Mythology has provided a basis for countless movies over the decades - from Jason and the Argonauts to Clash of the Titans, Hercules to The Mummy and O Brother, Where Art Thou? to Pygmalion.
Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is set to be one of the biggest films of the year when it’s released this week - but for all the Greek, Egyptian and Roman myths that have been mined for movies, there are just as many incredible Irish legends that deserve to be adapted for the big screen.
Here are five Irish myths that should be movies - and the actors who should star in them….
The Children of Lir
Every child of schoolgoing age in Ireland knows the story of the four children of Lir, a powerful member of the supernatural race the Tuatha Dé Dannan, who are so intrinsically interwoven into so many Irish legends that they could spawn a whole movie franchise. After the children’s mother Aoibh dies, Lir marries her sister Aoife - but she is so jealous of her new husband’s affection for his children that she casts a spell transforming them into swans for 900 years. When the spell is finally broken centuries later, they regain their human forms - but these once young children are now old and frail and they die shortly after being baptised. Maria Doyle-Kennedy is a shoo-in for the role of Aoife, with Michael Fassbender as Lir; the four children could be played by Bodhi Rae Breathbach (Hamnet), with her brothers Flynn Gray (Star Wars: Starfighter), Jude Hill (Belfast) and David McKenna (the BBC’s recent Lord of the Flies adaptation.)
The Banshee
There are numerous ghastly figures in Irish mythology, from the Púca to the Dullahan to the cunning Aos Sí - but how many kids have lost countless hours of sleep worrying about the Banshee’s terrifying wail? As the legend goes, the cry of the Banshee (or Bean Sí, fairy woman) was a harbinger of death; if you heard her cry, it meant the impending demise of a family member, although her keening reportedly only follows certain Irish clans (so if your surname begins with O or Mc, you’re in trouble.) Although the mythological spirit has featured in many films over the years (including a memorable sequence in Disney's Darby O’Gill and the Little People), there has never been a bona fide telling of the story - but why not? A contemporary Banshee film could be incredible, and with some clever CGI and the right tone and script, this could be the stuff of nightmares for horror fans. The inimitable Olwen Fouéré would be perfect for the main role, not least because of her trademark flowing locks (which are red in some tellings of the legend, but let’s not get hung up on details).
Cú Chulainn
The story of how the boy Setanta became the warrior Cú Chulainn is perhaps the most iconic Irish legend of all. Setanta, whose father was the Irish god Lugh, was attending a feast held by the smith Culann when he was attacked by his fierce guard dog. Armed only with his hurley and sliotar, he drove the ball down the throat of the dog to save his own life. When an angry Culann realised what had happened, Setanta offered his services in place of the dog - becoming Cú Chulainn (the hound of Culann). As part-mortal and part-demigod, he was renowned for his supernatural strength and became a pivotal figure in numerous legends, including Queen Medb’s daring Táin Bó Cúailgne invasion of Ulster, his duel with his best friend Ferdia (whom he kills with his famous Gáe Bulg spear), and the wooing of his wife Emer. He also had one of the most famous deaths in Irish mythology: after being double-crossed by his enemies, he tied himself to a standing stone in order to die upright as a hero. There’s only one man for this role: it’s got to be Paul Mescal, with Saoirse Ronan as the poised, elegant Emer and Jack Reynor as Ferdia - and wouldn’t Ruth Negga make a great Queen Medb? If Paul and Saoirse weren’t available, Dónal Finn (Wheel of Time) and Mairéad Tyers (Extraordinary) would be fantastic.
Fionn Mac Cumhaill
The Fenian Cycle of stories is ripe with tales begging to be adapted for the silver screen, but perhaps the most famous is that of Fionn MacCumhaill, the wise leader of the Na Fianna band of warriors. We all know the story of how he gained his wisdom, by accidentally tasting the Salmon of Knowledge - a magical fish which had absorbed all the knowledge in the world - while cooking it for his master, the poet Finegas. He featured in numerous other legends, including the formation of the Giant’s Causeway following his rivalry with Scottish giant Benandonner, and the dramatic pursuit of Diarmuid and Gráinne. In the latter, the older Fionn is engaged to the young princess Gráinne - but when she falls in love with the warrior Diarmuid and enchants him at their wedding feast, they flee across Ireland with Fionn in pursuit. The story ultimately ends in tragedy when Diarmuid is killed by a wild boar and Fionn fails to save him in time. A young Fionn - given his name means 'fair-haired’ - could be played by Dexter Sol Ansell (A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms). If he could pull off the Irish accent, Joe Alwyn would be a great twentysomething Fionn, while Alexander Skarsgard would be perfect for the Diarmuid & Gráinne era.
The Voyage of Máel Dúin
Sure, The Odyssey may be one of the most quintessential epic poems of all time - but have you heard of The Voyage of Máel Dúin? This story, which was even retold by Alfred, Lord Tennyson in the 19th century, dates from 1AD and is often described as the Irish equivalent of the Greek adventure. Instead of a Greek king’s eventful journey on his way home from the Trojan War, however, it’s about Máel Dúin - the son of a warrior chieftain called Ailill. Ailill is murdered by a rival clan when Máel Dúin is a child, and he is subsequently raised by a foster family. When he grows up and learns of his true parentage, he seeks revenge on his father’s killers under the guidance of the druid Nuca, who tells him that he must assemble seventeen companions and set off on a voyage in a magical boat to find the villains. The crew has some unexpected pit-stops along the way - including at The Island of Eternal Laughter, The Island of Ants, The Island of Horses and Demons, The Island with Maidens and Intoxicating drink and many more. This would make an incredible fantasy film - just imagine Brendan Gleeson as the druid, Colin Farrell as Ailill and Barry Keoghan as Máel Dúin himself? Since that makes it a Banshees of Inisherin reunion, put Martin McDonagh in the director’s chair, too. Let’s get it done…
Lauren Murphy is the co-host of pop culture podcast Get Around To It
