Lir’s four children are placed under a terrible curse by their jealous stepmother, who transforms them into swans and condemns them to live in exile for 900 years. Inspired by ancient Irish mythology, The Children of Lir is a timeless story of love, jealousy, grief, separation and the enduring connection between family.
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Adelaide SA, Australia
Transcript
Welcome to all my sleepy little listeners on this beautiful starry night. I'm going to tell you a story that you might not have heard before. It's a story from long, Long ago. And in a land far, Far away. Where they lived a fine and special tribe. Known as the Tuatha Dé Danann. These folk were druids and bards, Warriors and heroes, Craftspeople and healers, Kings and queens. And what made these folks so special and renowned was their skills in the arts and in magic. Now these were not folk like you and me, But an enchanted, Entrancing, Extraordinary folk. Experts in magic. And the casting of spells. The day had arrived for the Tuatha Dé Danann to choose for themselves a king who would safeguard their future peace and happiness and protect their learnt magic ways. Their choice was between Lear. Who was a chieftain. A noble and fair ruler. A skilled hunter and a fine poet. And son of the sea god, Manana-makalir. Lear had made it known that he would be proud to take the throne. But so too. Had bore Darug. Son of Dagda, The Lord of Perfect Knowledge. And it came to pass that the Tuatha Dé Danann chose Bo Darroch as their king. And built for him a splendid castle overlooking Loch Derg. The new ruler made a solemn pledge to his people. Promising to prove himself worthy of the great honour bestowed upon him. And the kingdom of Tuva de Danan began to flourish like never before. Now, When Bo-Darak was crowned King of the Tuatha Dé Danann, Well, Lear was not the happiest. As he felt the crown was rightfully his. But being a man of peaceful means, He did not cause a fuss at the inauguration. But instead left the gathering and with no word to anyone. As the days passed, Beau Darragh realised the importance of having a chieftain like Lear on his side. And so as a gesture of goodwill, He offered his stepdaughter Eve. Toodlier. As his wife. Now you might well be wondering, How the King Bull Darug came to be stepfather to Eve? Eve and her two sisters, Aoife and Arva, Came from a noble family. Their father was Alil of Arran, A great chieftain who could not give his daughters the life he wished them to have. And so he sent them off to Bodarug the king, Who reared the three girls as if they were his own. And that was the way it was long, Long ago. So back to our tale of Lear and Eve. For many years they lived happily side by side. Lear would spend his days taking care of the land and its people, And spend his nights sat by the fire telling tales of great hunting feats and battles. Eve spent her day tending to the animals and caring for their home. And she spent her nights sat by the fire, Listening to the stories and sharing her own through song and poetry. Before too long they were blessed with a child. A dozer. By the name of Fanula. This little babe brought great joy to Lear and Eve and the Tuatha Dé Danann. Doesn't she have hair like finely spun gold? And eyes as blue as the summer sea. The people would say. And doesn't she have skin as white as the first snowflake of the winter? And a smile that would crack a heart of stone. And it wasn't long before Fanula was joined by a brother. Whose name was A. Now he was caught from the very same cloth as his father, For A could run through the oak forest without a single branch snapping under his light-footed steps. He could yield a bow and arrow with the artistry of a hunter far older than himself. And he could tell a story that would have even the most weary of listeners. Hanging on his every word. Vanilla and A. Soon became four. When their mother-birthed twin boys Can and Fiachra. And although the arrival of these two little boys brought great joy, There was also a great sadness, For their mother fell ill soon after their birth and died. Lear's troubled heart and mind were never at rest after the passing of his wife. And it was said that he would never recover from this great loss. His four beautiful children were his only solace and his love for them was immeasurable. Lear and his children were sad for many seasons. Fionnuala tried her best to take care of her brothers. But it was very clear to Lear that they needed a mother. How can I mend this broken heart of mine? He sighed. For there is no one I could love like I loved my darling Eve. Night after night, Once the children had fallen asleep listening to his stories, He would sit by the fire in his rocking chair, Listening