Bridging Worlds with Brigid: – Unraveling the Goddess and Saint in Irish Tradition

Send us Fan MailDia dhaoibh agus fáilte - Hello and welcome to the premiere episode of our podcast, brought to you by Wikimedia Community Ireland. I'm Amy, the Irish Language Officer with Wikimedia Community Ireland, and I'm thrilled to be your host for this episode.In this episode, we delve into the enchanting world of folklore and feminism as part of the WikiLovesFolklore campaign. Joining me is Orlagh Costello, an educator and devoted follower of Brigid – both the Irish Goddess and Saint.We explore intriguing questions, such as discerning between the Goddess and the Saint, understanding Brigid as a poet, smith, and healer, and exploring the notion of Brigid as a title. Orlagh sheds light on the sources documenting Brigid's life, discussing their reliability amidst Christian influences and biases.We also unravel the mystery of why Brigid isn't Ireland's patron saint, examining historical narratives and patriarchal reasons why Brigid was snubbed for the title of Patron Saint of Ireland. Orlagh shares her favorite stories of Brigid, offering insights into the Goddess she works with.As this episode airs on Brigid's Day, the 1st of February, Orlagh reveals common practices observed across Ireland by devotees of Brigid. And, of course, we find out where you can connect with Orlagh and her rich resources on all things Brigid.Join us on this captivating journey into Irish folklore, tradition, and the vibrant realm of Wikimedia Community Ireland. Let's celebrate the spirit of free knowledge together!Links & Resources: You can find Orlagh here: https://mybrigidsforge.com/---This podcast episode will shortly be made available on the Wikimedia Community Ireland YouTube Channel. Sign up to our newsletter at wikimedia.ie or follow us on social media @wikimediaie to keep up to date with upcoming events all over Ireland in 2025!If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our podcast, leave a review, and share it with your friends or on social media. Together, we can make Ireland’s heritage accessible to all. Until next time, keep exploring and celebrating our shared history. Go raibh míle maith agaibh as éisteacht linn, thank you very much for listening!