Blarney Castle, Ireland
The mythology of Ireland has always fascinated me. It is rich in stories of how this magical island was formed. I could start at the very beginning, but it would take many posts to tell the story.
Here is a brief snippet from the Book of Invasions:
“The Book of Invasions of Ireland or Leabhar Gabhála as it is known in the Irish Language is the book by medieval scholar monks which describes all the Legendary Invasions of Ireland throughout the ages.
The timeline of this fascinating book covers a period from the time of Noah and the Flood to the arrival of the Celts. According to the narrative, the book of Invasions describes the arrival of the first settlers to Ireland as Cessair, a daughter of Noah, who is said to have arrived on the Island of Ireland forty days after the Great Flood.
From that time forward the book describes five subsequent invasions of Ireland by Parthalon, Nemed, the Fir Bolg, the Tuatha Dé Danann, and finally the Milesians (Gaels).”
I was drawn to the Tuatha Dé Danann for my stories about the Order of the Dragon Knights. It is said that they came from the stars and were from the tribe of the Goddess Danu. They were also known as the Shining Ones — the Faery. And I’m not talking about small faeries — think very tall, silver blonde hair, and having an ethereal glow about them. Legends states that they descended underground within the great mounds of Ireland and will return someday.
Now why would I blend the Irish mythology into Scotland? For one, when I started writing about the Order, I had them placed in Tara on Ireland. It made sense, but I kept getting the pull into Scotland. I would continue to struggle as to the setting of my story, since I loved both.
Then I had a revelation! If anyone knows the stretch of Hwy 5 in California between Sacramento and Los Angeles, parts of it are boring and desolate, which makes a great time to brainstorm. It was on one of those journeys that the two, Ireland and Scotland, collided. Why not combine them both!
So…I started with the Order of the Dragon Knights in Ireland and had them fleeing with the one remaining dragon to the Great Glen in Urquhart, Scotland.
Did the Tuatha Dé Danann have dragons? I believe they did…
As a special treat to wrap up my month of Ireland, I am sharing the official prologue for Dragon Knight’s Sword. Take a peek here.
What a tease! 🙂
This is going to be one of those reads where I turn into Linda Blair if anyone tries to interrupt me while I’m reading.
I’m reading Darkfever by KM Moning right now (trying desperately to get caught up on books I won over the last 3 years. Zina gifted this one to me) and the Tuatha Dé Danann are in it. It’s different than my normal reads but I’m really enjoying it.
Hahaha! Thanks Leah for making me laugh so hard I coughed all over my computer! Love you, dear friend…
I’ve read the entire Fever series and would love to discuss it with you after you’re finished reading them. I like her earlier books, but this series was one of the most talked about at my store. Trust me, my Fae are not like the ones Karen writes about.
Well, I finished the first one… here’s my rev for it.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/339621289
Let’s just say that I may look for them next time I’m in my local used book store but I won’t be making a special trip for that, nor buy more than #2 in the series….then go from there.
Will be sending you a message…
I am waiting eagerly to get lost in the mists of time, of long ago, of an age of myths and dragons, knights and maidens…to savor the whole..not just these delicious tastes. I know I will love it.
Blowing kisses your way…and thanks for your lovely words. 🙂
I love the prologue! I can’t wait.
Woohoo! Thanks, Dianne! (((HUGS)))
OMGOSH!!
How exciting for you and all of us lucky readers!
Thank you Mary for the teaser, I can’t wait to read your book.
Have a nice weekend! 🙂
Thank you, Dalila!! I had to give you all something, since you’ve been so kind supporting me along my journey. And just to let you know, I will be adding more in the next few weeks. (((HUGS)))
Great! I’m looking forward to your next teaser.
Since I was able to get a look at your board on Pinterest I now have an awesome castle I can connect with….yay me!
I pinned it to my Castles board, thank you! *^_^*
Yay!!! So happy that you now can see my stories through pictures, Dalila! Thank you my friend!!! You made my day, heck weekend! xoxo
Squeeeeee!!!! Cannot wait to read the ENTIRE book! So excited for you and this amazing journey you are on!
(((HUGS))) for sticking with me on this long (in my humble opinion) journey. But oh, so much fun, right? 😉
Gloriously fun!!
Can’t wait to read their stories because they feel so real to me already from how you talk about them and how they speak to you..You light up so much and are so passionate when you are talking about them. I can’t help but be drawn into their world. Love you and am so proud of you.
Awww…Vici, you made my heart soar. They do tend to dominate my world when I start to talk about them. And thank you, for listening. Blowing kisses your way…
OMGoodness, Oh My Goodness, OH MY GOODNESS!!!!
Now I REALLY can’t wait!!!! 🙂
Bawhahaha…thanks, Erin! 🙂 Soon, Soon, SOON! (((HUGS)))