to the crackle and the snap as the flames enveloped the wood. And he would remember all the joyful times he had shared with his beloved wife. But my children need a mother. I cannot give them what a mother can give. And yet, I could not love them more than I do. But a man is only half a man without a woman by his side. And a single tear trickled down his face as he drifted to sleep by the glowing fire. The following spring, As Lear was playing with his children and their dogs in the fields, They had an unexpected visitor. It was Aoife. His wife's sister. The children were very pleased to see their auntie, And Lear insisted that she join them for dinner that evening. Aoife did not hesitate to accept the invitation and that night they feasted on venison and red currants, Sweet parsnips and freshly churned golden butter. Aoife seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the company of Lear and his children. And when it came for her to depart, The children begged her to visit again. I will come this way and visit again when the bluebells are in bloom, " she promised the children. And Lear could not help but notice a flicker of light in his heart. That he had not felt for many, Many months. Sure enough. In the very early days of summer. When the first bluebells began to peep out through the grass. Aoife arrived as she said she would. And between the waxing and the waning of the moon. Lear and Aoife were married. The wedding lasted for days and nights and there was much feasting and merriment, Singing and dancing, And the people were joyous to see their chieftain smile again. Aoife, However, Did not partake willingly in the celebratory dances, No matter how much Vanula and her brothers tried to convince her. Oh, I will leave that to your father, She said. For I was never one for being swung and twirled like a falling feather. Off you go now, Fanula. I'll sit here and keep your father's dogs company. And there was a flicker of darkness. In her already dark brown eyes. That finula. . . Being a young girl with budding intuition recognized. And hesitated in a slight moment of uncertainty. I'll be gone now, Said Aoife. In such a commanding way that Fanula felt uncomfortable at being spoken to in such a tone that her father would never use. I have had a strange feeling towards Aoife just now. She said to her brother A, Who was sat by one of the many fires playing his bauron. For although he was still a child he was a fine musician and singer of songs just like his father. I wish now for Nuala for all is well. Father is happy and he will take care of us as he always has done. You don't need to worry a bit, Old sister of mine. Because everything is good. All is well. And he continued with his song. For we drive the cold winter away And we call on the warmth of the summer Let the days be long and the nights be longer And we'll sing till we fall into slumber But all the while, Aoife was sat observing. How much Lear loved his children. And how much his children loved him. She watched as he danced with them and he sang with them and he lifted them up on his shoulders with a love unbreakable. She watched as he held their hands and kissed their milky white cheeks, And how his own eyes, As dark as ripe elderberries, Followed the movements of his children through the wedding feast. And a poisonous seed of jealousy began to sprout inside of her. After many days and nights of celebration, Lear and Aoife rode through the kingdom. He on his russet steed and she on her milk-white mare to mark the end of the wedding feast. Aoife was dressed in the finest of linens with a cape of red and gold velvet. Her black hair hung down her shoulders and she wore a crown of wildflowers, Of meadow sweet and red clover, Yarrow and foxglove. Her lips were as red as rosehip and she wore the finest of jewels that had once belonged to her sister. The people were entranced by her beauty as the two rode across the land. All but one, However. For in the crowd there stood an old wise man. Who noticed that wherever Aoife rode, A dark and stormy cloud did follow. She will be only trouble, He said in a whisper. For there is to be more sadness on its way. Now as the days and nights passed, The love that Lear had for his children continued to strengthen and bloom. What is it I have done in this life, Or the last, To be worthy of such children as these? He would say to his new wife, As she sat spinning wool into yarn. She would not lift her eyes to meet his and would simply say Nothing lasts forever, O husband of mine. Your heart is softer than the last ripened plum of autumn, And your sentiments as sickly sweet. Lear would shrug his strong shoulders and leave her to her spinning, Thinking that perhaps she was desiring a child of her