I told Jessica West I’d go dark with the next installment of #Art of Fantasy, but then I discovered Irish artist, Jim Fitzpatrick. As Irish lore is a fundamental part of the fabric of The Morrigan I thought it a good idea to showcase some of this artist’s work. You’ll find his style as unique as his subject matter.
Nuada the High King
He was the first king of the Tuatha Dé Danann. I wrote about them here. From the artist’s website: “Nuada Airgedlámh (Nuada of the Silver Arm) was king of the tribe known as the Tuatha Dé Danann who invaded Éireann (Ireland) in earliest times. In the First Battle of MoyTura, Nuada, while victorious, lost his right arm in this battle while in the second battle he lost his life. In his keeping was Cliamh Solais –the Sword of Fire, which, once unsheathed, was so powerful that no enemy could stand before it.”
Nuada Silverarm
Conann of the Fianna
From the artist’s own description: “Conann was the son of Morna, the slayer of Cumhaill, the father of Fionn, leader of the Fianna; on Fionn’s assumption of the leadership of the Fianna, Conann became one of his closest advisers and allies –while also becoming notorious as a great boaster and charmer. His wild warrior exploits became the stuff of huge admiration and sometimes gross hilarity.”
Breas the Beautiful
From the artist: “The son of a Fomorian but reared amongst his mother’s race, the Tuatha Dé, Breas the Beautiful was one of the greatest champions of the Tuatha Dé Danann and was a powerful battle commander at the First Battle of Moytura. After that decisive battle he replaced Nuada as king, after Nuada lost his arm in combat”
I hope you’ve enjoyed this installment. Next week I’ll go dark. I promise.
Woelf
Woelf Dietrich 
ha! No worries. This is great! And I love the history peppered in between.
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It’s better to add some meaning to the images than just post some random pictures. Besides, given my interest in mythology and specifically the Irish link, it made sense. 🙂
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Being that I’m a quarter Irish I appreciated this. Although if we were going for realism they’d be holding pints of beer or bottles of whiskey instead of swords. I suppose that’s why they call it fantasy. I’m looking forward to next time when you venture to the dark side. *takes deep Darth Vaderish breath*
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Irish mythology is quite rich and somewhat different, and yet there are some overlap with other lore. I love it.
Ha! Hold on to your hat. It’ll be gritty and dark and possibly raise your hackles.
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“Raise your hackles” ?? So this is how people talk on the other side of the world. I will have to start using that. I’m a glutton for strange looks.
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Not so sure it’s native to my side of the world. I’ve read it a couple of times somewhere over the years. lol
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I became familiar with FitzPatrick’s art when I lived in Dublin. It’s quite easy finding his pictures there, and they’re so evocative.
Love it 🙂
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I saw some of his other work in his online gallery. I agree with you. He also did album covers, most notably Thin Lizzy’s and Sinead O’Connor’s.
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