‘Wheels within Wheels …’
The American comedian, Steve Wright said, “It’s a small world but I’d hate to have to paint it!” I totally understand what he means. It is a case of wheels within wheels, and circles within circles. I learnt last month that an exceptionally good friend of mine, John Willmott, had died in the early part of last year. It was he that originally told me about Substack and got me writing on here. He wrote his blog on here and when he died nobody knew his passwords so could not tell any of his followers about his demise. Friends finally discovered the password earlier this year and thereby informed the rest of the world. He will be sadly missed. As someone once said, “When an old person passes away, a library of life is lost.
As I have said, it’s wheels within wheels, circles within circles. I have recently been aware of a resurgence of Dave Mann Artwork. There was an article about his good friend, Rip, who for many years was the roving reporter come journalist for the biker magazine, ‘Easy Rider’. For over twenty years, my friend and fellow poetess Marilyn Bledsoe, affectionately known to her friends as Hardtail had been his lover until his death in 2000.
We had collaborated on her first collection of poetry, ‘High Desert Siren’ which I published for her back in 2015.I have alluded to both of the works and herself on here in earlier posts. And I shall be both publishing and putting up further examples on here in the future.
As I reiterate, wheels within wheels, circles within circles.
The seanchaí, or Gaelic storyteller, was a cornerstone of ancient Irish culture, serving as the guardian of folklore, history, and tradition. These gifted narrators carried the responsibility of preserving Ireland’s vast oral heritage, passing down myths, legends, genealogies, and historical events from generation to generation. They held an esteemed position in society, often residing in the households of chieftains and noble families, where they would recite long poetic verses, recount ancestral lineages, and relay the deeds of heroes and rulers. Their knowledge extended beyond mere storytelling; they were also keepers of laws, wisdom, and moral lessons that shaped the identity of the Irish people.
The art of the seanchaí was not just about words but about performance. With expressive gestures, carefully timed pauses, and a mastery of tone and rhythm, they captivated audiences, drawing listeners into the world of ancient gods, warrior kings, and tragic love stories. Their tales, often infused with humor, wit, and supernatural elements, reflected the deep-rooted beliefs and cultural values of Ireland. Every story was a thread in the tapestry of Gaelic tradition, keeping history alive in an era when written records were scarce.
However, the decline of Gaelic civilization in the 1600s, due to English colonial rule, led to the erosion of many traditional customs, including the formal role of the seanchaí. As noble households disappeared, these storytellers found themselves displaced, yet they continued to thrive in rural communities. In small cottages and by flickering firesides, they continued their craft, entertaining villagers and ensuring that the oral traditions of their ancestors did not fade into obscurity. In these intimate settings, storytelling remained a vital part of Irish social life, reinforcing communal bonds and preserving the essence of a shared heritage.
Despite the challenges of modernization, the legacy of the seanchaí endures. Today, their traditions are celebrated in cultural festivals, storytelling events, and modern media, where contemporary storytellers continue to honor the ancient craft. From spoken-word performances to literature and film, the echoes of the seanchaí can still be heard, proving that the power of a well-told story is timeless. The seanchaí’s role may have evolved, but their influence remains a lasting testament to the resilience and richness of Irish folklore.