Reflection of Irish Myth in Seamus Heaney‟s Poetry

Abstract

This paper examines the idea that Seamus Heaney, the preeminent Irish poet, used mythic figures and symbolism in his poetry to draw parallels between the old and the new, that is, with the pagan cultural legacy of Irish Celts, and the national and cultural struggles of 20 th century Ireland, as well as between his early life and his adult life. The research has also analysed how transformation plays an important role in Heaney‟s work as he uses mythological representations of change and draws parallels with his personal transformation and those of Irish identity, culture and politics that took place in Ireland throughout the course of his life. The vivid use of mythical allusions in his poems, and the innate cultural connections to the past allow Heaney to assume the voice of the voiceless, such as in the „Bog People‟ poems. The main problem of the study was how Heaney has used ancient myths to connect the old and new Ireland and her people. The objective of the study was to find out the Heaney's notion to use myth in that extend. The study has concluded that the poet has exploited ancient myths to revitalize their significance in modern Iris life. Mythology has been used as the tool of analysis.