[003.01-003.03]: continued from the book's last sentence — recirculation.

003.01 riverrun, past Eve and Adam's, from swerve of shore to bend

003.02 of bay, brings us by a commodius vicus of recirculation back to

003.03 Howth Castle and Environs.

[003.04-003.14]: beginning of time — nothing yet had happened.

003.04 Sir Tristram, violer d'amores, fr'over the short sea, had passen-

003.05 core rearrived from North Armorica on this side the scraggy

003.06 isthmus of Europe Minor to wielderfight his penisolate war: nor

003.07 had topsawyer's rocks by the stream Oconee exaggerated themselse

003.08 to Laurens County's gorgios while they went doublin their mumper

003.09 all the time: nor avoice from afire bellowsed mishe mishe to

003.10 tauftauf thuartpeatrick: not yet, though venissoon after, had a

003.11 kidscad buttended a bland old isaac:* not yet, though all's fair* in

003.12 vanessy*, were sosie sesthers wroth with twone nathandjoe. Rot a

003.13 peck of pa's malt had Jhem or Shen* brewed by arclight and rory

003.14 end to the regginbrow was to be seen ringsome on the aquaface.

[003.15-003.24]: the fall — the thunder.

003.15   The fall (baba badal gharaghta kam minar ronnkonn bronn tonner-

003.16 ronn tuonn thunn trovarr houn awn skawn toohoohoorden en thur-

003.17 nuk!*) of a once wallstrait oldparr is retaled early in bed and later

003.18 on life down through all christian minstrelsy. The great fall of the

003.19 offwall entailed at such short notice the pftjschute of Finnegan,

003.20 erse solid man, that the humptyhillhead of humself prumptly sends

003.21 an unquiring one well to the west in quest of his tumptytumtoes:

003.22 and their upturnpikepointandplace is at the knock out in the park

003.23 where oranges have been laid to rust upon the green since dev-

003.24 linsfirst loved livvy.

Notes:

Summary of the Section 003.01–003.03:

The opening lines of Finnegans Wake (003.01–003.03) are among the most famous in literature, setting the tone for the entire work. The passage begins with the word "riverrun," which immediately introduces the theme of cyclicality, as the sentence  flows seamlessly from the end of the book back to its beginning. The text is dense with references to Irish geography, history, and mythology, while also embedding universal themes of time, nature, and human existence. Joyce’s use of Hiberno-English (Irish-influenced English) and his playful linguistic style are evident throughout, as is his characteristic humour and sexual innuendo.

Line-by-Line Analysis:

**003.01: "riverrun, past Eve and Adam's, from swerve of shore to bend"`

• riverrun: The opening word is a portmanteau of "river" and "run," suggesting both the flow of water and the passage of time. This sets up one of the central themes of Finnegans Wake: cyclicality. The river is the Liffey, which flows through Dublin and is a recurring symbol in Joyce’s work.
• Eve and Adam's: This is a playful reference to Adam and Eve from the Bible, but it also refers to a real church in Dublin called "Adam and Eve’s Church" (officially known as St. Mary’s Chapel of Ease). The church is located near the Liffey, reinforcing the geographical theme.
• swerve of shore to bend: This phrase evokes the natural curves and bends of a river, but it also suggests a philosophical idea—Lucretius’ concept of the "swerve" (clinamen) in his atomic theory, which introduces randomness into an otherwise deterministic universe.

**003.02: "of bay, brings us by a commodius vicus of recirculation back to"`

• of bay: Refers to Dublin Bay, where the River Liffey meets the Irish Sea. This ties into Irish geography and reinforces the river motif.
• commodius vicus: A playful distortion of Giambattista Vico’s name (an Italian philosopher whose theories on cyclical history heavily influenced Finnegans Wake). "Commodius" suggests comfort or convenience, while "vicus" means "village" in Latin but also echoes Vico’s name.
• recirculation: This word reinforces the theme of cyclicality—Vico’s idea that history moves in cycles (theocratic → aristocratic → democratic → chaos → repeat). It also ties back to the river metaphor, as water circulates through nature.

**003.03: "Howth Castle and Environs."`

• Howth Castle: A real castle located on Howth Head, a peninsula north of Dublin Bay. Howth is steeped in Irish mythology—it was said to be one of the landing places of Partholón, one of Ireland’s mythical early settlers.
• Environs: Refers to the surrounding area, but it also suggests an environmental or natural context. Howth Castle is a symbol of stability and permanence in contrast to the flowing river.