own. But this was not the case. Those children are causing me nothing but trouble. She said under her breath. If it was not for them, I would have Lear's undivided love and attention, Which is what I am worthy of. I am his wife and it is I who should be the most important person in his life. Not those four scruffy wildlings that he devotes all his time to. Why do I have to see them when I first wake each morning? And why do I have to see them last thing every night? Lear has the wealth of the kingdom and we should be able to do whatever it is we fancy. But instead, Here I am, Sat here, Spinning to pass the time because he is away, Playing and frolicking with those whelps. With Dash. The yarn she had been spinning snapped. And she knocked her spinning wheel to the side, Storming out of the fort in a cloud of fury. Aoife's jealousy began to fester and grow. She could not bear to look at Lear's eldest and only daughter, Fanula. Who possessed a blindingly beautiful, Sun-like brilliance as she was blossoming into a young lady. Not only was she as beautiful as the newborn day, But she was also a skilled huntress, Fine seamstress, And had the voice of a nightingale that would lull and soothe even the most angry of storms. And Aoife could not accept the pride that radiated from every part of Lear's being as he ran and hunted, Rolled and fished and sang with his three sons É, Con and Fíochra. Who were all growing up to hold the strength of character that their father held. Three young boys with hearts of gold, Smiles that would break a thundery sky. And skilled so fine that they were known far and wide as some of the finest poets and hunters the people had ever known. Of course Lear was bursting with pride, And Aoife could not contain her disgust. It became a sour seed in her that she could no longer contain. One year had passed since their wedding day, And as summer blessed the land with lightness and sweet heady hues, As the swallows pirouetted through the powdery blue skies, And the heather and gorse dusted the mountainsides in bursts of golden purple, Aoife became increasingly cold and resentful. When she stepped through the meadows that were scattered with wildflowers in bloom. Every petal would quiver and drop from the stems, For that was the measure of her envy and spite. She began to conjure up an evil plan to rid herself of the children. For days and nights and for one whole year she feigned a sickness that allowed her to remain in her bedchamber all the while plotting and scheming. Lear, Of course, Had all the finest druids and medicine women come to her bedside. But her sickness could not be cured. For it was a worm of jealousy. That had buried itself in her cold and hollow heart. Then one day. Aoife stepped out of her bedchamber. For her wicked plan was complete. And she was prepared to carry it out. She walked down to the garden where Lear was singing to his children under the ash tree, A song that when she heard it made the blood run cold in her veins. I am the tree and you are my branches. I am the shoreline and you are the sea. I ask myself now what are the chances that I'm so lucky your father to be. I am the oath. And you are my acorn I am the bee and you're my sweet honey I ask myself now what are the chances That you four beauties were sent here to me And we will always and forever be Always and forever be. Always and forever be together And we will always and forever be Always and forever be. Always and forever be together. When they saw her standing in the garden, They greeted her with warmth. All but vanilla. Who stood back and did not go to embrace her stepmother. I have received an invitation, Said Aoife. To visit my father, The king himself. And he has asked to see Fenule, Ey, Con and Firre. For it has been so long since I have been well enough to travel. Well, Seize the day, O wife of mine, Said Lear. I will have the chariot prepared, And ye can be on your way. Lear gathered his children around him to kiss them goodbye. But Fanula refused her father's kiss. And drew away from him with tears in her soft chestnut eyes. Do not be troubled my darling child. He spoke softly to her. Your visit will bring the King great pleasure. And he will prepare the most fleet-footed horses for your speedy return home to me. And although her heart was in turmoil. And deep in her belly she had a knowing that something was not quite right. Banula mounted the chariot with her three brothers. She could not understand her sadness and she could not explain why it deepened with every turning of the chariot's wheel as they moved away from her father and her beloved home. Her brothers tried their best to comfort her, But it was not long before they were full of chatter and excitement at the prospect of visiting