A working definition of phronesis:
Application of knowledge granted from experience which is gifted from one person to another. Phronesis is the embodiment of practical wisdom toward inspiring the embodiment of ‘right action.’
What do you define folklore as?
The passing of information from generation to generation by word of mouth, it could be a superstition or a “phiseog” or a natural cure for an illness.
What kind of folklore or stories did you grow up with in Ireland?
One might be bad luck, and two good luck, this is probably universal. If a bird flies into the house, it’s a sign of a forthcoming death in the family. A picture falling off the wall is another sign of death in the family. The banshee or fairy woman was a sign of a death in the family with an “O” or an “A” in their name eg O Nualain (Nolan) in other words Irish names.
What kind of superstitions or supernatural stories did you hear growing up?
In Milltown old men gathered on the bridge and spoke of hauntings and ghosts, Mary Nolan (Maher) said herself, and Paddy saw something weird on the bridge one night. Mary also believed that she heard 3 knocks on the door that Sean Nolan died, this was supposed to be a warning sign of a death in the family, the next morning they got word that Sean had died.
What were your favorite, if any, Irish folklore stories that you grew up with?
The Children of Lir was a favorite of mine growing up, but it is a very sad story.
What are/were your feelings or understandings of Irish folklore?
That perhaps these stories were used as a warning or a life lesson for the young, but there was a belief there was a basis of truth in them.
How common was it for those around you to reference certain stories in order to teach lessons?
I would say fairly common, especially in rural areas where stories of the “puca” (ghosts) were a deterrent for those who stayed out late drinking and rambling late at night.
How do you think Irish folklore has affected Irish culture?
The stories are used when the Irish were downtrodden. Tales of Na Fianna and Fionn Mcoole may have boosted morale.
What role does wisdom play in folklore?
It helped people being more self-confident. When a country is colonized, your culture and language are obliterated. So when these stories were passed on, they served to remind people of the strengths of their culture and language.
To what extent is Irish folklore is reflective of Irish culture?
It's 100% reflective of what Irish culture is, however when I was young this link was stronger, but in Ireland of today, it is dying out. Literature, poetry, drama, and music are still reflective of Irish folklore, even modern-day songs have link songs have links to past folklore.
What would you say is the practical wisdom of the Irish?
I would say its fighting against the odds, that the underdog can rise up.
What is the purpose of practical wisdom?
To strengthen resolve in the young. To ward off danger. Like a parable, it was often disguised advice, that was more palatable delivered by folklore.
Did you read stories or were they based on word of mouth?
Both, but mostly by word of mouth.
Do you think that cultural stereotypes are reflected in Irish folklore and stories?
Folklore and stories influenced stereotypes such as stories of Irish as leprechauns.
Do you think that Irish folklore plays an impact on how people view the Irish and Irish culture?
Yes until recently the Irish were viewed as drunk and shillelagh welding people looking for a fight, usually drunk. Another stereotype was of an island full of saints and scholars.
What constitutes common knowledge or practical wisdom in Ireland?
Practical wisdom covers all areas of Irish life from child rearing, looking after the land, herbalism and cures, care of animals, and weatherlore.
What did you love most about growing up in Ireland?
The freedom to go out and play and feel safe in the community. We were lucky as there were others that had drunken fathers and all that goes with it, hunger, and neglect.
How important do you think sharing practical wisdom is to Irish culture? Is it a regular part of our wider heritage?
Not so much nowadays as it was long ago. Our Irish heritage today has strong links to the past, but Google has taken over the job of practical advice and wisdom.
What parts of Irish culture are most related to storytelling? (Be that dance, music, poetry, writing, etc.)
Storytelling is important to all ages, but children’s books from writers such as Oscar Wilde, Patricia Lynch (Brogeen the Leprechaun) and Roddy Doyle (The Giggler Treatment) were and still are very important to Irish culture and there are lots of new Irish writers coming along.
How did storytelling affect your perceptions of the world and of your culture?
It had a big influence, it instilled pride in our inheritance, cultivating and nurturing a sense of humor.
What do you think practical Irish wisdom looks like? How is it transmitted?
It teaches that good times and bad times come and go in our lives and that we must learn to take all in our stride. GK Chesterton said of the Irish “all their wars are merry and all their songs are sad”. Practical wisdom is transmitted through word of mouth, storytelling, drama, music, and poetry, and transmitted by example.
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