The Demi-Gods

James Stephens (1882 - 1950)

In this memorialized Irish tale, 3 huge winged demi-gods (part god/part human) have descended to earth to experience human existence. They encounter Patsy Mac Can and his daughter Mary at their campfire one evening, two vagabonds who wander about Ireland with donkey and cart, eating off the land, meeting a variety of dubious characters along the way, who in the great Irish tradition of storytelling, all have stories to tell. The Mac Cans welcome the strangers, feed them, show them around, along the way spinning yarns and explaining their gypsy "philosophies". Those familiar with Stephens's quirky writing style appreciate him as a quick witted, keen observer, seeing both the ridiculous and the sublime in everyday things, exploring the points of view of various animals and insects as well as the human characters. Eventually the troupe parts company, having forged close bonds of friendship. This is an entertaining adult love story that would not offend a child, read charmingly by authentic Irishman Joe Bergin. (Summary by Michele Fry)

Genre(s): Myths, Legends & Fairy Tales

Language: English

Keyword(s): adventure (990), love (323), fantasy (311), Ireland (90), folklore (75), mythology (49), revenge (27), Sacrifice (15), greed (13), gypsies (3) ... [Show full list]

Section Chapter Reader Time
Play 01 Book I, Patsy Mac Can, Ch. 1-3 Joe Bergin
00:17:51
Play 02 Book I, Patsy Mac Can, Ch. 4-6 Joe Bergin
00:16:40
Play 03 Book I, Patsy Mac Can, Ch. 7-9 Joe Bergin
00:18:41
Play 04 Book I, Patsy Mac Can, Ch. 10-12 Joe Bergin
00:22:41
Play 05 Book II, Eileen Ni Cooley, Ch. 13-14 Joe Bergin
00:13:37
Play 06 Book II, Eileen Ni Cooley, Ch. 15-16 Joe Bergin
00:19:31
Play 07 Book II, Eileen Ni Cooley, Ch. 17-19 Joe Bergin
00:16:02
Play 08 Book III, Brien O’Brien, Ch. 20-21 Joe Bergin
00:20:50
Play 09 Book III, Brien O’Brien, Ch. 22-24 Joe Bergin
00:19:08
Play 10 Book III, Brien O’Brien, Ch. 25 Joe Bergin
00:18:28
Play 11 Book III, Brien O’Brien, Ch. 26-27 Joe Bergin
00:15:11
Play 12 Book IV, Mary Mac Cann, Ch. 28-29 Joe Bergin
00:17:36
Play 13 Book IV, Mary Mac Cann, Ch. 30-32 Joe Bergin
00:19:30
Play 14 Book IV, Mary Mac Cann, Ch. 33 Joe Bergin
00:18:19
Play 15 Book IV, Mary Mac Cann, Ch. 34-35 Joe Bergin
00:23:35