The Curse of Macha (Irish Mythology) - Live in McCusker's Pub for Samhain at the Ulster Folk Museum

Oíche Shamhna shona daoibh mo chairde! Samhain is here, it's the time of year when the harvest is finished, the food stores are all filled to the brim and everyone gathers together for one big celebration before the darkness comes. It's a time of feasting, music, merriment and storytelling, and I was lucky enough to be immersed right in the thick of all that this year.

For those who don't know, I work at the Ulster Folk Museum as a Visitor Guide, a magical place steeped in history and folklore. I've been able to do all sorts of wonderful things as part of my role there, and this week at the Samhain event I was even able to do some live storytelling. This was the first time that I've been able to tell these old stories to a live audience, it was both terrifying and exciting! I was down in the snug of McCusker's pub, a replica working-man's pub from Armagh city, telling all sorts of spooky Samhain stories. But seeing as the pub was from Armagh, I thought it only right that the last story I told be one of the greatest Armagh stories around - The Curse of Macha.

It's a story about an ancient goddess, about the hubris of men and about the dangers of the drink! I thought I would upload it here in case anyone wanted to see it, though at times the sound is quite hard to hear as the door to the snug kept opening and closing. Apologies for that! I'll be back with another story in the usual format soon, but in the meantime stay warm and cosy and keep an eye out for mischief and magic during this liminal time of year!


Credits:
Story told by Malin Hemphill
Footage filmed by my Mum
Thumbnail and Celtic Artwork Video Border Enhancements by my Dad
Special thanks to my parents, Michael Good and the Ulster Folk Museum for having me.
Celtic Artwork Video Border: https://www.vecteezy.com/vector-art/2...
Smoke Effect:


Software:
-Adobe Premiere Pro 2024



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