Oral histories, or histories and stories passed down by word of mouth, rather than written down, are extremely valuable in Irish culture. Not only does oral storytelling preserve the Irish language (Gaeilge, sometimes also called Irish Gaelic), but it is its own art form. The art in storytelling in Ireland is an ancient practice, where storytellers have always been held in high regard. Oral storytelling is its own art form; storytellers sometimes need to change details for a given audience, adjust narratives, give more context, and place emotional emphasis while storytelling.
Previously I wrote to you about Saint Finbarr and his cathedral. This story is always evolving. For instance, recently, I had the immense privilege of going on a walking tour with Cork writer, storyteller, and teacher, Mícheál Ó Laoghaire. He told us about the legend of Cork City, which was once a bog. He said Cork began with Saint Finbarr standing on a hill made of sandstone and limestone, or red and white, which have become Cork’s colors. This reminded me a great deal of the geology and colors of Kentucky.
