Food and Fantasy in Medieval Irish Tradition

Embark on a fascinating journey exploring food and fantasy in medieval Irish tradition through this lecture by Professor Joseph Falaky Nagy, Henry L. Shattuck Professor of Irish Studies at Harvard University. Discover how food and drink, along with their preparation, preservation, distribution, and digestion, are frequently mentioned in medieval Irish literature, providing valuable insights into pre-modern Irish life and health. Delve into the symbolic power of food and foodways in medieval Irish culture and worldview, especially when represented in larger-than-life or fantastic ways. Examine key themes in tales such as 'The Battle of Mag Tuired', 'Mac Dathó's Pig', and 'The Vision of Mac Conglinne'. Learn about the Samhain agus Science festival, now in its fifth year, which brings together researchers from the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) and around the world to explore the dark side of science and Celtic history, making these topics accessible and engaging for a general audience.