Griekse Danaë en de al genoemde Indische Kunti zijn lotgenoten van Rhea Silvia. Een bijzonder nauwe parallel is die met de gevangen Germaanse prinses Hiltburg, dochter van koning Waldigund, die de moeder wordt van Wolfdietrich.

Vervolgens belanden Romulus en Remus in een mandje in de rivier. Perseus en dat meisje op de Kinderdijk bedienden zich van hetzelfde transportmiddel. Dit motief is overigens vanuit het oosten gekomen, waar de Mesopotamische koning Sargon van Akkad en de joodse leider Mozes in biezen mandjes de rivier bevoeren. Ook een van de kinderen van de Indische Kunti, Karna, drijft in een mandje weg.

Tot slot wordt de Romeinse tweeling gevoed door een wolvin. Wolfdietrich dankt zijn naam aan zijn dierlijke min, de Ierse koning Cormac mac Airt is een ander wolfskind. Wolvinnen dragen ook zorg voor de Griekse tweeling Parrhasios en Leukastos en de Poolse tweeling Waligóra en Wyrwidab.

Over the top

Kortom, de Romeinen waren niet bijster origineel toen ze Romulus en Remus verzonnen. Het verhaal is een mix van traditionele Indo-Europese elementen. Als er al iets bijzonders aan is, is het dat het zo véél elementen combineert. Het is alsof de Romeinen dachten: “we hebben geen stichtingsverhaal, we moeten iets verzinnen, laten we maar alle bestaande verhalen combineren en iets maken dat volkomen over the top is”.

Het ziet er niet best uit voor Libanon. Als u meer wil weten over dat geteisterde land, lees dan mijn boek. Deze blog kunt u ook volgen via een Whatsapp-kanaal.

Zelfde tijdvak

🇺🇦 #NowPlaying on #KEXP's #PacificNotions

Lugh:
🎵 Druids on the Dole

#Lugh

https://freelovenrg.bandcamp.com/track/druids-on-the-dole

Lá Saoire i mí Lúnasa

Today, Monday 4th August 2024, being the first Monday in August, is a Bank Holiday in Ireland. This holiday was created by the Bank Holiday Act of 1871 when Ireland was under British rule. While the August Bank holiday was subsequently moved to the end of August in England and Wales, it has remained at the start of August in Ireland.

We have had some proper Bank Holiday weather, in the form of Storm Floris. Although the worst of this passed to the West of Maynooth, the winds were powerful enough to blow one of my wheelie bins over.

As I mentioned last week, the first day of August marks the old pagan festival of Lughnasadh, named after the God Lugh, on which is celebrated the beginning of the harvest season. This coincides with the English Lammas Day, one of many Christian festivals with pagan origins. Traditionally this is the start of the harvest season and is celebrated accordingly, with rites involving the first fruit and bread baked from flour obtained from the first corn. It is also one of the cross-quarter days, lying roughly half-way between the Summer Solstice and the Autumnal Equinox (in the Northern Hemisphere).

I’m reminded that this time last year I was still on sabbatical. That seems like ages ago. When I resumed teaching last September I had to teach two modules I’d never taught before: a fourth-year Mathematical physics course on Differential Equations and Complex Analysis and a second-year Engineering Mathematics course. This time should be a bit easier as I get to do both of these again. Over the year I also had a final-year undergraduate project student and an MSc student. Both have been a pleasure to work with. The Masters course lasts a calendar year so that one isn’t quite finished, but the deadline for handing in their dissertation is close, next Monday (11th) in fact.

After I return to work tomorrow the next big item on the agenda is the repeat examination period, which starts on Wednesday August 6th. The fates have conspired to require me to be “on call” for four papers next Saturday (two of my own and two covering for a colleague): three of these are scheduled at 12.30 and the other one at 15.30 so I’l have to be by the phone all afternoon in case any matters arise. I also have three others scattered through the approximately ten days of the examination period.

After the repeat examinations are done, the marks uploaded, and the Examination Board has done its work, the next job will be to prepare for the new intake of students. This year’s Leaving Certificate results will be announced on Friday 22nd August, at which point we’ll see how many students (if any) we have studying Physics next academic year which, if all goes to plan, will be my antepenultimate…

#LáSaoireIMíLúnasa #Lugh #Lughnasadh #MaynoothUniversity #StormFloris

Lá Saoire i mí Lúnasa

Today, Monday 4th August 2024, being the first Monday in August, is a Bank Holiday in Ireland. This holiday was created by the Bank Holiday Act of 1871 when Ireland was under British rule. While the August Bank holiday was subsequently moved to the end of August in England and Wales, it has remained at the start of August in Ireland.

We have had some proper Bank Holiday weather, in the form of Storm Floris. Although the worst of this passed to the West of Maynooth, the winds were powerful enough to blow one of my wheelie bins over.

