Irish Religious Folklore: A Woven Tradition
Harvard Extension School
CELT E-116
Section 1
CRN 17356
This course introduces students to the vibrant folklore of Irish religious life, belief, and practice. Sources range from tales found in the earliest Irish manuscripts to nineteenth- and twentieth-century hagiographical folklore and contemporary memorates. Topics include saints; calendar customs including patterns and pilgrimages; holy wells, chapels, churches, and holy places; notions of heaven, hell, and divine justice; priests and nuns; and sacred language, including blessings and curses. We read and listen to narratives, songs, first-hand accounts, proverbs, and place lore, and we explore a range of sources that demonstrate the woven nature of Irish religious folklore which incorporates official stance with deeply personal experiences, perspectives, and beliefs.
Registration Closes: August 28, 2025
Credits: 4
View Tuition Information Term
Fall Term 2025
Part of Term
Full Term
Format
Live Attendance Web Conference
Credit Status
Graduate, Noncredit, Undergraduate
Section Status
Open