Myths and Legends - Ireland : 2012

Children of Lir: Bodb gave one of his daughters, Aoibh, to Lir in marriage. agreeing that he would yield the lordship, and form an alliance—ending strife.

Aoibh bore Lir four children: one girl, Fionnghuala, and three sons, Aodh and twins, Fiacra and Conn. After the birth of the twins, Aoibh died, causing great grief to Lir.  Bodb then sent another of his daughters, Aoife, to marry Lir.

Aoife became jealous of the affection given to the four stepchildren, and she feigned illness for around a year. One day, she set out in her chariot with the four children, with design to kill them, and called her entourage to slay them, stating that because of them she had lost Lir's love, and promising them rich rewards. However, they would not help, so she drew a sword, but was not able to follow through with the act. Next she took them to Loch Dairbhreach and made them bathe, but once in the water, she cast a spell of metamorphosis in order to transform them into four white swans.

Deirdre of the Sorrows illustrates the legendary love story of Naoise and Deirdre and the jealous rage this caused in Conchubar mac Nessa. The story is one of Ireland’s classic tragedies where the pair flee to safety in Scotland but are subsequently tricked into returning to Ireland where Naoise ends up being killed by Conchubar. Stricken with grief, Deirdre then kills herself as well.

The Salmon of Knowledge: There once was a salmon that was extremely elusive and contained all the knowledge of the world. Whoever tasted the salmon first would immediately absorb all of the fishes knowledge. And so, an ancient poet and philosopher, Finegas, set off to catch the fish with his servant Fionn. Finegas spent seven years trying to catch the fish and eventually got him! He gave the fish to his servant Fionn for preparation and cooking. While cooking the fish, Fionn burnt his thumb and sucked it to relieve the pain. In that instant, Fionn absorbed all of the knowledge of the world much to Finegas’ dismay! 

Irish Warrior Cú Chulainn (Setanta): The stamp illustrates the young Setanta earning his name Chu Chulainn (the Hound of Culann) Chulainn is an Irish warrior hero and demigod in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology, as well as in Scottish and Manx folklore.