the king's castle. Will the gates be made of gold? Said Little Con. And will the washer taste like honey? Said little Fiafra. And will the king take us hunting and fishing? " said A. Silence yourselves, Commander Aether! My father the king does not have idle time to be roaming around the land entertaining you four ruffians, She barked. And in that moment, Fanula saw the same darkness flash in her eyes as she had seen the night of the wedding feast. Only now the darkness remained and seemed to travel through Aoife's whole body. The children did not speak for the remainder of the journey. And although they were uneasy. They still drifted off to sleep. Until they were awoken by a jolting of the chariot which had stopped suddenly under the command of Aoife. Happening? " said little Fiafra in a timid voice. Get out of my chariot! " barked Aoife. Each of you, Get out and stand beside this oak tree and do not utter a word. The children obeyed her orders for they were frightened not to. She then ordered her servants to kill the children. Promising if they took heed of her orders, Their every wish would be granted. These four have stolen the love Lear once had for me, And I cannot take it for one more day that passes. But of course, The servants refused and were utterly horrified at the cruelty of Aoife. We cannot perform so terrible an evil. A curse will surely fall upon you Aoife for even thinking such a horrible thing. They said as they embraced the sobbing children. But Aoife's jealousy continued to envelop her being. As they journeyed further, The evening began to close in. And a bank of deep crimson cloud hung heavily on the horizon above Loch Darfroch. The Lake of the Orcs. Weary starlings were settling into their nests and owls were waking from their daytime slumber to ready themselves for night watch. The chariot came to a halt on the shores of the lake. And Aoife demanded that the children bathe in the waters before the journey continued. Do not argue with her, " Fanula whispered to her brothers. For she has been taken by the darkness and cannot see the light. Do not be afraid, My darling brothers, For I will protect and shelter you. And with that they waded into the murky waters of the lake as the evening sun set behind them. Suddenly on the shore, Aoife began to chant strange words while she flailed her arms around. The sun vanished and a cool wind whipped across the lake, Flicking up waves as it blew over the water. The children held each other. And they began to sing. Though the wind may howl and the rains may fall and the clouds race through the sky, I will never worry for in my heart is a fire that never dies. I will never worry for in my heart. Is a fire that never dies. As they looked at each other right before their eyes. White feathers began to sprout over their bodies. And their arms. Became two white wings. And before they had a chance to realise what was happening, Vanilla A. Fiegra and Kahn. Had been transformed from children into white swans. There was a mighty clap of thunder up above and spears of rain lashed around Aoife on the shore. But she did not care, For her spell had succeeded, And she was free of the children. Then Fanula began to speak, For Aoife's magic had failed to capture their voices. How could you? What have you done to us? Why have you treated us this way when we have only ever shown you loyalty and kindness Aoife? You will remain in the form of four white swans for 900 years, And Lyre is all mine. Aoife screeched. 300 years you will spend on this lake. 300 years you will spend on the Sea of Moel. And 300 years you will spend on Inishglora. The only thing that will break this curse is the sound of a holy man's bell. I grant you the power of speech and the gift of singing. And no music in the world shall sound more beautiful and pleasing to the ear than that which you shall make. Then Aoife called for her horse and rode back to Lear's fort. The four swans huddled together, Sobbing and trying to comfort each other. Our father will save us, Fanula said. Once he hears what has happened, He will banish Ife and use all the powers of the Tuha Deidanon to break this curse. Don't cry my darling brothers, Huddle close. And let's sing to our Father. Let's sing to our mother. Let's sing to the Tuatha Dei Danann. Let's sing and stay strong. I am the tree and you are my branches I am the shoreline and you are the sea I ask myself now what are the chances That I'm so lucky your sibling to be I am the oak and you are the acorn I am the bee and you're my sweet honey I ask myself now what are the chances that each of you are here now with me? And we will always and forever be Always and forever be Always and forever be together. And we will always and forever be Always and forever