Ramelton-based storyteller Joe Brennan with fellow tellers in Iceland.
DONEGAL storyteller Joe Brennan has just returned from a hugely successful tour to Iceland. The tour was organised by Icelandic storyteller Berglind Agnarsdóttir, who Joe worked with in Norway a number of years ago.
“It was a great opportunity to catch up with old friends as another teller, Hilde Hansen, who organised the trips to Norway, was also there.
“It was a chance to share stories, discuss a wide variety of issues relating to storytelling and, of course, have a few laughs,” Ramelton-based Joe said.
While there Joe managed to educate people about the origins of Halloween. “It’s amazing how many people think Halloween is an American tradition so I told some stories about how the fairies go out trying to steal people and that’s why people dress up to fool them.”
There is a strong link between Ireland and Iceland as many of the original women settlers were Irish women who had been taken as slaves by the Vikings who settled there, most of whom who were from Norway.
“There’s a great saga about an Irish princess who was taken as a slave and bought by an Icelandic settler. She never speaks but years later he hears her speaking to their child.
“Then he realises she is a princess and her status is elevated. I’m looking forward to sharing that story here,” said Joe.
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