Howth Castle and Environs: HCE

Themes & Motifs:

1. Cyclicality & Time:
   • The river motif ("riverrun") symbolizes both time and nature’s cycles. Vico’s theory of historical cycles ("recirculation") is central here.
   • Universal Theme: The idea that history repeats itself resonates universally.
2. Irish Geography & History:
   • References to Dublin landmarks like Eve and Adam’s Church and Howth Castle ground the text in a specific Irish context
   • Universal Theme: Connection to place and identity is something everyone can relate to
3. Philosophy & Mythology:
   • Lucretius’ swerve and Vico’s cyclical history add philosophical depth to the passage
   • Mythological references Partholón tie the text to Irish folklore
   • Universal Theme: Philosophical questions about time, randomnes and fate
4. Language Play & Humor:
   • Joyce’s playful use language is evident throughout (“commodius vicus,” “Eve Adam's”)
   • Sexual Innuendo: “swerve” could be read as playful nod to sexual movement

Hiberno-English & Irish Language References:

Joyce frequently incorporates Hiberno-English (Irish-influenced English) into his text:

• While this particular passage does not contain explicit Hiberno-English phrases later sections book do so extensively
• Place names like Howth and Dublin Bay are rooted in Irish geography and culture

References to Joseph Campbell's A Skeleton Key:

Joseph Campbell notes that Finnegans Wake begins mid-sentence suggesting circular structure to the book. He emphasizes the  importance of Vico’s cyclical theory to understanding Joyce’s work. Campbell also highlights the significance of the Liffey as a central symbol representing flow, time and life.

Summary of the Section 003.04–003.09:

This section of Finnegans Wake (003.04–003.09) introduces Sir Tristram, a figure who blends the legendary Tristan of Arthurian romance with Irish and European history. The passage is rich in references to Irish geography, mythology, and history, while also embedding universal themes of love, war, and migration. Joyce’s use of Hiberno-English (Irish-influenced English) and his playful linguistic style are evident throughout, as is his characteristic humour and sexual innuendo. The text also incorporates elements of Irish culture, battles, and religion, making it a dense tapestry of interwoven meanings.

Line-by-Line Analysis:

**003.04: "Sir Tristram, violer d'amores, fr'over the short sea, had passen-"`

• Sir Tristram: A reference to Sir Tristan (or Tristram), the legendary knight from Arthurian romance who is best known for his tragic love affair with Isolde. In this context, Tristram is also linked to Irish mythology, as the Tristan and Isolde story has Celtic origins.
• violer d'amores: A playful distortion of "viola d'amore" (a stringed instrument) and "violator of loves," suggesting that Tristram is both a lover and a violator in his romantic escapades.
• fr'over the short sea: "Fr'over" is a contraction of "from over," while "the short sea" likely refers to the Irish Sea or the English Channel (Tristran was on a mission initiated by King Mark of Cornwall to collect Isolde). 

**003.05: "core rearrived from North Armorica on this side the scraggy"`

• core rearrived: A playful distortion of "rearrived," suggesting that Tristram has returned or come back.
• North Armorica: Refers to Brittany (Armorica was the ancient Roman name for Brittany), which ties into the Tristan legend, as Brittany is where Tristan is said to have come from.
• scraggy isthmus of Europe Minor: Likely refers to Ireland as a narrow landmass ("scraggy isthmus") on the edge of Europe ("Europe Minor"). This phrase situates Ireland geographically while also evoking its marginal status in European history.

**003.06: "isthmus of Europe Minor to wielderfight his penisolate war: nor"`

• wielderfight: A portmanteau of "wield" and "fight," suggesting that Tristram is both a warrior and a wielder of weapons.
• penisolate war: Likely a play on "peninsula" and "isolate," suggesting that Tristram’s war is both isolated (perhaps personal) and tied to a specific geographical location (a peninsula). This could also be a reference to Ireland as an island nation. Also a humorous play on “penis” and as Roland McHugh points out in his “Annotations to FW”: “An obelisk in the (Phoenix) Park, the Wellington Monument, is for HCE’s penis”.

**003.07: "had topsawyer's rocks by the stream Oconee exaggerated themselse"`

• topsawyer's rocks: A reference to the biblical story of Samson, who was betrayed by Delilah and lost his strength. In Hiberno-English, a "topsawyer" is someone who excels at sawing wood (a nod to Samson’s strength). The phrase could also suggest rocks that are prominent or exaggerated.
• stream Oconee: Refers to the Oconee River in Georgia, USA. This introduces an American element into the text, possibly suggesting themes of migration or colonialism.

**003.08: "to Laurens County's gorgios while they went doublin their mumper"`

• Laurens County's gorgios: Laurens County is in Georgia, USA, while "gorgios" is a Romani word for non-Romani people. This phrase suggests cultural mixing or conflict.
• doublin their mumper: A playful distortion of "doubling their number," but also a reference to Dublin ("doublin"), Ireland’s capital city. The word “mumper” could mean beggar or someone who mumbles.