As I mentioned last week, the first day of August marks the old pagan festival of Lughnasadh, named after the God Lugh, on which is celebrated the beginning of the harvest season. This coincides with the English Lammas Day, one of many Christian festivals with pagan origins. Traditionally this is the start of the harvest season and is celebrated accordingly, with rites involving the first fruit and bread baked from flour obtained from the first corn. It is also one of the cross-quarter days, lying roughly half-way between the Summer Solstice and the Autumnal Equinox (in the Northern Hemisphere).

I’m reminded that this time last year I was still on sabbatical. That seems like ages ago. When I resumed teaching last September I had to teach two modules I’d never taught before: a fourth-year Mathematical physics course on Differential Equations and Complex Analysis and a second-year Engineering Mathematics course. This time should be a bit easier as I get to do both of these again. Over the year I also had a final-year undergraduate project student and an MSc student. Both have been a pleasure to work with. The Masters course lasts a calendar year so that one isn’t quite finished, but the deadline for handing in their dissertation is close, next Monday (11th) in fact.

After I return to work tomorrow the next big item on the agenda is the repeat examination period, which starts on Wednesday August 6th. The fates have conspired to require me to be “on call” for four papers next Saturday (two of my own and two covering for a colleague): three of these are scheduled at 12.30 and the other one at 15.30 so I’l have to be by the phone all afternoon in case any matters arise. I also have three others scattered through the approximately ten days of the examination period.

After the repeat examinations are done, the marks uploaded, and the Examination Board has done its work, the next job will be to prepare for the new intake of students. This year’s Leaving Certificate results will be announced on Friday 22nd August, at which point we’ll see how many students (if any) we have studying Physics next academic year which, if all goes to plan, will be my antepenultimate…

#LáSaoireIMíLúnasa #Lugh #Lughnasadh #MaynoothUniversity #StormFloris

If you're #pagan, or otherwise so inclined, join with me invoking these #ancientgodsandgoddesses for truth, fairness, justice, and freedom to stand in the #CanadaElection tonight.

(I'm aware I mixed #pantheons. Some don't do that, I see no issue in most cases, as long as the #deities "match". )

#Themis, #Inanna, #Libertas, #Artemis , #Athena , #Lugh, #Liber, #Jupiter #Apollo, I invoke thee to bring justice, freedom, and fairness to our government tonight. As I will, #somoteitbe!

If you're #pagan, or otherwise so inclined, join with me invoking these #ancientgodsandgoddesses for truth, fairness, justice, and freedom to stand in the #CanadaElection tonight.

(I'm aware I mixed #pantheons. Some don't do that, I see no issue in most cases, as long as the #deities "match". )

#Themis, #Inanna, #Libertas, #Artemis , #Athena , #Lugh, #Liber, #Jupiter #Apollo, I invoke thee to bring justice, freedom, and fairness to our government tonight. As I will, #somoteitbe!

If you're #pagan, or otherwise so inclined, join with me invoking these #ancientgodsandgoddesses for truth, fairness, justice, and freedom to stand in the #CanadaElection tonight.

(I'm aware I mixed #pantheons. Some don't do that, I see no issue in most cases, as long as the #deities "match". )

#Themis, #Inanna, #Libertas, #Artemis , #Athena , #Lugh, #Liber, #Jupiter #Apollo, I invoke thee to bring justice, freedom, and fairness to our government tonight. As I will, #somoteitbe!

I have written about using a ferro rod to start fires in the past. But I never really explained a few things. As a prepper, sure I could buy a lifetime’s worth of Bics and always be able to light a fire. But years ago I learned how to use a ferro rod and steel to light a fire and here is why. About 10 years ago I made a pledge, as an offering to Lugh, to use only a ferro rod and steel (my bush knife) to start the bonfires for a whole year.

At first I was clumsy and it took a while to get that flame going. As time went on, I learned what the best tinder was (fine dry swamp grass and curls of fatwood kept in a pouch), the best technique (hold the rod to the surface and make a slow solid shower of sparks down onto the tinder) and got so that I could get that fire lit with one swipe on the rod (have the whole little fire pyramid ready with tiny kindling and a space to stuff the lit tinder under). It was the learning, conquering a challenge, and making a life saving thing without the disposable use of fossil fuel. From a practical point of view, it makes sense to always have alternatives as well.

Bic lighters are absolutely shitty when they get wet. It takes a lot of energy to dry them out and get them to light (running the wheel on your jeans for 5 or 10 minutes) which might be perilous if you were in a situation where getting that fire going was important. Bics can be lost, run out of fuel, etc. so having an extra method of making fire is common sense.

But that is the least of it. Learning how to do something that is outside your current skill set is the whole point. Doing the preparation ahead of time by creating a fire pouch with everything you need in it and keeping it with you and dry at all times. You are training your brain to think ahead, use methodical procedures and develop small motor skills.

After I started using the knife and ferro rod, I realized I wanted a sheath to keep them together so early in my learning to do leather work, I made this sheath that keeps them together. The cotton pouch can hang on my belt under my coat to keep tinder in as well, but I usually just keep it in the camp kit. The best way to prepare for future difficulty is to learn to use your gear now.

