What to Submit?
1 original, poem on the theme of Tuan.
In Irish mythology Tuan mac Cairill was a recluse who retains his memories from his previous incarnations, going back to Antediluvian age. Initially a follower of Partholon, he alone survived the plague (or the Flood) that killed the rest of his people. Through a series of animal transformations, he survived into Christian times, and told the story of the Lebor Gabála Érenn, from his people onward to St. Finnian of Moville.
His legend is found in an 11th Century manuscript called Lebor na hUidre (The Book of Dun Cow). Tuan who was a hermit or recluse told St. Finnan that he was born 2000 years earlier and witnessed many of the waves of invaders who came to ancient Ireland - the Nemedians, Fir Bolg, and the Tuatha De Danann.
He had come to Erin (Ireland) with the Partholonian invasion. After flourishing for 300 years and growing to 9,000 strong every one of the Partholonians, except Tuan died of a mysterious plague. He was over 300 years old when he found himself alone on the island and then passed away in his sleep. But the next morning he awoke as a young stag. He watched the next landing in Erin were, the Formorians. Possibly from Norway. Which was known as Formaria. They introduced the festival of Samhain.
King of the stags, Tuan again died in his sleep, awoke next morning as a Bear with all his memory. Then again as a Great Sea Eagle, and then a Salmon of knowledge. Finally caught as a sheep, was cooked, and eaten by the wife of Cairill. She got pregnant and gave birth to Tuan mac Cairill.
Using your own animals, or the ones above, (min 2 max 4) I want you to describe similar experiences, how you view the goings-on in that animals eyes with invasions of your own land. Also incorporating at least 2 of the aforementioned clans. And one of these 4 festivals, Imbolc, Lughnasadh, Beltane, Samhain. PLEASE!!! NO NAMES!!!
Any form is acceptable.
Prizes
First Prize, Glory
Second Prize, Glory
Third Prize, Glory
Twelve Honorable Mentions
Preparing Your Entry
Submit one copy of your poem online. Format your poem. Please make your entry easy to read — no illustrations or fancy fonts.
English Language
Poems should be in English. Poems translated from other languages are not eligible unless you wrote both the original poem and the translation.
A Note to Poetry Contestants
You are welcome to enter this contest, whether or not you won a prize in one of my previous contests.