Goll power: Cork play delves into legend of an Irish shape-shifter
A scene from Goll, which is coming to Cork Arts Theatre at the weekend.
“In medieval Irish literature he’s the master seanchaí, master judge, and master poet, the oldest man, the first inhabitant of Ireland. He’s called in for disputes for his knowledge, his understanding. He is able to change forms into a salmon, an eagle, and a hawk.”
Shape-shifter Fintan mac Bóchra, otherwise known as Goll Essa Ruadh, has lived many lives in human and animal form. Arriving in Ireland with Noah’s granddaughter, he is reputed to have survived the Biblical flood and witnessed the coming of the Fir Bolg and Tuatha Dé Danann.
