Seed Talks: Folklore, Female Aging and The Hag

Explore the modern reimagining of the Hag, a powerful goddess rooted in folklore, through film and fiction. Followed by Q&A.

The Hag, a sensual, powerful, older sovereignty goddess, has recently resurged in contemporary culture, from movies like “Weapons” or “Hokum” to books by Sharon Blackie and Manchán Magan. But where does this figure originate from? What is her significance in terms of our collective past, present and future? How does she speak to our contemporary anxieties?

Join author and researcher Dr Tracy Fahey for a deep dive into the backstory of the Hag, or Cailleach, and explore her complex character revealed through folklore. Long reduced to a symbol of fear or ridicule, the Hag is now being reclaimed as a figure of power, transformation, wisdom, and resistance. Drawing on folk tales, film, and contemporary media, this talk will explore the Hag’s complex and ambiguous nature, and how she has become deeply tied to questions of ageing, femininity, nature, and power.

Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7:30pm - come down early to grab a good seat!

Speaker Bio:

Dr Tracy Fahey is an Irish author and academic. Fahey holds a PhD in the Gothic and lectures in creative writing, folk horror and contemporary Gothic at the Limerick School of Art and Design, TUS. Her writing has been awarded the Rubery International Book Award, the Paul Cave Prize for Literature, and a Saari Fellowship from the Kone Foundation. Fahey has been ALSO a keynote speaker, presenter and panellist at conferences, symposia and conventions in Ireland, the UK, the US and more. Fahey’s recent writing explores the intersection between female folklore and midlife anxieties, such as They Shut Me Up (PS Publishing 2023, shortlisted for a British Fantasy Award), Queens of the Crone Age (2026, PS Publishing) and Women Changing (2027, Fly On The Wall Press).

Testimonials from our guests

Truly riveting talks, always enjoy these - a great way to spend an evening with some pals. Already looking forward to the next one. - Alexander P

Expertly run, talks are always super informative and a lot of fun! Couldn’t recommend these enough! 5 star. - Owen S

Been to a few talks and all have been super interesting. An enjoyable evening to go to either alone or with friends. The talks make for stimulating conversation. Highly recommend! - Daisy J