#bushcraft #prepping #GetPrepared #Offerings #Witchcraft #Lugh #LughSamildánac #TuathDéDanann

I have written about using a ferro rod to start fires in the past. But I never really explained a few things. As a prepper, sure I could buy a lifetime’s worth of Bics and always be able to light a fire. But years ago I learned how to use a ferro rod and steel to light a fire and here is why. About 10 years ago I made a pledge, as an offering to Lugh, to use only a ferro rod and steel (my bush knife) to start the bonfires for a whole year.

At first I was clumsy and it took a while to get that flame going. As time went on, I learned what the best tinder was (fine dry swamp grass and curls of fatwood kept in a pouch), the best technique (hold the rod to the surface and make a slow solid shower of sparks down onto the tinder) and got so that I could get that fire lit with one swipe on the rod (have the whole little fire pyramid ready with tiny kindling and a space to stuff the lit tinder under). It was the learning, conquering a challenge, and making a life saving thing without the disposable use of fossil fuel. From a practical point of view, it makes sense to always have alternatives as well.

Bic lighters are absolutely shitty when they get wet. It takes a lot of energy to dry them out and get them to light (running the wheel on your jeans for 5 or 10 minutes) which might be perilous if you were in a situation where getting that fire going was important. Bics can be lost, run out of fuel, etc. so having an extra method of making fire is common sense.

But that is the least of it. Learning how to do something that is outside your current skill set is the whole point. Doing the preparation ahead of time by creating a fire pouch with everything you need in it and keeping it with you and dry at all times. You are training your brain to think ahead, use methodical procedures and develop small motor skills.

After I started using the knife and ferro rod, I realized I wanted a sheath to keep them together so early in my learning to do leather work, I made this sheath that keeps them together. The cotton pouch can hang on my belt under my coat to keep tinder in as well, but I usually just keep it in the camp kit. The best way to prepare for future difficulty is to learn to use your gear now.

#bushcraft #prepping #GetPrepared #Offerings #Witchcraft #Lugh #LughSamildánac #TuathDéDanann

I have written about using a ferro rod to start fires in the past. But I never really explained a few things. As a prepper, sure I could buy a lifetime’s worth of Bics and always be able to light a fire. But years ago I learned how to use a ferro rod and steel to light a fire and here is why. About 10 years ago I made a pledge, as an offering to Lugh, to use only a ferro rod and steel (my bush knife) to start the bonfires for a whole year.

At first I was clumsy and it took a while to get that flame going. As time went on, I learned what the best tinder was (fine dry swamp grass and curls of fatwood kept in a pouch), the best technique (hold the rod to the surface and make a slow solid shower of sparks down onto the tinder) and got so that I could get that fire lit with one swipe on the rod (have the whole little fire pyramid ready with tiny kindling and a space to stuff the lit tinder under). It was the learning, conquering a challenge, and making a life saving thing without the disposable use of fossil fuel. From a practical point of view, it makes sense to always have alternatives as well.

Bic lighters are absolutely shitty when they get wet. It takes a lot of energy to dry them out and get them to light (running the wheel on your jeans for 5 or 10 minutes) which might be perilous if you were in a situation where getting that fire going was important. Bics can be lost, run out of fuel, etc. so having an extra method of making fire is common sense.

But that is the least of it. Learning how to do something that is outside your current skill set is the whole point. Doing the preparation ahead of time by creating a fire pouch with everything you need in it and keeping it with you and dry at all times. You are training your brain to think ahead, use methodical procedures and develop small motor skills.

After I started using the knife and ferro rod, I realized I wanted a sheath to keep them together so early in my learning to do leather work, I made this sheath that keeps them together. The cotton pouch can hang on my belt under my coat to keep tinder in as well, but I usually just keep it in the camp kit. The best way to prepare for future difficulty is to learn to use your gear now.

#bushcraft #prepping #GetPrepared #Offerings #Witchcraft #Lugh #LughSamildánac #TuathDéDanann

I have written about using a ferro rod to start fires in the past. But I never really explained a few things. As a prepper, sure I could buy a lifetime’s worth of Bics and always be able to light a fire. But years ago I learned how to use a ferro rod and steel to light a fire and here is why. About 10 years ago I made a pledge, as an offering to Lugh, to use only a ferro rod and steel (my bush knife) to start the bonfires for a whole year.

At first I was clumsy and it took a while to get that flame going. As time went on, I learned what the best tinder was (fine dry swamp grass and curls of fatwood kept in a pouch), the best technique (hold the rod to the surface and make a slow solid shower of sparks down onto the tinder) and got so that I could get that fire lit with one swipe on the rod (have the whole little fire pyramid ready with tiny kindling and a space to stuff the lit tinder under). It was the learning, conquering a challenge, and making a life saving thing without the disposable use of fossil fuel. From a practical point of view, it makes sense to always have alternatives as well.

