Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, it wouldn’t be a proper celebration without a mention of some of the most popular Irish book figures. Below are just several of the world’s famous Irish literary figures (fictional and non fictional) and how Ireland inspires the books and their characters.
Best known from the Harry Potter series, Seamus comes from an Irish family. Apart from being a character in one of the biggest book series (and film franchises) of all time, Seamus’ character is best reflected through his stubbornness and his extreme loyalty. It’s his loyalty, most of all, that brings out the best in Seamus. It’s his defending of his mother when she doesn’t believe Harry, then his defence of Harry and Hogwarts, that shows his loyalty not only to his mother and family, but to his friends and school. Also worth mentioning is Seamus’ fiery temper, which can sometimes be a bit short, but it’s what makes Seamus, Seamus. During the Quidditch World Cup, Seamus supported the Irish team. His Quidditch team of choice was The Kenmar Kestrels, an Irish team, whose robes are emerald green and yellow, and who have leprechauns as their mascots, with fans sometimes playing harps at their games.
Frank is the author, and central character, for the famous novel Angela’s Ashes. Born in Ireland, Frank based his memoir about his initial upbringing in Limerick, Ireland and his move to England at a later age. He describes life in Ireland with a certain rawness, from his childhood memories up to the day he left to start a new life. The book brought attention to Frank and his life in Ireland when the book received numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Auto Biography. Frank and the book are also mentioned in numerous films and TV series, including 30 Rock, when Liz Lemon mentions that instead of going out for St. Patrick’s Day, she’ll be staying in to read the book. In 1998, Frank was elected as Irish American of the Year.
Written by Irish author, Eoin Colfer, Artemis Fowl is a teenage criminal mastermind - his story is told in a series of eight science fiction novels. The story primarily takes place on the outskirts of Dublin, Ireland, but includes travel all over the world. The massively successful series (which spawned graphic novels and a film is in the process of being written) deals with family crime, magic and more. Artemis is a brilliant young man who uses his intelligence to build his family fortune, through varying ways, including (and quite primarily) crime. True to Irish form, the series includes fairies, elves, pixies and other magical creatures (Irish stories are famous for including certain magical creatures).
The hero of James Joyce’s Ulysses. Leopold, born in Ireland, originally lived in Clanbrassil Street, Portobello, and Leo later converted to Catholicism for his wife. He and his wife have several children and move to Dublin. The chapters in Ulysses detail Bloom’s adventures in Dublin, throughout the course of one day, including his thoughts of an affair between his daughter and her manager, the death of Leo’s son, and a friend’s funeral. Ulysses is considered Joyce’s (who is Irish himself) greatest work. The story does have a comparison to, albeit in more modern times, the episodes of Homer’s Odyssey. Ulysses deals with religion and the importance of family and life.