Irish Folklore

Paper Summary:

Irish culture is centered upon the folklore and myths that have been a significant part of Irish traditions and history. When it comes to folklore and Gaelic culture, the Irish are proud of their history and often distinguish themselves from the rest of the European culture. This paper explores traditional Irish folklore and its significance on contemporary Irish culture customs and beliefs. It also outlines factors that have contributed to the development and reservation of the Irish folklore.

From the Paper:

"In order to understand how Irish folklore has shaped the cultural beliefs, traditions and customs of the Irish people, it is important to understand how Ireland is culturally unique from the rest of Europe and how it differs in geography, history and tradition. The Irish people are known as some of the best storytellers in the world and their folklore is considered to be the strongest reflection of the Irish culture. In Sean O'Sullivan's work, The Folklore of Ireland, he describes Irish folklore as "the oldest vernacular literature in Western Europe" (11). From O'Sullivan, we learn that the Irish are extremely protective of their folklore and the literature associated with it and that the written records of these tales date back to the 12th Century. O'Sullivan outlines three reasons why Irish folklore differs from that of other ethnic folklore in Europe. Firstly, the geographical placement of Ireland in relation to the rest of Europe allowed the Irish to draw on ideas from other countries while their isolation created an environment where their own stories and traditions could be preserved and kept as their own. "

More papers on Irish Folklore:

• Research Paper # 53096 : "Irish Folklore"
• Analytical Essay # 58428 : "W.B. Yeats and the Irish Renaissance"
• Research Paper # 22313 : "Leprechauns"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: