Engle Kids · Engle

Le barde d'Eire

·12 min·1 clip
A forgotten island where time flows differently sees a god descend from a strange ship to challenge its bravest inhabitants.
The episode is a narrative fantasy story set on the hidden island of Eir, where time flows differently. A god descends from a strange ship and settles on the highest mountain, enveloping it in mist and inviting the island's bravest to face trials for rewards. Many adventurers attempt the climb over the years, with few returning and bringing back magical items like a bag to trap sea winds or a stone for bountiful harvests. As decades pass, fewer succeed, and eventually a year passes with no returnees. A young bard living near the mountain decides to try, taking only his flute and drum. His first trial is a wall of thorny bushes; he plays his flute, making them dance and open a path, but loses his boots. Next, a pack of wolves attacks; he uses his drum to create a thunderous noise, scaring them away and losing his cape. Lost in the fog near the summit, he sings an old song, using the echoes to navigate and losing his scarf. He climbs a series of rocks to reach the top, where the god awaits. The bard finds two empty treasure chests, feeling disappointed, but the god explains that all rewards have been taken. The god gives him a mission to announce the god's departure and a blessing, leaving behind a splendid harp. The bard descends, travels across Eir to spread the news, and plays the harp, whose sound is described as softer than a stream, deeper than a wild forest, and brighter than birdsong. Over centuries, the god is forgotten, but the legends persist through the divine music of harps, the last gift from the god.
Listen to the show on