**003.09: "all the time:"`

• This phrase suggests continuity or repetition, reinforcing one of Finnegans Wake’s central themes: cyclicality.

Themes & Motifs:

1. Love & War:
   • Sir Tristram’s dual role as lover warrior ties into universal themes love conflict

2 Migration & Colonialism:

• References North Armorica Oconee River suggest themes migration colonialism
• Universal Theme: Movement displacement resonate globally

3 Cyclicality & Repetition:

• Phrases like “all time” reinforce idea events repeat themselves
• Universal Theme: Cyclical nature history life

4 Language Play & Humour:

• Joyce’s playful use of language evident throughout (“violer d'amores,” “wielderfight”, “penisulate”)
• Sexual Innuendo: “violer d'amores” could be read as playful nod to sexual exploits

Summary of the Section 003.09–003.14:

This section of Finnegans Wake (003.09–003.14) continues Joyce’s dense, multi-layered narrative, blending Irish mythology, history, and culture with universal themes of creation, conflict, and renewal. The passage is rich in references to Irish placenames, religious figures, and historical events, while also embedding playful sexual innuendo and humour. Joyce’s use of Hiberno-English (Irish-influenced English) and his characteristic linguistic playfulness are evident throughout. The text also incorporates elements of Irish battles, religions, and philosophers, making it a complex tapestry of interwoven meanings.

Line-by-Line Analysis:

**003.09: "nor avoice from afire bellowsed mishe mishe to"`

• avoice from afire: Likely a reference to the voice of God speaking from the burning bush in the biblical story of Moses (Exodus 3:2). This introduces a religious theme.
• bellowsed: A playful distortion of "bellowed," suggesting a loud, booming voice.
• mishe mishe: A phrase in Irish Gaelic meaning "I am, I am," echoing God’s declaration to Moses: "I am that I am" (Exodus 3:14). This ties into both religious and linguistic themes.

**003.10: "tauftauf thuartpeatrick: not yet, though venissoon after, had a"`

• tauftauf: A playful distortion of "tautauf," which means "baptise" in German. This suggests a baptismal theme.
• thuartpeatrick: A pun on "St. Patrick," Ireland’s patron saint who is said to have baptised the Irish people. The phrase also suggests "thwart Patrick," possibly implying resistance or conflict. Also puns on thou are St. Peter and on this rock I will build my church.
• venissoon after: A pun on "very soon after" and "venison," suggesting both immediacy and a hunting theme.

**003.11: "kidscad buttended a bland old isaac: not yet, though all's fair in"`

• kidscad buttended: A playful distortion of "kids cad butted," suggesting a young goat or child butting against something. Also a reference to Charles Stewart Parnell.
• bland old isaac: Refers to Isaac from the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22), where Abraham is asked to sacrifice his son Isaac. The word “bland” suggests Isaac’s passivity or innocence. Also refers to Isaac Butt whom Parnell replaced as the leader of the Home Rule Party.
• all's fair in vanessy: A pun on the phrase "all's fair in love and war" and "Vanessa," referring to Esther Vanhomrigh, Jonathan Swift’s lover.

**003.12: "vanessy, were sosie sesthers wroth with twone nathandjoe. Rot a"`

• sosie sesthers: Likely a reference to the biblical sisters Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38–42), but also plays on the French word “sosie” (double) and “sisters.”
• wroth with twone nathandjoe: Suggests conflict between Nathan and Joe, possibly referencing Nathan from the Bible (2 Samuel 12) who confronts King David about his sins.

**003.13: Rot a peck of pa's malt had Jhem or Shen brewed by arclight and rory

• Rot a peck of pa's malt: A playful distortion of “not a peck of malt,” suggesting scarcity or lack.
• Jhem or Shen: Likely references to Shem and Shaun, two recurring characters in Finnegans Wake who represent opposing forces (artist vs. practical man).
• brewed by arclight: Suggests brewing beer under artificial light, possibly referencing modern industrialisation.

**003.14: "end to the regginbrow was to be seen ringsome on the aquaface."`

• regginbrow: Likely a play on “rainbow,” which appears after Noah’s flood in the Bible (Genesis 9:13), symbolising renewal and hope.
• ringsome on the aquaface: Suggests something circular appearing on the water’s surface (“aquaface”), possibly referencing ripples or reflections.

