By Tanna M. Friday, Managing Editor
PINSON — If you would ask an Irishman or woman if they believe in fairies, you may get a mixture of answers, but those who know the legendary story of Tír na nÓg will share that fairies do exist and that they play a major part of Irish folklore. Tír na nÓg, also known as ‘The Land of Eternal Youth,’ is a magical paradise with no sickness or death, no concept of time, and filled with sunshine, happiness, and beauty.
“Believe it or not, the people do believe in fairies,” said Pinson resident and author Marie Pridgen. “And we very much respect them.”
Pridgen, born in County Tipperary in the Republic of Ireland, said her grandmother and mother both shared the Irish fairy folklore to her as a child, which inspired her to write her first children’s fairytale, Morag & The Land of Tír na nÓg, released in May 2019.
“This book was actually inspired by my grandmother and mother,” Pridgen said. “My grandmother had passed before I was born, but she passed along stories to my mom, who then shared them with my siblings and me about the wee people we call fairies. My childhood was filled with magic and imagination. We would even go on fairy hunts together.”
These stories, Pridgen said, are not only a part of her culture and folklore but also sparked her curiosity for fairies.
In December 2021, Pridgen, along with Jumpmaster Press, released a sequel titled, The Capture of Morag – the ongoing stories of Morag’s adventures away from her magical home of Tír na nÓg.
“The first story of Morag is really just an introduction to who she is and where she came from,” said Pridgen. “This book, which is the continued tale of Morag’s adventures and journey to get back home.”
“Morag’s time in the mortal world is running out. She knows she must get home to Tír na nÓg, or she will not survive. She is fading fast as this world is not kind to her. Morag has no idea what lies ahead for her, but one thing is certain, Tír na nÓg is calling her home. She has a fighting spirit, strength, and courage, just like her mother and father. She is Morag and must never forget.”
The Capture of Morag was illustrated by both Tina Cargile (Birmingham) and Maryke de Plessis (Trussville).
“I am very grateful for both Tina and Maryke because their drawings really capture Morag perfectly,” said Pridgen. The 21 illustrations captures Pridgen’s vision of the character of Morag. “They both did a wonderful job portraying the characters,” said Pridgen.
Both Morag & The Land of Tír na nÓg and The Capture of Morag – the ongoing stories of Morag’s adventures away from her magical home of Tír na nÓg are available at www.JumpMasterPress.com.