Guided Tours of Mann

30/10/2024

16/10/2024

10/10/2024

08/10/2024

The Norse–Gaels (Old Irish: Gall-Goídil; Irish: Gall-Ghaeil; Scottish Gaelic: Gall-Ghàidheil, 'foreigner-Gaels') were a people of mixed Gaelic and Norse ancestry and culture. They emerged in the Viking Age, when Vikings who settled in Ireland and in Scotland became Gaelicised and intermarried with Gaels. The Norse–Gaels dominated much of the Irish Sea and Scottish Sea regions from the 9th to 12th centuries. They founded the Kingdom of the Isles (which included the Hebrides and the Isle of Man), the Kingdom of Dublin, the Lordship of Galloway (which is named after them), and briefly (939–944 AD) ruled the Kingdom of York. The most powerful Norse–Gaelic dynasty were the Uí Ímair or House of Ivar.

Over time, the Norse–Gaels became ever more Gaelicised and disappeared as a distinct group. However, they left a lasting influence, especially in the Isle of Man and Outer Hebrides, where most placenames are of Norse–Gaelic origin. Several Scottish clans have Norse–Gaelic roots, such as Clan MacDonald, Clan Gunn, Clan MacDougall and Clan MacLeod. The elite mercenary warriors known as the gallowglass (gallóglaigh) emerged from these Norse–Gaelic clans and became an important part of Irish warfare. The Viking longship also influenced the Gaelic birlinn and longa fada, which were used extensively until the 17th century. Norse–Gaelic surnames survive today and include Doyle, MacIvor, MacAskill, and [Mac]Cotter.

The Norse–Gaels originated in Viking colonies of Ireland and Scotland, the descendants of intermarriage between Norse immigrants and the Gaels. As early as the 9th century, many colonists (except the Norse who settled in Cumbria) intermarried with native Gaels and adopted the Gaelic language as well as many Gaelic customs. Many left their original worship of Norse gods and converted to Christianity, and this contributed to the Gaelicisation.[citation needed]

Gaelicised Scandinavians dominated the region of the Irish Sea until the Norman era of the 12th century. They founded long-lasting kingdoms, such as those of Mann, Dublin, and Galloway, as well as taking control of the Norse colony at York.

Heinrich Zimmer (1891) suggested that the Fianna Cycle of Irish mythology came from the heritage of the Norse–Gaels. He suggested the name of the heroic fianna was an Irish rendering of Old Norse fiandr "enemies", and argued that this became "brave enemies" > "brave warriors". He also noted that Finn's Thumb of Knowledge is similar to the Norse tale Fáfnismál. Linguist Ranko Matasović, author of the Etymological Dictionary of Proto-Celtic, derives the name fíanna from reconstructed Proto-Celtic *wēnā (a troop), while linguist Kim McCone derives it from Proto-Celtic *wēnnā (wild ones).

Map of the kingdom of Mann and the Isles, nearly the end of eleventh century. Norðr: Shetland and Orkney Sodor: Man and Hebrides
© Sémhur / Wikimedia Commons
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norse%E2%80%93Gaels

07/10/2024

20/09/2024

16/09/2024

King Magnus Barefoot and the Battle of Anglesey Sound (1098)

In 1098, the Battle of Anglesey Sound marked a turning point for both Wales and Norway. At the center was King Magnus Barefoot of Norway, a daring Viking ruler, who fought to expand his influence across the British Isles. The Normans, led by Hugh of Montgomery, had invaded Gwynedd, seeking to solidify their hold over the region.

Magnus's fleet arrived off Anglesey, where the Normans were stationed. In a bold move, Magnus killed Hugh of Montgomery with a single arrow, causing the Norman forces to retreat. The battle was a decisive victory for the Norwegians and allowed Gruffudd ap Cynan, the exiled Welsh king, to return and reclaim Gwynedd.

After the battle, Magnus took possession of Anglesey for himself, using it as a strategic foothold to control the Irish Sea. This victory solidified Magnus’s legacy as a fierce warrior-king, reinforcing Norse power in the region while allowing the Welsh to regain independence.

The Battle of Anglesey Sound remains significant as a pivotal moment that reshaped the power dynamics between the Welsh, Normans, and Norwegians, leaving a lasting impact on the political landscape of the British Isles.

talesofvalhalla.com

01/08/2024

"wicked and superstitious"

Today is Laa Luanys, when the Manx traditions used to make the Church very uncomfortable.
However, just what these practices were is shrouded in uncertainty...

The best idea we have is from hints given by the curate of Lonan in 1732, when he bemoaned that ’many young people (and some of riper age)' were going up Snaefell to 'behave themselves very rudely and indecently for the greater part of the day.'
Sadly, the account gives no further details their exploits, but it does sound rather fun!

Naturally, the Church wasn’t a fan of this sort of tradition back then, so it tried to stamp it out in many ways, including a man named Patrick Beg, who went up and gave the hilltop crowds his impromptu (and uninvited) sermons before going round with the collection box - a highly effective way of clearing away the crowds!

