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Classes |
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NEW! Very early bird prices until 4th December Mabinogi Connections - starts 10th January
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The Four Branches of the Mabinogi is one of the most central and engaging story cycles in Celtic mythology. This class is called Mabinogi Connections because we will explore how these stories relate to folklore from Wales, and other Celtic-speaking cultures, it’s relationship to other early Welsh literature, and perhaps most importantly, its relationship to Irish mythological texts.
I see Celtic myth and folklore as a web, or network. There are an infinite number of paths running between the different stories from Ireland, Wales, and beyond. While each Celtic-speaking culture is unique, with it’s own history and it’s own place in the world, the shared heritage of language means that our stories are also related in complex ways. With a little care and attention, we can compare the two mythologies, and rather than either culture losing its identity, we can deepen our understanding of both, and forge mutual understanding. Regular Price $160
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12 sessions:
Dates: January: 10th, 17th, 24th; [break] February 7th, 14, 21st,28th; March 7th, 14th [break]; April: 11th, 18th, 25th Time: Saturdays at 10 am Pacific/1 pm Eastern/6 pm UK 
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What to expect from my classes
Weekly online class includes – my presentations, Q&A sessions, moderated discussions. Classes usually last around 90 minutes.
Access to class recordings if you need them. (Recordings may not always include class discussions, but will always include all presentations.)
Weekly notes. You will receive these as a PDF after each class. These will include:
Study Guide: Many classes have a study guide which includes the reading schedule, a pronunciation guide, or texts you will need for the class. (Texts are either included or you can read them online at the links provided in the study guide.)
Access to class recordings if you need them. (Recordings may not always include class discussions, but will always include all presentations.)
Weekly notes. You will receive these as a PDF after each class. These will include:
- Important points and graphics from the presentations
- links or citations to any texts referenced in the presentations
- links and citations to further reading on the topics covered, which you can follow up on, if you wish.
Study Guide: Many classes have a study guide which includes the reading schedule, a pronunciation guide, or texts you will need for the class. (Texts are either included or you can read them online at the links provided in the study guide.)
Myth-telling
Starts 17th January
Early bird prices until 12th December
Class size is limited. Please register early!
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This class is about re-telling Celtic myths - whether that's in the form of a short story or poem, a readable paraphrase of a text, live storytelling for adults or children, or narration for film. Opportunities to explore new ideas and improve what you're currently doing. Let's keep our stories alive! Who is this class for? This class is a good fit for anyone who has dabbled with creative writing and/or public "performance" in the broadest sense (including teaching). The desire to pass on the stories found in Celtic mythology is equally important. |
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Dates: 17th, 24th January [break]; 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th February Time: 12 noon Pacific/3 pm Eastern/8 pm UK |
Yr Hen Ogledd: Tales of the Old North - starts 11th February
PAY WHAT YOU CAN
Dates: 11th, 18, 25th February; 4th, 11th, 18th March.
Time: Wednesdays at 12 noon Pacific/3 pm Eastern/8 pm UK |
I love the legends of the Old North. Not the stories of Arthur, which arise later, but that tales of Urien of Rheged and his kin. The poetry of the historical Taliesin, of Aneirin and Llywarch Hen. The confused tales of Merlin, Lailoken, and Kentigern, which in turn circle back to Owain ap Urien, and find a new native expression in the 'romance' tales of Owain, Peredur, Cynon, and others in the Mabinogion. While this class will look at historical context, the main focus is on allowing the bards and scribes to tell the story.
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Introduction to Celtic Mythology - starts 18th February
PAY WHAT YOU CAN
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This class does what it says on the label! It offers an overview of both the Irish and Welsh Medieval texts which make up what we generally think of as Celtic Mythology. There is an emphasis on structure and sources for further self-study. Whether you are brand new to Celtic myth, or have been studying a while and feel the need to fill gaps and see the big picture, this class is for you. I also tell at least one story each week.
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12 sessions:
Dates: February: 18th, 25th; March: 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th [break] April: 15th, 22nd, 29th; May: 6th, 13th, 20th Time: Wednesdays at 5 pm Pacific/8 pm Eastern (1 am Thurs UK) |
More classes
Rashiecoats
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Scotland doesn’t really have the kind of Medieval ‘mythological’ texts that we find in Ireland and Wales. However, it is particularly rich in folk tales. The first time I heard the tale of Rashiecoats (so called for her beautiful dress made of green rushes) I was enthralled. This story exists in several versions and has deep roots in European folklore, as it turns out. Come for the magic – stay for a bit of scholarship.
