Was Bridget Cleary a witch, a fairy, a changeling? What do these labels really mean, and why did they seal her fate? Join us as we unravel these questions and more, venturing into the world of myth, magic, and memory, where ancient fears and beliefs continue to shape our understanding of the world.
25th August 7PM BST ONLINE - ZOOM
"ReMembering Bridget Cleary: The Accused Changeling"
Join Maiden Mother Crone CIC for an evocative evening as we delve into the mysterious and tragic tale of Bridget Cleary. Led by Dr. Jenny Butler, a renowned expert in fairy lore and Irish mythology, this event will explore the unsettling questions that surround one of Ireland’s most haunting legends.
About the Event:
Was Bridget Cleary a witch, a fairy, a changeling, or simply a human accused, abused, and murdered? What do these mystical terms truly mean, and how did they shape the fate of a woman caught between the seen and unseen? Bridget’s story raises profound questions about the power of belief, the fear of the unknown, and the dangers of enforcing meaning onto others.
In this talk, Dr. Jenny Butler will guide us through the layers of folklore and fear that enshrouded Bridget Cleary. We will explore what it meant to be labelled a witch, fairy, or changeling in 19th-century Ireland, and how these ancient beliefs played a crucial role in human experience—both then and perhaps even now.
Series Context:
This event is part of our ongoing "ReMembering" series, "Stories from the Edge of Chaos," where we explore the lives of those who lived on the fringes of society, often becoming the targets of fear, misunderstanding, and rejection.
Our "ReMembering" series isn’t just about revisiting history; it’s about engaging with the complex questions these stories pose and integrating their lessons into our collective consciousness. By revisiting Bridget’s tale, we aim to shed light on the aspects of human experience that have been rejected and condemned, and how we can learn from the past to create a more inclusive and safer future for all.
What to Expect:
Exploration of Myths and Folklore: Uncover the meanings behind labels like witch, fairy, and changeling, and their significance in Irish folklore.
Empathetic Reclamation: Examine how these ancient beliefs contributed to Bridget Cleary’s tragic fate and what it reveals about our perspectives on reality and the human experience.
Engaging Discussions: Participate in thought-provoking conversations on how the myths that influenced Bridget’s story still echo in our modern world, affecting how we see and treat those who are different.
Speakers:
Dr. Jenny Butler - Folklorist and Fairy Lore Specialist: Dr. Butler is a Lecturer in the Study of Religions Department at University College Cork, where she teaches courses such as Folk Religion in a Global Age and Myth & Magic: An Introduction to the Study of Irish Folklore and Mythology. Holding a PhD in Folklore & Ethnology, her research delves into the traditions of the Irish otherworld or spiritual realm. Dr. Butler’s ongoing ethnographic project, Fairy Lore and Landscapes, continues to uncover themes central to our ReMembering events.
Dr. Will Linn - Mythologist: Placing Bridget’s story within the broader context of myth and legend, exploring the timeless themes that her story evokes.
Dawn Eva Berry - Founder & Alchemist: Guiding us in transforming our individual understandings into a collective narrative, Dawn will help us ReMember Bridget and all that was marginalised alongside her.
Event Details:
Date: 25th August 2024
Time: 7pm (BST)
Location: ZOOM (online)
Was Bridget Cleary a witch, a fairy, a changeling? What do these labels really mean, and why did they seal her fate? Join us as we unravel these questions and more, venturing into the world of myth, magic, and memory, where ancient fears and beliefs continue to shape our understanding of the world.
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