Girls Who Slay Monsters: Daring Tales of Ireland’s Forgotten Goddesses

Unsung stories from ancient Irish myths re-imagined for nine-to-twelve year olds

There was a time when tales of Ireland’s mythical goddesses--their astonishing powers, bravery, and unbreakable bonds with nature--were famous, in Ireland and beyond. But over time, these stories were lost, often replaced or rewritten to make room for male warriors and kings.

Until Now.

Girls Who Slay Monsters brings these heroes of Irish mythology back to vibrant, magical life. From Éire, Ireland’s fierce namesake, and Bé Binn, a giant who overcame her bullies, to Badb, a gleefully gruesome death prophet, and Bé Mannair, a gender-fluid spy who challenged an entire army. These are goddesses of many shapes, skin shades and sizes, from every corner of ancient Ireland, whose daring still inspires today.

Stand by their sides as they wield magic, fight monsters, and protect the powerless--and you might just discover that you, too, are a force of nature.

Ellen Ryan is a UCD master’s graduate, trained in journalism, with a ten-year youthcomms

career based in the UK and Ireland. She is a features contributor to the Irish Independent and other publications. She has a passion for Irish myth and loves to visit archaeological sites (though she always brings a raincoat). Along with her husband and daughter, Ellen is lucky to live by the sea in Ireland’s County Wicklow, where she can keep an eye out for sea gods.