Quare Eire: an Anthology of Neo-mythmaking

Quare Éire: An Anthology of Neo-mythmaking reclaims Ireland’s mythic traditions to challenge and reimagine what “Mother Ireland” means today.

Dr. Lauren Cassidy explains that Éire, often imagined as a white, hyperfeminine, and heterosexual figure, has historically symbolized the land but rarely held real power over it, reflecting the broader lack of autonomy for women in Irish culture. While feminist and queer writers have already worked to subvert and diversify this trope, Éire has also been co-opted for conservative, nationalist, and even racist agendas.

In the face of rising violence against women, LGBTQIA+ people, migrants, and the environment, the anthology gathers writers and artists who “queer” Mother Ireland, making her a symbol of resistance to what is normative, dominant, and exclusionary. Contributions include feminist reinterpretations, eco-critical visions, and multicultural mythologies, using forms like poetry, essays, flash fiction, visual art, song, and more.

For me, as someone deeply engaged in exploring mythology, identity, queerness, and contemporary witchcraft through art, this project feels very close to home. I’m beyond thrilled that my painting Scáthach and Aífe is part of this anthology, alongside so many powerful works: a small but meaningful step toward helping build a positive, inclusive cultural narrative for Ireland’s present and future.

https://quareeire.wordpress.com/