Have you ever glanced at curious lines etched along an Irish stone and wondered if it was some lost code or mysterious script?

That, a chara (my friend), is Ogham - an ancient Irish alphabet brimming with both mythic intrigue and a rich scholarly history.

Join me, Lora O’Brien MA, of the Ogham Academy, as we unravel the real story behind Ireland’s earliest known writing system.

Mythic Origins: From Fénius Farsaid to Ogma

The roots of Ogham stretch back into our oldest tales.

One legend speaks of Fénius Farsaid, a master linguist who supposedly gathered the essence of every language on Earth to craft the perfect Irish tongue - and, naturally, the perfect alphabet to match.

Another tale credits Ogma (or Oghma), a god-like figure from the Tuatha Dé Danann, with the creation of Ogham. He’s said to have carved the first message on birch (Beith) - one of Ogham’s early letters - and that inscription included a warning about fairy abductions.

🔗 Read More: How was the Ogham Invented?

Magical or not, these vibrant legends underscore the cultural importance of Ogham in our native lore.

The Ogham Alphabet: Not Just for Trees

Contrary to popular belief, Ogham isn’t solely tied to trees. Sure, many letters do have arboreal names - like Birch (Beith) - but others stand for entirely different things, such as gold or iron rods.

This has led to countless associations in the medieval manuscripts, from colours and craftsmanship skills to entire lists of famous forts across Ireland.

These varied connections highlight Ogham’s flexibility.

The original 20 letters (feda) were specifically crafted for Primitive Irish sounds.

Later, five extra letters (forfeda) were added to accommodate Latin and other external influences, reflecting Ireland’s openness to cultural exchange.

Ogham: Then and Now

During the Classical (Orthodox) Period - roughly 4th to 7th century CE - Ogham appears on stone monuments. Often, these stones commemorated someone with brief inscriptions mentioning a name, parentage, and tribal lineage.

It’s fascinating to see how Christianity later influenced these inscriptions: some display crosses or reference priests, blending native Irish writing with new religious symbolism.

Reformed (Scholastic) Ogham came about later, by the 8th century, when scribes and scholars were preserving Ogham in manuscripts. They developed cryptic varieties, expanded alphabets, and even recorded scribes’ jokes in Ogham.

This wasn’t just old knowledge; it was alive in Ireland’s monastic communities. Ireland’s earliest script continued to evolve, weaving itself into our medieval identity and beyond.

Why Does Ogham Still Matter?

Ogham represents Ireland’s resilient heart. It’s our first known system to record the Irish language, so it stands as a testament to the ingenuity of our ancestors.

Far from being a relic, Ogham reminds us that Ireland was never isolated or backward - we were active in the broader world, adapting and thriving through colonization, religious change, and cultural upheavals.

Personally, I’ve found that studying Ogham can open doors to deeper connections with our lore, our land, and even our own sense of Irish identity.

Whether you’re curious about reading ancient inscriptions, exploring the mystical side of Ogham, or simply drawn to Ireland’s vibrant past - there’s something here for everyone.

Watch the Video & Dive Deeper

I’ve put together a video podcast to guide you through the fascinating origins, usage, and myths of Ogham, with CC captions for accessibility.

You’ll find out how to read Ogham (both vertically and horizontally!), why it’s more than just trees, and what it tells us about Irish culture then and now.

Be sure to pick up your Free Ogham Guide too - 🔗 Get The Guide Here

Whether you’re a scholar, a seeker, or a curious mind, you’ll find it packed with practical tips and cultural context to begin your own Ogham journey.

I feel certain that Ogham is not, in fact, Ireland's forgotten alphabet as many claim it to be, but a living breathing part of our Irish traditions, from our earliest ancestry right to this day.

What's Next for You?

Go raibh míle maith agat - thank you for stopping by.

If you found this post helpful, drop a comment on the youtube video or share it with friends who might enjoy an authentic taste of Irish lore.

Subscribe to the channel too, for more videos, and get your weekly blog updates on all things Ogham and Irish tradition right here at the Ogham Academy.

Until next time, slán go fóill - farewell for now!