Ep 6. The Celtic Revival

The Irish Identity: Independence, History, and Literature season 1 episode 6, titled "The Celtic Revival," explores the cultural movement that swept across Ireland in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This episode delves into the literary, linguistic, and artistic aspects of the Celtic Revival, which sought to revive and celebrate Ireland's Gaelic heritage.

Viewers will learn about the emergence of the Gaelic League in 1893, a cultural organization founded to promote the Irish language and Gaelic culture. The episode highlights the literary works of leading Celtic Revivalists, such as W.B. Yeats and James Joyce, as well as lesser-known figures like Augusta Gregory and Padraic Colum.

With a focus on literature and language, the episode explores the role of the Irish language in the Celtic Revival and its influence on Irish identity. It offers insights into the language's decline and subsequent revival, and showcases the works of Irish language poets and writers during the Celtic Revival.

The episode also delves into the visual arts of the Celtic Revival, such as the stylized designs of the Book of Kells and the intricate Irish knotwork used in illuminated manuscripts. It explores the work of Irish artists Jack Yeats and Harry Clarke, among others, and how their art reflected the themes and ideals of the Celtic Revival.

Overall, "The Celtic Revival" offers viewers a deeper understanding of a pivotal cultural movement in Ireland's history, and the impact it had on Irish identity and culture. It showcases the works of some of Ireland's most influential cultural figures and encourages viewers to appreciate the rich artistic, linguistic, and literary heritage of the Emerald Isle.