Bic lighters are absolutely shitty when they get wet. It takes a lot of energy to dry them out and get them to light (running the wheel on your jeans for 5 or 10 minutes) which might be perilous if you were in a situation where getting that fire going was important. Bics can be lost, run out of fuel, etc. so having an extra method of making fire is common sense.

But that is the least of it. Learning how to do something that is outside your current skill set is the whole point. Doing the preparation ahead of time by creating a fire pouch with everything you need in it and keeping it with you and dry at all times. You are training your brain to think ahead, use methodical procedures and develop small motor skills.

After I started using the knife and ferro rod, I realized I wanted a sheath to keep them together so early in my learning to do leather work, I made this sheath that keeps them together. The cotton pouch can hang on my belt under my coat to keep tinder in as well, but I usually just keep it in the camp kit. The best way to prepare for future difficulty is to learn to use your gear now.

#bushcraft #prepping #GetPrepared #Offerings #Witchcraft #Lugh #LughSamildánac #TuathDéDanann

I have written about using a ferro rod to start fires in the past. But I never really explained a few things. As a prepper, sure I could buy a lifetime’s worth of Bics and always be able to light a fire. But years ago I learned how to use a ferro rod and steel to light a fire and here is why. About 10 years ago I made a pledge, as an offering to Lugh, to use only a ferro rod and steel (my bush knife) to start the bonfires for a whole year.

At first I was clumsy and it took a while to get that flame going. As time went on, I learned what the best tinder was (fine dry swamp grass and curls of fatwood kept in a pouch), the best technique (hold the rod to the surface and make a slow solid shower of sparks down onto the tinder) and got so that I could get that fire lit with one swipe on the rod (have the whole little fire pyramid ready with tiny kindling and a space to stuff the lit tinder under). It was the learning, conquering a challenge, and making a life saving thing without the disposable use of fossil fuel. From a practical point of view, it makes sense to always have alternatives as well.

Bic lighters are absolutely shitty when they get wet. It takes a lot of energy to dry them out and get them to light (running the wheel on your jeans for 5 or 10 minutes) which might be perilous if you were in a situation where getting that fire going was important. Bics can be lost, run out of fuel, etc. so having an extra method of making fire is common sense.

But that is the least of it. Learning how to do something that is outside your current skill set is the whole point. Doing the preparation ahead of time by creating a fire pouch with everything you need in it and keeping it with you and dry at all times. You are training your brain to think ahead, use methodical procedures and develop small motor skills.

After I started using the knife and ferro rod, I realized I wanted a sheath to keep them together so early in my learning to do leather work, I made this sheath that keeps them together. The cotton pouch can hang on my belt under my coat to keep tinder in as well, but I usually just keep it in the camp kit. The best way to prepare for future difficulty is to learn to use your gear now.

#bushcraft #prepping #GetPrepared #Offerings #Witchcraft #Lugh #LughSamildánac #TuathDéDanann

#Celtic #FolkloreThursday: `#CúChulainn was the champion of Ulster, and most famous for his almost single-handed defence of the province against Medb, Queen of Connacht in the tale of the Cattle Raid of Cooley. The tale of his conception and birth is a curious one. #Dechtire, his mother, was half sister of King Conchobar mac Nessa, was married to an Ulster chieftain named #Sualtam.
One night, a mayfly landed in her cup of wine, and she swallowed it without realising. She fell into a deep sleep during which #Lugh Lamfhada, God of Lightning, visited her, and claimed that he was that mayfly and had impregnated her. He then transformed her along with fifty of her serving women into a flock of birds and flew them to Bru na Boinne (Newgrange).
She gave birth to a son there, and named him #Setanta. The men of Ulster then came for her and escorted her home. Setanta grew up to become the hero CúChulainn. Without a doubt, he was a spectacular and precocious child, with battle skills and prowess to match that of any adult warrior. Although he died very young – some stories say seventeen, some say thirty years of age – he achieved fame and admiration which is still told of today.`
Source: Ali Isaac | Substack
https://twitter.com/of_mythology/status/1312497026068746241?t=L5HVuFRPpqzjC8_lIfec8Q&s=09

#Celtic #FolkloreThursday: `#CúChulainn was the champion of Ulster, and most famous for his almost single-handed defence of the province against Medb, Queen of Connacht in the tale of the Cattle Raid of Cooley. The tale of his conception and birth is a curious one. #Dechtire, his mother, was half sister of King Conchobar mac Nessa, was married to an Ulster chieftain named #Sualtam.
One night, a mayfly landed in her cup of wine, and she swallowed it without realising. She fell into a deep sleep during which #Lugh Lamfhada, God of Lightning, visited her, and claimed that he was that mayfly and had impregnated her. He then transformed her along with fifty of her serving women into a flock of birds and flew them to Bru na Boinne (Newgrange).
She gave birth to a son there, and named him #Setanta. The men of Ulster then came for her and escorted her home. Setanta grew up to become the hero CúChulainn. Without a doubt, he was a spectacular and precocious child, with battle skills and prowess to match that of any adult warrior. Although he died very young – some stories say seventeen, some say thirty years of age – he achieved fame and admiration which is still told of today.`
Source: Ali Isaac | Substack
https://twitter.com/of_mythology/status/1312497026068746241?t=L5HVuFRPpqzjC8_lIfec8Q&s=09

