Ossianic Society
Encyclopedia
The Ossianic Society was an Irish literary society founded in Dublin on St Patrick's Day 1853, taking its name from the poetic material associated with the ancient narrator Oisín
.
Founding members included John O'Daly, William Elliot Hudson, John Edward Pigot
, Owen Connellan
, John Windele and William Smith O'Brien
, the antiquary Standish Hayes O'Grady
was a principal member and later became its president.
By 1860 the list of subscribers numbered 746, six volumes of Transactions were produced, and the preparations for further issues were extant when it ceased operations in 1863.
The group of Irish scholars emerged from competing societies, such as the Celtic Society and the Irish Archaeological Society, focusing on the translation of Irish literature from the "Fenian period of Irish history", specifically, the mythological works of Oisín and the Fianna
, and the promotion of the Irish language
. The manifesto stipulated the membership be entirely composed of Irish scholars, the intent being to distinguish itself from similar societies that catered to Anglo-Irish interests and influence. The reactionary impetus of the society was seen as countering the elitist structure of its competitors, though they were composed of credible scholars as steering members the productions were seen as influenced by Anglo-Irish landholders and their royal (English) patrons. The correspondence of it members reveal a fractious relationship with other important figures of the time, Eugene O'Curry
and those of the Royal Irish Academy
, and were often frustrated in their attempts to access early manuscripts.
Oisín
Oisín , also spelt in English Ossian or Osheen, was regarded in legend as the greatest poet of Ireland, and is a warrior of the fianna in the Ossianic or Fenian Cycle of Irish mythology...
.
Founding members included John O'Daly, William Elliot Hudson, John Edward Pigot
John Edward Pigot
John Edward Pigot was an Irish music collector.Pigot was born in Kilworth, Co. Cork and became friendly with Thomas Davis of the Young Ireland movement. They published advertisements in The Nation asking those who had Irish tunes to send them in. This started the Pigot Collection. He studied...
, Owen Connellan
Owen Connellan
Owen Connellan was an Irish scholar who translated the Annals of the Four Masters into English in 1846.-Life:He was born in County Sligo, the son of a farmer who claimed descent from Lóegaire mac Néill, High King of Ireland in the fifth century. He studied Irish literature and obtained employment...
, John Windele and William Smith O'Brien
William Smith O'Brien
William Smith O'Brien was an Irish Nationalist and Member of Parliament and leader of the Young Ireland movement. He was convicted of sedition for his part in the Young Irelander Rebellion of 1848, but his sentence of death was commuted to deportation to Van Diemen's Land. In 1854, he was...
, the antiquary Standish Hayes O'Grady
Standish Hayes O'Grady
Standish Hayes O'Grady was an Irish antiquarian. He was born at Erinagh House, Castleconnell, County Limerick, the son of Admiral Hayes O'Grady. He was a cousin of the writer Standish James O'Grady, with whom he is sometimes confused. As a child, he learnt Irish from the native speakers of his...
was a principal member and later became its president.
By 1860 the list of subscribers numbered 746, six volumes of Transactions were produced, and the preparations for further issues were extant when it ceased operations in 1863.
The group of Irish scholars emerged from competing societies, such as the Celtic Society and the Irish Archaeological Society, focusing on the translation of Irish literature from the "Fenian period of Irish history", specifically, the mythological works of Oisín and the Fianna
Fianna
Fianna were small, semi-independent warrior bands in Irish mythology and Scottish mythology, most notably in the stories of the Fenian Cycle, where they are led by Fionn mac Cumhaill....
, and the promotion of the Irish language
Irish language
Irish , also known as Irish Gaelic, is a Goidelic language of the Indo-European language family, originating in Ireland and historically spoken by the Irish people. Irish is now spoken as a first language by a minority of Irish people, as well as being a second language of a larger proportion of...
. The manifesto stipulated the membership be entirely composed of Irish scholars, the intent being to distinguish itself from similar societies that catered to Anglo-Irish interests and influence. The reactionary impetus of the society was seen as countering the elitist structure of its competitors, though they were composed of credible scholars as steering members the productions were seen as influenced by Anglo-Irish landholders and their royal (English) patrons. The correspondence of it members reveal a fractious relationship with other important figures of the time, Eugene O'Curry
Eugene O'Curry
-Life:He was born at Doonaha, near Carrigaholt, County Clare, the son of Eoghan Ó Comhraí, a farmer, and his wife Cáit. Eoghan had spent some time as a travelling pedlar and had developed an interest in Irish folklore and music. Unusually for someone of his background, he appears to have been...
and those of the Royal Irish Academy
Royal Irish Academy
The Royal Irish Academy , based in Dublin, is an all-Ireland, independent, academic body that promotes study and excellence in the sciences, humanities and social sciences. It is one of Ireland's premier learned societies and cultural institutions and currently has around 420 Members, elected in...
, and were often frustrated in their attempts to access early manuscripts.