Shamrocks, Shillelaghs and Seanchais: Encountering Otherness in Ireland

Kimberly Balding, Belmont University

Location

Beaman A&B

Presentation Type

Presentation

Start Date

24-9-2013 2:00 PM

Description

Kimberly Balding has been exploring the idea of “others” through Ireland’s myths, legends, histories and stories for many years. However, it was her first trip to Northern Ireland to collect stories from women growing up during the Troubles that the idea of “others” came full circle. So, who are the “others” and what is this idea of “otherness” as it relates to the Irish culture? While not presuming to answer such a question in its fullness, Balding will discuss writers (W. B. Yeats, Bernard MacLaverty, Keith Donohue, Edna O’Brien, Nan Joyce, and others) who have guided her discovery of the history and stories of the Irish culture, her own experiences while traveling both in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and the experiences of “others” who have opened the door of understanding for those living in a community steeped in both the physical aspects of “others,” as well as the emotional and spiritual elements of such an environment.

Comments

Convocation Credit: Academic Lecture

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS
 
Sep 24th, 2:00 PM

Shamrocks, Shillelaghs and Seanchais: Encountering Otherness in Ireland

Beaman A&B

Kimberly Balding has been exploring the idea of “others” through Ireland’s myths, legends, histories and stories for many years. However, it was her first trip to Northern Ireland to collect stories from women growing up during the Troubles that the idea of “others” came full circle. So, who are the “others” and what is this idea of “otherness” as it relates to the Irish culture? While not presuming to answer such a question in its fullness, Balding will discuss writers (W. B. Yeats, Bernard MacLaverty, Keith Donohue, Edna O’Brien, Nan Joyce, and others) who have guided her discovery of the history and stories of the Irish culture, her own experiences while traveling both in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and the experiences of “others” who have opened the door of understanding for those living in a community steeped in both the physical aspects of “others,” as well as the emotional and spiritual elements of such an environment.