Fernweh Collective

We had a blast last week in Mythology Camp at the Golden Hill Rec Center! Campers learned about mythology from around the world and did fun STEAM projects to go along with the stories! We learned about the Phoenix’s transformation in fire, and watched how fire transformed our marshmallows! We learned about dragons and dinosaurs, and excavated dinosaur eggs. We even did some yoga and meditation, learning about the figures in Hindu mythology.

Join us next month for Musical Theater camp at the Golden Hill Rec Center! Open to all students entering grades 1-5. For more mythology, yoga, and language, join our afterschool programs for TK-5th grade, coming back for our third year this fall in Golden Hill. Learn more and register at FernwehCollective.org

A spontaneous jam sesh in the magical Sweny’s Pharmacy, a Victorian-era pharmacy turned curiosity shop. Frozen in time, Sweny’s has displays of Victorian pharmaceuticals and assorted global curiosities, as well as souvenirs, used books, and special-editions of Dublin authors.

One famous Dublin author, Oscar Wilde, grew up just around the corner. In the 1800’s, this was the Wilde family’s local pharmacy.

Sweny’s was also featured in James Joyce’s Ulysses, published in installments between 1918 and 1920. The novel uses Homer’s Odyssey as a framework for a day-long adventure around Dublin.

Huge thanks to Wayne, a friendly and knowledgeable volunteer. We appreciate you welcoming our group over the last two weeks, and sharing your passion and enthusiasm for Dublin with us. We were honored to be able to share some music in the shop, and can’t wait to return to Dublin and Sweny’s.

An Easter morning stroll through Dublin, serenaded by the bells of St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the national cathedral for the entire country of Ireland, and is named for her patron Saint. This Gothic cathedral was initially founded as a Roman Catholic Church in 1192 CE. It’s the largest church in Ireland and has been renovated many times.

In keeping with Dublin’s strong literary tradition, Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels, served as the dean of St. Patrick’s from 1713-1745. You can pay respects to Swift’s grave when you visit the cathedral, as he was laid to rest at the cathedral.

St. Patrick’s is currently part of the worldwide Anglican/Episcopal family, and holds daily services open to all who wish to join. You are also welcome to take a tour around the grounds for €11,50, and visit a cute little gift shop on your way out.

Have you heard of the three Fates Greek Mythology? Stories from Ancient Greece tell of three sister goddesses: Klotho, Lachesis, and Atropos. These are the three Fates, sometimes referred to as Moirai. Some say they are children of Nyx, the magical goddess of the night. 🏺

These three sisters are the personification of destiny, and are older than the gods of Mt. Olympus. They hold a special power—to ensure that every human and every god lives out their proper destiny.

The tales reveal that Klotho, the spinner, spins the thread of life, Lachesis, the allotter, measures the proper length according to each individual destiny. At the end of their pre-destined lifetime, Atropos uses her special shears to cut the thread.

You may have seen a portrayal of them in Disney’s Hercules. In that version, the sisters are also portrayed as sharing only one eye among the three of them. In real Greek Mythology, the Graeae (or Gray) sisters are the three sisters who share one eye—and one tooth! 🦷 While the Fates are the ones associated with the string of life.

I’m Dr. Randall Ulyate, a professional mythologist who leads mythology tours around the world. We’re currently exploring Ireland through mythology and folklore, told by incredible local Irish storytellers. Feel free to follow along as we continue our journey across the Emerald Isle. Check out our link in bio to grab your spot on next year’s adventures!

Have you heard the story of the Fates before? Share your stories in the comments!

Have you heard about the Giant’s Causeway on the North Coast of the Emerald Isle? Follow Dr. Randall in Part 2 as she explores the UNESCO World Heritage site that inspired the legend.

Scarf by of Scotland

Special thanks for for the cinematography 🍀