Trusadh - Talaidhean/Gaelic Lullabies

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Trusadh

Factual: Life Stories

Calum Angus Mackay

Trusadh: Series 9: Episode 10: Tàlaidhean/Gaelic Lullabies

Episode 10

Episode 10: Tàlaidhean/Gaelic Lullabies

Series 9

Tàlaidhean/Gaelic Lullabies

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A look at Gaelic lullabies and their many functions.

Sùil air tàlaidhean Gàidhlig agus an iomadh dòigh anns a bheilear gan cleachdadh. Documentary exploring the history, meaning and function of Gaelic lullabies.

Gheibhear tàlaidhean anns gach cultar, òrain a tha a' cuideachadh gus clann a chur a chadal. Tha an leanabh a' faighinn cofhurtachd bho ghuth na màthar no athar, agus bho bhith faisg orra. Ach tha tàlaidhean ann an Gàidhlig a' dol nas fhaide na sin, agus 's ann a' sireadh freagairtean dha na ceistean seo a tha Tàlaidhean.

Every culture has lullabies to help put children to sleep. The sound of the voice and the closeness to the mother or father gives comfort to the baby. But Gaelic lullabies go far beyond fulfilling this function - they are a memory of story and myth, politics and the supernatural. Some of them boast of the child and the great man or woman they will become or of a baby's lineage, while others protect the baby from supernatural beings and are incredibly dark.

Why would this ancient song form develop in such a way? Why would they be used to carry messages and complex stories? Why sing about subjects the baby doesn't comprehend? Women used the songs to 'lull' the baby, but also to unburden themselves. It was a space away from the 'male gaze' where they could show their talents, express their wishes and tell the unadorned truth. Gaelic Lullabies is an exploration of these songs, which are unique in comparison to other cultures.

Trusadh: Series 9

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Episode 10: Tàlaidhean/Gaelic Lullabies

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