The Art Of The Storyteller

Tonight we had our last storytelling session of the winter. Once a month we gathered around Simon, our seanchaidh, to hear ancient stories from around the world. Tales of the Celts and the Norse, the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

And where else would you tell such stories but in a mead hall or a pub? After the summer break we will gather again in the Riverside Tap and share tales of entertainment and meaning.

This time we had the tale of the Dog-headed Warrior of Canaan and two tales of the Feanna of Ireland. The tales of Fionn MacCumhaill and his warrior friends were especially apt as we had our Hebridean friend Mairi with us. She can remember that, in her grandfather's time, the storyteller would come to visit the neighbourhood and tell those same stories, but in Gàidhlig.

We can keep the stories over the spring and summer by visiting Simon's digital storybook. He has put a number of great tales on his Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/thefloatingmonastery.

So until we get to gather in the meadhall again come the autumn, I'll be visiting the floating monastery.

Now I have to remember the stories and summarise them in Gàidhlig for my next class. I had to skip tonight's class to run away and hear the storyteller. 😉

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