“The priest’s leap” is based on a legend from west Cork about a priest being pursued by English soldiers. In a desperate attempt to escape his pursuers he leapt off of a mountain cliff on his horse and miraculously landed miles away safe from the soldiers. This short reimagines the tale from the perspective of two grannies Mary and Margret. Who are telling the tale to their grandchild all the while arguing with the other about the exact details. This piece focuses on the richness of word of mouth storytelling and the value it adds to legends compared to written record. Through the grannies disagreements a new narrative merging the two versions together is created. At the same time the grandchild gains the memory of their grandmothers comedically arguing over what the correct telling is, which in time will turn into its own story in time told to friends and family.
The stories are in a constant state of change, details added and discarded, exaggerated and embellished. Each storyteller has a slightly different version of events, creating a new version each time it is told. The oral tradition is a unique and integral part of Irish culture. As the world continues to evolve and people become more connected than ever it is important to preserve Irish legends and culture through connecting with the older generation before it is forgotten and left behind.
