Play recording: Balor of the Evil Eye
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- Teideal (Title): Balor of the Evil Eye.
- Uimhir Chatalóige Ollscoil Washington (University of Washington Catalogue Number): 840119.
- Uimhir Chnuasach Bhéaloideas Éireann (National Folklore of Ireland Number): none.
- Uimhir Roud (Roud Number): none.
- Uimhir Laws (Laws Number): none.
- Uimhir Child (Child Number): none.
- Cnuasach (Collection): Joe Heaney Collection, University of Washington.
- Teanga na Croímhíre (Core-Item Language): English.
- Catagóir (Category): story.
- Ainm an té a thug (Name of Informant): Joe Heaney.
- Ainm an té a thóg (Name of Collector): unavailable.
- Dáta an taifeadta (Recording Date): 24/01/1984.
- Suíomh an taifeadta (Recording Location): University of Washington, United States of America.
- Ocáid an taifeadta (Recording Occasion): evening class.
- Daoine eile a bhí i láthair (Others present): unavailable.
- Stádas chóipcheart an taifeadta (Recording copyright status): unavailable.
Balor was one of the Fomorians, an ancient race that came from under the sea and inhabited Ireland long ago and had magical powers. As a result of a childhood mishap, Balor acquired an evil eye. His people kept the eye covered – except when it came in handy to have Balor look at enemies in battle, or mountains they wanted to tunnel through.
Notes
The following motifs are associated with this story:
- A128.2.1 ‘God with evil eye’.
- D2061.2.1 ‘Death-giving glance’.
- D2071 ‘Evil Eye’.
See Tom Peete Cross, Motif-Index of Early Irish Literature, Bloomington, Indiana (1952); Kraus Reprint (1969).