#Celtic #FolkloreThursday: `#CúChulainn was the champion of Ulster, and most famous for his almost single-handed defence of the province against Medb, Queen of Connacht in the tale of the Cattle Raid of Cooley. The tale of his conception and birth is a curious one. #Dechtire, his mother, was half sister of King Conchobar mac Nessa, was married to an Ulster chieftain named #Sualtam.
One night, a mayfly landed in her cup of wine, and she swallowed it without realising. She fell into a deep sleep during which #Lugh Lamfhada, God of Lightning, visited her, and claimed that he was that mayfly and had impregnated her. He then transformed her along with fifty of her serving women into a flock of birds and flew them to Bru na Boinne (Newgrange).
She gave birth to a son there, and named him #Setanta. The men of Ulster then came for her and escorted her home. Setanta grew up to become the hero CúChulainn. Without a doubt, he was a spectacular and precocious child, with battle skills and prowess to match that of any adult warrior. Although he died very young – some stories say seventeen, some say thirty years of age – he achieved fame and admiration which is still told of today.`
Source: Ali Isaac | Substack
https://twitter.com/of_mythology/status/1312497026068746241?t=L5HVuFRPpqzjC8_lIfec8Q&s=09

#Celtic #FolkloreThursday: `#CúChulainn was the champion of Ulster, and most famous for his almost single-handed defence of the province against Medb, Queen of Connacht in the tale of the Cattle Raid of Cooley. The tale of his conception and birth is a curious one. #Dechtire, his mother, was half sister of King Conchobar mac Nessa, was married to an Ulster chieftain named #Sualtam.
One night, a mayfly landed in her cup of wine, and she swallowed it without realising. She fell into a deep sleep during which #Lugh Lamfhada, God of Lightning, visited her, and claimed that he was that mayfly and had impregnated her. He then transformed her along with fifty of her serving women into a flock of birds and flew them to Bru na Boinne (Newgrange).
She gave birth to a son there, and named him #Setanta. The men of Ulster then came for her and escorted her home. Setanta grew up to become the hero CúChulainn. Without a doubt, he was a spectacular and precocious child, with battle skills and prowess to match that of any adult warrior. Although he died very young – some stories say seventeen, some say thirty years of age – he achieved fame and admiration which is still told of today.`
Source: Ali Isaac | Substack
https://twitter.com/of_mythology/status/1312497026068746241?t=L5HVuFRPpqzjC8_lIfec8Q&s=09

#Celtic #FolkloreThursday: `#CúChulainn was the champion of Ulster, and most famous for his almost single-handed defence of the province against Medb, Queen of Connacht in the tale of the Cattle Raid of Cooley. The tale of his conception and birth is a curious one. #Dechtire, his mother, was half sister of King Conchobar mac Nessa, was married to an Ulster chieftain named #Sualtam.
One night, a mayfly landed in her cup of wine, and she swallowed it without realising. She fell into a deep sleep during which #Lugh Lamfhada, God of Lightning, visited her, and claimed that he was that mayfly and had impregnated her. He then transformed her along with fifty of her serving women into a flock of birds and flew them to Bru na Boinne (Newgrange).
She gave birth to a son there, and named him #Setanta. The men of Ulster then came for her and escorted her home. Setanta grew up to become the hero CúChulainn. Without a doubt, he was a spectacular and precocious child, with battle skills and prowess to match that of any adult warrior. Although he died very young – some stories say seventeen, some say thirty years of age – he achieved fame and admiration which is still told of today.`
Source: Ali Isaac | Substack
https://twitter.com/of_mythology/status/1312497026068746241?t=L5HVuFRPpqzjC8_lIfec8Q&s=09

#Celtic #MythologyMonday: `King Tuathal Techtmar was supposed to have lived at #Uisneach in the first century AD, as was the Dagda, High King of the Tuatha de Denann before him. #Lugh Lamfháda was said to have been drowned in the lake at the summit which is named after him, and buried beneath a cairn beside it.`
Source: Ali Isaac | Substack

#Celtic #FolkloreSunday: In mythology, Fintan the Ancient White One was said to be the first person to arrive in Ireland after the Great Flood. He planted the Branching Ash Tree of #Uisneach, also known as the Tree of Enchantment. This tree was sacred to #Lugh, and the druids often made their wands from ash, as it was associated with rebirth, divination, protection, wisdom and spiritual knowledge.
Source: Ali Isaac | Substack

#Celtic #LegendaryWednesday: In one version about #CúChulainn's origins, #Deichtine disappears from #EmainMacha, until the nobles of #Ulster are led by a flock of magical birds to a house, where they are welcomed by #Lugh. He tells them his wife is due to give birth soon, and when she does the Ulstermen discover she is #Deichtine. The child is named #Sétanta. He is brought up by #Súaltam and Deichtine in their house on Muirthemne Plain in County #Louth.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Súaltam

