
Padraic Colum
About the Storyteller
Padraic Colum was a prominent Irish poet, novelist, dramatist, and collector of folklore, born on December 8, 1881, in Longford, Ireland. He was educated at the Christian Brothers School in Dublin. Colum was a key figure in the Irish Literary Revival, contributing significantly to the cultural and literary renaissance in Ireland during the early 20th century. He was closely associated with other literary figures such as W.B. Yeats and James Joyce. Colum's literary career was marked by his dedication to preserving and adapting traditional Irish folklore and mythology, making these stories accessible to broader audiences through his works. His storytelling prowess is evident in his numerous collections of myths and legends, including Norse and Polynesian tales. Colum's contributions to literature extend beyond folklore, as he wrote plays, poetry, and children's literature, leaving a lasting impact on the literary world. He emigrated to the United States, where he continued his work in literature until his death on January 11, 1972.