Caoimhe Byrne
My final year project “The Role of Mythology in Irish Indigenous Animation”, using Cartoon Saloon’s Animated Folklore Trilogy.
I chose the video essay format to incorporate both visuals and audio, while analysing the role mythology plays in Irish indigenous animation.
Three key themes are revealed; Grief, Transition and Maternity. I used a combination of Narratology, Character Archetypes and Celtic Mythology as theoretical framework for the video.
During the early stages of research, Irish mythology repeatedly stood out to me - particularly its connections to the spoken word, the role of women, the importance of ecosystems, and the enduring lessons mythology can offer. These themes became central to my exploration.
The portrayal of mythology across these three texts, each rooted in a distinct period of Irish history - the 9th century, the 1600s, and the 1980s. I aim to highlight the deep, enduring connection between Irish mythology and the landscape. This analysis will explore how mythological narratives serve as reflections of societal concerns, death and maternity, revealing archetypes that resonate with the shifting cultural and historical landscape of Ireland.
My Final Year Project began with an overwhelming number of ideas - narrowing down potential titles proved to be the most difficult part. I’ve always been fascinated by the condition of the past, present, and future of Ireland, and the intricate history we hold as a nation.
Looking back over the four years of this course, I’ve come to realise that much of my work is deeply rooted in Irish Cultural Studies, a field that continues to inspire me. I’m incredibly proud of this connection, and I intend to keep investigating, reflecting on, and creating Irish media-in honour of our island’s disproportionately rich artistic and literary heritage.
Historically, Ireland’s indigenous animation industry was pretty much nonexistent until Kilkenny’s incredibly successful animation studio, Cartoon Saloon came on the scene in 1998. Before then, studios like Don Bluth Productions, of Walt Disney, dominated the commercial industry.
Ireland is now a centre of the Animation Industry with many production studios including Brown Bag Films, Boulder Media, and more.
Debuting feature film, ‘The Secret of Kells’ (2008) marked the beginning of a very colourful journey for Irish Animators. Quickly gaining international audiences, 'Song of the Sea' (2014), on Netflix and finally 'Wolfwalkers' (2022) on Apple TV, completed the mythical animated trilogy, a strong cornerstone of Irish Animation.
The accompanying critical piece focused on co-founder, Tom Moore as an Auteur of Irish Indigenous Animation. I researched 'auteurship' as a critical framework, exploring the connection between French New Wave Film and traditional artisanal drawing techniques associated with Cartoon Saloon's style.#
Below I have attached my critical essay as part of my Final Year Project. I have also attached the original fanzines referred to above.
My name is Caoimhe Byrne, I’m from Bray, Co. Wicklow, and I’m a 2025 graduate of New Media Studies.
My interests include documentary filmmaking, music, and design. I started out by making short videos and edits to my favourite songs just for fun. Over time, that interest grew into something much more meaningful. Along the way, I’ve had the chance to try out different areas and gain experience in ways I never expected. It’s made me more curious and excited about what’s possible after graduation. This course opened my eyes to how much media influences our everyday lives and how rapidly the technological landscape evolves.
Thanks so much for visiting the page - I hope you enjoy this small selection of my portfolio! ★★★