Part of the problem of Laa Luanys for the authorities was that it was a pre-Christian tradition, relating back to the Celtic god, Lug.
He appears as ’Lugh of the Long Arm’ in Sophia Morrison’s ’Manx Fairy Tales,’ where we learn that he stayed with Manannan on South Barrule until he was ’glorious in his youth and strength’ and he returned to Ireland to defend his people.

There are traditions of going up hills, picking blaeberries, and visiting holy wells for Laa Luanys, though now normally on the first Sunday of the month (so perhaps the weekend is the best time for an outting, if you're not free today).
But, ultimately, we are rather left wondering about what those hilltop gatherings for Lug were all about hundreds of years ago…

Happy Laa Luanys!

More information about this tradition is available here: https://culturevannin.im/manxfolklore/laa-luanys-485941/

29/07/2024

The resting place of a saint's deadly invisible bones...?

A 375-year-old account of holy saints tells the story of St Maughold's sarcophagus, in which the saint's bones lie, even though they cannot be seen.
From the solid stone coffin flowed a supply of pure water, which offered a restoration of perfect health to true believers...
But to those lacking faith, the water delivered only instant death!

Written by the Irish monk, John Colgan (Seán Mac Colgan), and published in the Netherlands in 1647, this story of St Maughold's sarcophagus has come to be associated with this remarkable stone at the far side of the graveyard at Maughold.

The history of the stone itself isn't known, other than that it was in use as a trough outside the church grounds before 1878, but it had originally been dug up from the graveyard itself some time before... suggesting that it is, indeed, a sarcophagus, presumably of someone very important...

The stone is well worth taking a look at, though we would recommend not taking the chance of tasting the water - just in case!
It can be found out by the gate out of the churchyard towards Maughold Head.

If you visit this week, don't miss out on what is going on for Maughold Week. All details on the Kirk Maughold page.

This story, of course, features in 'A Guide to the Folklore Sites of the Isle of Man,' alongside 400+ other such sites all over the Island. It is available in all good bookshops!
https://culturevannin.im/news/folklore-sites-guide-published-810592/

24/05/2024

23/04/2024

The Celtic god of the sea is often referred to as Manannán mac Lir (pronounced Man-uh-nawn mak Leer). He is a prominent figure in Irish mythology and is associated with the sea, as well as other aspects of nature and the Otherworld.

Manannán mac Lir is depicted as a powerful and enigmatic figure, often appearing as a skilled magician or shape-shifter. He is sometimes described as a guardian or gatekeeper to the Otherworld, the realm of the supernatural in Celtic mythology.

In addition to his role as a sea deity, Manannán is also associated with weather, particularly storms, and he is said to possess a magical cloak that can control the weather. He is often depicted riding across the waves in a chariot drawn by horses or sea creatures.

In Irish mythology, Manannán mac Lir is considered one of the Tuatha Dé Danann, a race of supernatural beings who were believed to inhabit Ireland before the arrival of the Gaels. He is also sometimes described as the foster father of the hero Lugh, another important figure in Celtic mythology.

Overall, Manannán mac Lir holds a significant place in Celtic mythology as a god of the sea, a guardian of the Otherworld, and a powerful figure associated with magic and nature.

16/04/2024

Castle Rushen, located in Castletown, Isle of Man, is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval castles. Here are the top 10 fascinating facts about Castle Rushen:

1) Historical Foundation: Castle Rushen’s origins date back to the late 12th or early 13th century. It was initially built for a Norse king, possibly Magnus Olafsson.

2) Strategic Importance: Positioned in Castletown, the ancient capital of the Isle of Man, the castle played a critical role in the island’s defense and administration throughout its history.

3) Royal Residence: Castle Rushen served as the residence of the Kings and Lords of Mann, a title held by various Norse, Scottish, and English lords over the centuries.

4) Minting Location: In the 18th century, the castle was used to mint coins for the Isle of Man, showcasing its importance in the economic life of the island.

5) Prison Use: From the 18th century until the 19th century, Castle Rushen was repurposed as a prison, housing both debtors and criminals.

6) Architectural Evolution: The castle has undergone numerous renovations and expansions over the centuries, reflecting changes in military technology and architectural styles.

7) Historic Siege: Castle Rushen was besieged several times in its history, notably by Robert the Bruce in 1313 during the Scottish invasions of the Isle of Man.

8) Educational Site: Today, Castle Rushen is a museum open to the public, offering insights into medieval life, the history of the Isle of Man, and the castle’s various uses over time.

9) Conservation Efforts: The castle is now under the care of Manx National Heritage, ensuring its preservation and the conservation of its artifacts and exhibits.

10) Cultural Significance: Castle Rushen is not just a historical monument; it is also a cultural symbol of the Isle of Man, appearing on the reverse of various Manx pound coins and representing the island’s rich heritage.