Tales for our Times
We live in turbulent times, such times need great stories and storytelling.
This podcast presents the ancient craft of storytelling as tool for connection, imagination, entertainment and empowerment.
Scottish storyteller Dougie Mackay, shares folk tales, myths and musings. Sometimes joined by guest storytellers, change-makers, rebels and poets, who share their perspective on stories and folk culture and its impact on modern life.
Themes of rewilding, nature connection, folk arts, primitive skills and regenerative culture are explored.
Tales for our Times
Ep 7. The Old Grey Magician
In this episode I introduce Animate Lands, a live storytelling and music piece that recently showcased at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
I introduce the Fianna and some of the old Celtic myths relating to them before sharing a Scottish story featuring the Old Grey Magician, a mysterious wizard type character in who appears in several old Celtic myths. This is a story you are unlikely to hear elsewhere.
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Dougie shares his summer adventures, including attending the Lithica Gathering in Norway, running a camp on the Scottish island of Egg, and participating in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
The focus of the podcast is on Dougie's storytelling music show called Animate Lands, which explores the Birth of Ossian and the significance of deer stories in Celtic culture. The transcript highlights Dougie's passion for storytelling and his commitment to exploring the connections between folk culture, mythology, and the natural world.
The second transcript delves into the evolution of Dougie's show Animate Lands, which combines storytelling and music. The show reflects on the loss of Animistic awareness in modern times and its impact on issues like climate change. A story from the show is shared, featuring the character of the Old Grey Magician and his apprentice, Donnran, who embarks on a transformative journey. The story draws parallels to figures like Merlin and the Dark Druid in Celtic mythology, showcasing the mystical nature of the Old Grey Magician.
The third transcript explores the tale of the Magician in the context of Finn and Fianna. It highlights the originality and ancient roots of the story, rooted in Druidical stories and early Celtic culture. The importance of bees and the presence of a stag in the tale raise questions about their significance in ancient cultures.
The transcript also mentions resources for further exploration of Fianna tales and the Finn cycle, as well as the Animate Lands show performed at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Referenced in this episode are the following books:
The Old Grey Magician, by George Macpherson
Over 9 Waves, Mari Heaney
Gods and Fighting Men, Lady Gregory
Finn and the Fianna, Daniel Allison
Also:
If you're interested in participating in Myth as Medicine register interest via:
https://sendfox.com/lp/m2gdw5
Support the podcast by buying me a coffee via:
https://ko-fi.com/dougiemackaystory
Check out the Animate Lands teaser video:
https://youtu.be/6PWu1LwawbI?si=cC3cPfLlzbSeU3qb