#Celtic #LegendaryWednesday: In one version about #CúChulainn's origins, #Deichtine disappears from #EmainMacha, until the nobles of #Ulster are led by a flock of magical birds to a house, where they are welcomed by #Lugh. He tells them his wife is due to give birth soon, and when she does the Ulstermen discover she is #Deichtine. The child is named #Sétanta. He is brought up by #Súaltam and Deichtine in their house on Muirthemne Plain in County #Louth.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Súaltam

#Celtic #LegendaryWednesday: In one version about #CúChulainn's origins, #Deichtine disappears from #EmainMacha, until the nobles of #Ulster are led by a flock of magical birds to a house, where they are welcomed by #Lugh. He tells them his wife is due to give birth soon, and when she does the Ulstermen discover she is #Deichtine. The child is named #Sétanta. He is brought up by #Súaltam and Deichtine in their house on Muirthemne Plain in County #Louth.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Súaltam

#Celtic #LegendaryWednesday: In one version about #CúChulainn's origins, #Deichtine disappears from #EmainMacha, until the nobles of #Ulster are led by a flock of magical birds to a house, where they are welcomed by #Lugh. He tells them his wife is due to give birth soon, and when she does the Ulstermen discover she is #Deichtine. The child is named #Sétanta. He is brought up by #Súaltam and Deichtine in their house on Muirthemne Plain in County #Louth.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Súaltam

#Celtic #LegendaryWednesday: In one version about #CúChulainn's origins, #Deichtine disappears from #EmainMacha, until the nobles of #Ulster are led by a flock of magical birds to a house, where they are welcomed by #Lugh. He tells them his wife is due to give birth soon, and when she does the Ulstermen discover she is #Deichtine. The child is named #Sétanta. He is brought up by #Súaltam and Deichtine in their house on Muirthemne Plain in County #Louth.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Súaltam

Instead of killing Tuireann's sons for murdering his father, #Lugh demanded payment of the éric, for the #nonviolent settlement of the dispute. However, the sons of Tuireann had to perform impossible feats as punishment for killing #Cian. “Every éric is evil,” stated the Senchas Mór, the great collection of legal documents and commentaries, on the grounds that it almost inevitably led to more bloodshed.
Source: P. Monaghan `Encyclopedia of #Celtic #Mythology and #Folklore`

Instead of killing Tuireann's sons for murdering his father, #Lugh demanded payment of the éric, for the #nonviolent settlement of the dispute. However, the sons of Tuireann had to perform impossible feats as punishment for killing #Cian. “Every éric is evil,” stated the Senchas Mór, the great collection of legal documents and commentaries, on the grounds that it almost inevitably led to more bloodshed.
Source: P. Monaghan `Encyclopedia of #Celtic #Mythology and #Folklore`

Instead of killing Tuireann's sons for murdering his father, #Lugh demanded payment of the éric, for the #nonviolent settlement of the dispute. However, the sons of Tuireann had to perform impossible feats as punishment for killing #Cian. “Every éric is evil,” stated the Senchas Mór, the great collection of legal documents and commentaries, on the grounds that it almost inevitably led to more bloodshed.
Source: P. Monaghan `Encyclopedia of #Celtic #Mythology and #Folklore`

Instead of killing Tuireann's sons for murdering his father, #Lugh demanded payment of the éric, for the #nonviolent settlement of the dispute. However, the sons of Tuireann had to perform impossible feats as punishment for killing #Cian. “Every éric is evil,” stated the Senchas Mór, the great collection of legal documents and commentaries, on the grounds that it almost inevitably led to more bloodshed.
Source: P. Monaghan `Encyclopedia of #Celtic #Mythology and #Folklore`

Instead of killing Tuireann's sons for murdering his father, #Lugh demanded payment of the éric, for the #nonviolent settlement of the dispute. However, the sons of Tuireann had to perform impossible feats as punishment for killing #Cian. “Every éric is evil,” stated the Senchas Mór, the great collection of legal documents and commentaries, on the grounds that it almost inevitably led to more bloodshed.
Source: P. Monaghan `Encyclopedia of #Celtic #Mythology and #Folklore`

In #mythology Lough na Súil is where #Lugh Lámfhada killed his own grandfather, #Balor of the Evil Eye. Balor fell face down into the ground, his evil eye burning a great crater in the earth, which filled up with water, and so the Lough was formed. #Celtic
Source: Ali Isaac [email protected]

In #Irish #mythology, the #HillOfUisneach is described as the sacred centre of #Ireland, the burial place of Irish gods such as #Lugh and the Dagda, the site of a sacred tree (the Bile Uisnig), and a place of assembly (the mórdáil Uisnig) associated with the #druids, which, according to later tradition, was held during the festival of Beltaine.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hill_of_Uisneach
#Celtic #ThickTrunkTuesday #TreeOfTheDay #treetime #treeday #LifesBetterWithTrees #BetterWithForests

In #Irish #mythology, the #HillOfUisneach is described as the sacred centre of #Ireland, the burial place of Irish gods such as #Lugh and the Dagda, the site of a sacred tree (the Bile Uisnig), and a place of assembly (the mórdáil Uisnig) associated with the #druids, which, according to later tradition, was held during the festival of Beltaine.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hill_of_Uisneach
#Celtic #ThickTrunkTuesday #TreeOfTheDay #treetime #treeday #LifesBetterWithTrees #BetterWithForests

In #Irish #mythology, the #HillOfUisneach is described as the sacred centre of #Ireland, the burial place of Irish gods such as #Lugh and the Dagda, the site of a sacred tree (the Bile Uisnig), and a place of assembly (the mórdáil Uisnig) associated with the #druids, which, according to later tradition, was held during the festival of Beltaine.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hill_of_Uisneach
#Celtic #ThickTrunkTuesday #TreeOfTheDay #treetime #treeday #LifesBetterWithTrees #BetterWithForests

In #Irish #mythology, the #HillOfUisneach is described as the sacred centre of #Ireland, the burial place of Irish gods such as #Lugh and the Dagda, the site of a sacred tree (the Bile Uisnig), and a place of assembly (the mórdáil Uisnig) associated with the #druids, which, according to later tradition, was held during the festival of Beltaine.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hill_of_Uisneach
#Celtic #ThickTrunkTuesday #TreeOfTheDay #treetime #treeday #LifesBetterWithTrees #BetterWithForests

In #Irish #mythology, the #HillOfUisneach is described as the sacred centre of #Ireland, the burial place of Irish gods such as #Lugh and the Dagda, the site of a sacred tree (the Bile Uisnig), and a place of assembly (the mórdáil Uisnig) associated with the #druids, which, according to later tradition, was held during the festival of Beltaine.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hill_of_Uisneach
#Celtic #ThickTrunkTuesday #TreeOfTheDay #treetime #treeday #LifesBetterWithTrees #BetterWithForests

#FolkloreThursday: God #Lugh invented the old #Irish board game #fidchell. This #Celtic board game may have been similar to chess.
Source: Helmut Birkhan `#Kelten`

#Celtic #MythologyMonday: Among the talismans #Lugh demanded from Tuireann's three sons as punishment for the murder of his father #Cian were three apples (according to the tale, from the Hesperides Garden in the East of the World). `Only these apples will satisfy me, as they are the best and most beautiful in the world. This is what they are made of: Their colour is that of polished gold, and the head of a one-month-old child is no larger than any one of these apples. When you dine on them, they taste like honey, and bleeding wounds and the most malignant diseases disappear. The apples do not diminish when eaten, even if one eats from them for a long time and constantly. Whoever succeeds in taking one of these apples has accomplished his greatest feat, since he will never lose it again.`
Source: Guyonvarc'h/Le Roux `Die #Druiden`

#Celtic #MythologyMonday: Among the talismans #Lugh demanded from Tuireann's three sons as punishment for the murder of his father #Cian were three apples (according to the tale, from the Hesperides Garden in the East of the World). `Only these apples will satisfy me, as they are the best and most beautiful in the world. This is what they are made of: Their colour is that of polished gold, and the head of a one-month-old child is no larger than any one of these apples. When you dine on them, they taste like honey, and bleeding wounds and the most malignant diseases disappear. The apples do not diminish when eaten, even if one eats from them for a long time and constantly. Whoever succeeds in taking one of these apples has accomplished his greatest feat, since he will never lose it again.`
Source: Guyonvarc'h/Le Roux `Die #Druiden`

#Celtic #MythologyMonday: Among the talismans #Lugh demanded from Tuireann's three sons as punishment for the murder of his father #Cian were three apples (according to the tale, from the Hesperides Garden in the East of the World). `Only these apples will satisfy me, as they are the best and most beautiful in the world. This is what they are made of: Their colour is that of polished gold, and the head of a one-month-old child is no larger than any one of these apples. When you dine on them, they taste like honey, and bleeding wounds and the most malignant diseases disappear. The apples do not diminish when eaten, even if one eats from them for a long time and constantly. Whoever succeeds in taking one of these apples has accomplished his greatest feat, since he will never lose it again.`
Source: Guyonvarc'h/Le Roux `Die #Druiden`

#Celtic #MythologyMonday: Among the talismans #Lugh demanded from Tuireann's three sons as punishment for the murder of his father #Cian were three apples (according to the tale, from the Hesperides Garden in the East of the World). `Only these apples will satisfy me, as they are the best and most beautiful in the world. This is what they are made of: Their colour is that of polished gold, and the head of a one-month-old child is no larger than any one of these apples. When you dine on them, they taste like honey, and bleeding wounds and the most malignant diseases disappear. The apples do not diminish when eaten, even if one eats from them for a long time and constantly. Whoever succeeds in taking one of these apples has accomplished his greatest feat, since he will never lose it again.`
Source: Guyonvarc'h/Le Roux `Die #Druiden`

