Roots of Europe | Fortuna Community

A cultural research project about how ancient stories reached Ireland and Ukraine, and what that means for us today.

Ancient roots. Shared memory. A new future.

Status

Preliminary application submitted. On 16 October 2026 we submitted a preliminary application to a Heritage Council funding programme in Ireland. There is no decision yet. If the application is approved, we will work on the project for six to nine months. Until then the project is a plan, and we present it as one.

Why

Picture two children. One grows up in Ireland, the other in Ukraine. Both listen to stories about a hero who does not know his father, about a tree that joins worlds, about a giant and a boy.

The plots look alike. Where does that come from? Chance? A shared source? A long road through the centuries?

We do not know for sure. That is exactly why we want to research it.

How

We follow three rules.

We research, we do not retell. We show where a plot came from, how it changed and why it can bring people together.
Honesty in scholarship. We do not give ancient druids what they did not create. We do not call ornaments "ancient runes" without proof. We do not present reconstructions as sources. We do not claim a direct line between peoples where it cannot be proved.
Joint work. Specialists check both the Irish and the Ukrainian parts. Artists work together.

What we plan to create

If the project receives support, over six to nine months:

a comparative research file;
12 to 15 story cards and four to six detailed files;
an original illustrated story based on an ancient Irish saga (working title CONNLA: The Boy Who Would Not Give His Name; the plot may change after a scholarly review);
open digital materials;
a joint programme for Irish and Ukrainian artists, the Irish-Ukrainian Artists Lab;
a public presentation.

Irish-Ukrainian Artists Lab

We plan an open portfolio call for Irish and Ukrainian artists, with an independent panel, paid sketches from finalists, paid commissions and two joint workshops. The result: a cover and illustrations for the story, and a shared exhibition. The terms and fees will be published when they are approved.

Who it is for

Readers and families. The story is for teenagers (about 12 to 16) and for reading together.
Schools and teachers: open materials.
Artists in Ireland and Ukraine.
Anyone who needs to know that something is shared.

Expected results (plan)

These are the project's aims, not achieved results; participant numbers and timelines will be set once a decision on the application is made.

Research results: checked sources and a review of findings.
Cultural results: books, illustrations and digital materials; exhibitions and meetings.
Community effect: educational materials and events that introduce people of both countries to a shared cultural heritage.

Rights and openness

Contracts with authors and artists are signed before work begins. Open results of the project are kept apart from possible commercial products. Archive materials are used only under their licences. AI may be used for drafts and searching, but it does not replace experts or the authors' own work.

Who is behind it

The project grew from an idea by Sergii Medvediev, Secretary of Fortuna Community. He is the author of the idea and the project leader. Other specialists and artists will be named only after they give written consent.

How you can help

Artists: follow our news to hear about the call first.
Scholars and teachers: if you can advise or check materials, write to us.
Everyone: follow the updates and come to the open presentation.

Questions

Have you received a grant? No. We submitted a preliminary application. When there is a decision, we will update this page.

What if it is not approved? The project does not end. We will look for other sponsors and donors and apply to later calls.

Is this a scientific project? It is a cultural research project with specialists. We do not replace scientific institutes. We use their work and bring in consultants.

A good story begins with a question. Ours is: where did we all come from?