be Always and forever be together. Back at the fort, On hearing the dreadful act that Aoife had committed. Lear flew into a mighty rage, And summoning the powers of his god-ancestors and all the Tuath Dé Danann, He used his magic to transform her into a demon, Destined to wander the cold and windy air until the very end of time. He then called on all his followers to saddle up their finest steeds and ride ahead of the wind to the Lake of the Oaks. Through the fog and mist they rolled at great speed. All the while, Lear hoping that the curse would not be true. As the murky waves of the lake appeared ahead in the distance, It was Lear who first caught a glimpse of the four majestic swans. Their slender necks arched forwards towards the pebbled shore, Seeking the warm and familiar face of their father. As the swans swam towards Lear, They began to speak with gentle voices that he immediately recognised as the voices of his children. How his heart ached and the tears filled his kind eyes as he waded into the water to embrace his children who were now swans. My sweet darlings, Ma stór ma chúisle, Ma rá ma chroí. I love you just as much, If not more, Than I loved you before, And I will never again leave your side. For you are the blood in my veins, The air in my lungs, The light in my eyes. You are the song in my heart, You are my heaven and earth. You are the greatest treasures I possess and I will never again leave your side. The tears tumbled down his cheeks as he gently stroked the feathers of Fionnuala, Aye, Fíochra and Conn. And no matter how much of his powers and magic he used, Lear could not break the curse. For the grasp of darkness was too great. And as Lear's followers stood on the shore of the lake. Not one eye was dry. Do not mourn us, Whispered Fanula comfortingly. Father, Your love will give us strength in our plight, And we shall all be together again one day. And with that, The most beautiful and soothing song drifted through the air, Miraculously lifting the hearts of all who heard it. Although far away. We are never apart For I'll always hold you in my heart. And though times may be hard and you feel alone Just remember my heart. Is always your home. Be strong. Be brave, Be honest and true and know that the light it shines in you be kind and be humble be loving and you will know that the light it shines in you And so, 300 years passed. And then 300 more. And it was a time of great rejoicing among Lear's children. When the final 300 years on Inishglora came to an end. With hearts full of joy and elation, The four swans rose into the air and flew southwards towards Sídhe Fionnachí, Their father's fort, Their beloved home. Swooping low to the ground, They recognized the familiar grassy slopes of their childhood. But these were now dotted with stones and rubble from the crumbling walls of the fort. The four swans alighted on a grassy knoll, And here they rested for three days and three nights, Remembering the happier times they had spent on the land with their father. And reminiscing about all the joyful times shared together. Fanula reminded her brothers of the final part of the curse. That one day they would be set free. By the sound of a holy man's bell. And with that, They spread their wings wide and took to the skies in a westerly direction. One evening. As the sun began to set. They flew close to a little stone hush. And on the evening breeze. They heard the faint sweetness of a bell ringing. Surely this is the sound that will set us free, Said Fanula to her brothers, And they gracefully swooped low and landed on a steep and grassy path. Which led towards the stone hut. A kind man came out in great surprise to see four beautiful swans making their way towards him. He knew who they truly were, For he had been waiting for them. You are safe now. He said. That was the sound of a holy bell. And I will now take care of you for the rest of your days. And with stash. The soft white feathers began to fall away. And their wings became arms as their human form returned. Of course, They were no longer children. But instead three old men and an old woman. Each with a radiant light in their eyes. That night, As they took their final breaths, Five shooting stars glistened across the night sky. For Lear and his children were together again. Together forever and ever. Although far away we are never apart for I'll always hold you in my heart And though times may be hard and you feel alone, Just remember my heart is always your home. Be strong. Be brave, Be honest and true and know that the light it shines in you. Be kind and be humble, Be loving and you. We'll know that tonight It shines in you You know that a lie. It shines in you Sweet dreams to all my sleepy little listeners. Until the next time.