#Celtic #MythologyMonday: Among the talismans #Lugh demanded from Tuireann's three sons as punishment for the murder of his father #Cian were three apples (according to the tale, from the Hesperides Garden in the East of the World). `Only these apples will satisfy me, as they are the best and most beautiful in the world. This is what they are made of: Their colour is that of polished gold, and the head of a one-month-old child is no larger than any one of these apples. When you dine on them, they taste like honey, and bleeding wounds and the most malignant diseases disappear. The apples do not diminish when eaten, even if one eats from them for a long time and constantly. Whoever succeeds in taking one of these apples has accomplished his greatest feat, since he will never lose it again.`
Source: Guyonvarc'h/Le Roux `Die #Druiden`

#Celtic #MythologyMonday: After #Lugh joined their ranks, the #TuathaDéDanann were optimistic of winning the power struggle against the Fomorians.
#Lugh led the attack in the great final battle of Mag Tuired, where he killed his grandfather #Balor of the Evil Eye. Lugh, generally recognized as a harvest god, was also a god of arts and crafts.

#Celtic #MythologyMonday: After #Lugh joined their ranks, the #TuathaDéDanann were optimistic of winning the power struggle against the Fomorians.
#Lugh led the attack in the great final battle of Mag Tuired, where he killed his grandfather #Balor of the Evil Eye. Lugh, generally recognized as a harvest god, was also a god of arts and crafts.

#Celtic #MythologyMonday: After #Lugh joined their ranks, the #TuathaDéDanann were optimistic of winning the power struggle against the Fomorians.
#Lugh led the attack in the great final battle of Mag Tuired, where he killed his grandfather #Balor of the Evil Eye. Lugh, generally recognized as a harvest god, was also a god of arts and crafts.

#Celtic #MythologyMonday: After #Lugh joined their ranks, the #TuathaDéDanann were optimistic of winning the power struggle against the Fomorians.
#Lugh led the attack in the great final battle of Mag Tuired, where he killed his grandfather #Balor of the Evil Eye. Lugh, generally recognized as a harvest god, was also a god of arts and crafts.

#Celtic #MythologyMonday: After #Lugh joined their ranks, the #TuathaDéDanann were optimistic of winning the power struggle against the Fomorians.
#Lugh led the attack in the great final battle of Mag Tuired, where he killed his grandfather #Balor of the Evil Eye. Lugh, generally recognized as a harvest god, was also a god of arts and crafts.

#MythologyMonday: `Fire deities are found in #Celtic mythology, typically with wildfire divinities being male and those of the hearth fire, female. #Taranis, the continental Celtic thunder god, was associated with lightning and with the fires that typically followed its strikes. #Lugh appears to have served the same function in insular #mythology.`
Source: P. Monaghan `Encyclopedia of #Celtic #Mythology and Folklore`
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RT @[email protected]
#MythologyMonday
Evidence of Celtic God #Taranis is found in many areas of Europe - usually depicted with a Thunderbolt in one hand (taran is the Welsh word for thunder) & a Chariot Wheel in the other he was also associated with Light & Fire ....
#Celtic #Mythology

Among the talismans #Lugh demanded from Tuireann's three sons as punishment for the murder of his father #Cian were three apples (according to the tale, from the Hesperides Garden in the East of the World).
Lugh said: „Only these apples will satisfy me, as they are the best and most beautiful in the world. This is what they are made of: Their color is that of polished gold, and the head of a one-month-old child is no larger than any one of these apples. When you dine on them, they taste like honey, and bleeding wounds and the most malignant diseases disappear. The apples do not diminish when eaten, even if one eats from them for a long time and constantly. Whoever succeeds in taking one of these apples has accomplished his greatest feat, since he will never lose it again.“
Source: Guyonvarc'h/Le Roux `Die #Druiden`
---
RT @ElsaMc1878
#LegendaryWednesday
In Greek myth the Hesperides were 3 sisters who tended the goddess Hera’s garden. In the garden grew a magical tree that pro…
https://twitter.com/ElsaMc1878/status/1524281041556586496

Among the talismans #Lugh demanded from Tuireann's three sons as punishment for the murder of his father #Cian were three apples (according to the tale, from the Hesperides Garden in the East of the World).
Lugh said: „Only these apples will satisfy me, as they are the best and most beautiful in the world. This is what they are made of: Their color is that of polished gold, and the head of a one-month-old child is no larger than any one of these apples. When you dine on them, they taste like honey, and bleeding wounds and the most malignant diseases disappear. The apples do not diminish when eaten, even if one eats from them for a long time and constantly. Whoever succeeds in taking one of these apples has accomplished his greatest feat, since he will never lose it again.“
Source: Guyonvarc'h/Le Roux `Die #Druiden`
---
RT @ElsaMc1878
#LegendaryWednesday
In Greek myth the Hesperides were 3 sisters who tended the goddess Hera’s garden. In the garden grew a magical tree that pro…
https://twitter.com/ElsaMc1878/status/1524281041556586496