National Stamp (Europa - Stories and Myths)

This year’s common EUROPA theme is ‘Stories and Myths’. Our two stamps are based on Balor, a legendary figure in the Formorian supernatural race in Irish mythology.

According to the Irish folklore tales, Balor caused great pain and anguish to the Tuatha Dé Dannan, the other supernatural race in Irish folklore.

The legend centres on Balor having an eye that, when unleashed, could cause instant death or poisoning.
Balor’s Poisoned Eye is the main focus of one stamp. The second stamp relates to the legend that claimed Balor had only to look on the landscape to cause damage, such as in the Poisoned Glen in County Donegal.

In both cases, contemporary colours are used to create the impression of poison almost leaping off the stamp. 
 

Product code 2211N