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Irish-Brythonic Connections
PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN
A fun class covering a wide range of connections between Irish and Welsh/Brythonic mythology and deities.
- Cognate deities
- Parallel stories
- Tales of visiting the neighbours
Taliesin Connections
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This six-week class will focus on the poetry from the Book of Taliesin, in translation. Emphasis will be on finding meaning in the poems, their historical context, and particularly their connections to other Celtic-language texts. This will include time spent with both the "historical" and the "legendary" poems. We will be probably only cover 2-3 poems per session, to allow for real depth of understanding.
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You will need a copy of The Taliesin Sourcebook (2024) edited by Frank Olding for this class. Other translations you own may prove useful, but only this book is required. The Taliesin Sourcebook is readily available from Green Magic Publishing in the UK and via mainstream online booksellers worldwide. For a discussion of other collections of the Taliesin poetry, see the video, below.
Manannán and Beyond
PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN
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In Manannán and Beyond will explore Manannán mac Lir, the lord of the sea and the otherworld, in His many manifestations in myth, folklore and the landscape. This class ranges widely, looking at Manannán in Ireland, Man, and Scotland, and at Manawydan in Wales. I hope you can join us! |
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Shapeshifters and Magical Animals
PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN
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In Shapeshifters and Magical Animals we will explore stories and poems from Britain and Ireland concerning the themes of transformation, wisdom, immortality, and time. Material will be drawn from folklore, myth, early bardic poetry, and relevant modern writers. This class is suitable for students who are new to Celtic material, but should add richness and insight for those who are not.
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Looking for Lugus
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This class will take a brief but scholarly look at the evidence for Lugus in Gaul and Iberia, before moving on to a comparative study of Irish and Welsh texts and folklore concerning Lugh, Lleu and others. Lots of optional reading, but little or no required reading. |
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Mabon, Modron, and Maponos
PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN
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Maponos and Mabon were very important deities in Gaul and Britain, as were their mothers, Matrona and Modron, yet they don't get that much attention in Celtic Paganism. I aim to change that, if I can! I will do my best to guide you with a sure hand as we delve deeply into many aspects of Celtic history and myth in search of these wonderful deities. |
The Triads of Britain
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The triads are a slightly random collection which served as memory aids for storytellers. They present useful ‘supplementary’ information about events or individuals, and are frequently cited in other works. This class will cover the triads which mention characters from the Mabinogion, The Old North, or who are generally considered deities (around 60 triads).
To enjoy this class, you need a working knowledge of The Four Branches of the Mabinogi, and characters/events relating the The Old North. If you have doubts about your knowledge in these areas, I can suggest some preparatory reading/videos. You will also need a copy of Trioedd Ynys Prydein by Rachel Bromwich. You can get a hard copy for $30 in the US, somewhat less for an e-book. (There are alternatives to Amazon.) |
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The Celtic Horse Goddesses
currently running - registration closed
PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN
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A six week class exploring the goddesses Epona, Macha, and Rhiannon in detail via history, mythology, archaeology and more. Sovereignty ideas in early Celtic stories and the horse-human relationship through the ages.
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Sacred Waters
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A class exploring aspects of water in Celtic myth, history, and folklore - especially: stories of sacred wells, inundation, and deities of springs and rivers. |
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Meeting the Tuatha Dé Danann in the Cath Maige Tuired
currently running - registration closed
PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN
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The Cath Maige Tuired (The 2nd Battle of Moytura) is a classic and central part of the Irish "mythological cycle". It is useful for introducing many of the Tuatha Dé Danann in clear characterisations, and tells a good story in the process. This class provides a close reading of the text, a look at associated texts, and profiles of many of the members of the Tuatha Dé Danann who appear in the story.
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Otherworld Journeys
Currently running - registration closed
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The Celtic otherworlds are a mysterious and sometimes controversial topic. This four week course will explore how such places are described in the mythology and folklore of Britain and Ireland. We'll be visiting island otherworlds, magical wells and fountains, meeting the kings of Annwfn, and following stories of abduction and elopement.
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