Themes & Motifs:

1. Creation & Renewal:
   • References Noah’s flood rainbow suggest themes creation renewal
   • Universal Theme: Hope new beginnings resonate globally

2 Conflict & Sacrifice:

• Biblical stories Abraham Isaac Nathan David introduce themes conflict sacrifice
• Universal Theme: Moral dilemmas human struggle

3 Religion & Mythology:

• References St Patrick and Moses  tie the text to religious mythological themes
• Universal Theme: Faith and spirituality

4 Language Play & Humour:

• Joyce’s playful use language evident throughout (“mishe mishe,” “tauftauf”)
• Sexual Innuendo: “venissoon” could be read as playful nod sexual hunting

Hiberno-English & Irish Language References:

Joyce frequently incorporates Hiberno-English into his text:

• Phrases like “mishe mishe” rooted in the Irish language
• Names like St Patrick tie the text to Irish culture and history

Summary of the Section 003.15–003.24:

This section of Finnegans Wake (003.15–003.24) continues Joyce’s exploration of themes such as fall, renewal, and cyclicality, while weaving in references to Irish history, culture, and mythology. The passage is dense with linguistic playfulness, including Hiberno-English (Irish-influenced English), and incorporates elements of Irish placenames, battles, religions, and philosophers. Joyce’s characteristic humour and sexual innuendo are also present, making this a rich and multi-layered text. The passage also touches on universal themes such as the inevitability of change and the cyclical nature of life.

Line-by-Line Analysis:

**003.15: "The fall (baba badal gharaghta kam minar ronnkonn bronn tonner-"`

• The fall: This introduces the central theme of the passage—the fall of man, the fall of Finnegan (from the Irish ballad "Finnegan’s Wake"), and the broader idea of decline or collapse.
• baba badal gharaghta kam minar ronnkonn bronn tonner-: This string of words is a playful mix of sounds that mimic the chaos or noise associated with a fall. It could be seen as an onomatopoeic representation of tumbling or crashing. See the video below for a ful explanation.

**003.16: "ronn tuonn thunn trovarr houn awn skawn toohoohoorden en thur-"`

• ronn tuonn thunn trovarr houn awn skawn toohoohoorden en thur-: This continues the chaotic soundscape introduced in the previous line. The words seem to mimic the noise of a fall or collapse, possibly evoking the sound of thunder or a crash.

**003.17: "nuk!) of a once wallstrait oldparr is retaled early in bed and later"`

• wallstrait oldparr: Likely a reference to Humpty Dumpty ("wallstrait" suggesting he sat on a wall) and "oldparr" referring to an old man or possibly salmon (a symbol of wisdom in Irish mythology).
• retaled early in bed and later: Suggests that the story is told both early in life ("in bed") and later on, reinforcing the theme of cyclicality.

**003.18: "on life down through all christian minstrelsy. The great fall of the"`

• on life down through all christian minstrelsy: Suggests that this story has been passed down through Christian tradition ("minstrelsy" implying storytelling or song).
• The great fall of the offwall entailed at such short notice: Refers to Humpty Dumpty’s fall from the wall but also ties into biblical themes like Adam’s fall from grace.

**003.19: "offwall entailed at such short notice the pftjschute of Finnegan,"`

• pftjschute: A playful distortion that could mimic the sound of someone falling or being ejected ("schute" suggests "chute" or "shoot").

**003.20: "erse solid man, that the humptyhillhead of humself prumptly sends"`

• erse solid man: Likely a reference to Finnegan as an "Irish solid man," with "erse" being a playful nod to "Irish."
• humptyhillhead: A pun on Humpty Dumpty’s head ("hillhead" suggesting both his head and his position on a hill or wall).
• prumptly sends an unquiring one well to the west in quest of his tumptytumtoes: Suggests that after his fall, Humpty Dumpty sends someone westwards to find his toes ("tumptytumtoes"), possibly referencing Irish migration westward.

**003.21: "an unquiring one well to the west in quest of his tumptytumtoes:"`

• unquiring one well to the west: Suggests someone being sent westward without questioning ("unquiring"), possibly referencing Irish emigration to America.
• tumptytumtoes: A playful distortion suggesting toes but also evoking tumbling or falling.

**003.22: "and their upturnpikepointandplace is at the knock out in the park"`

• upturnpikepointandplace: Likely refers to where Humpty Dumpty’s toes end up after his fall.
• knock out in the park: is a reference to Castleknock near the Phoenix Park in Dublin, where many historical events took place.

**003.23: "where oranges have been laid to rust upon the green since dev-"`

• oranges have been laid to rust upon the green: Likely references Ireland’s history with William III (William of Orange) and Protestantism ("green" symbolising Ireland). The oranges rusting could suggest decay or conflict.

**003.24: "linsfirst loved livvy."`

• devlinsfirst loved livvy: Likely references St Kevin (Kevin being an anglicised form of Caoimhín) and Livvy (possibly Liffey), tying into Irish mythology and geography.

Themes & Motifs:

1. Fall & Renewal:
   • References Humpty Dumpty Finnegan introduce themes fall renewal
   • Universal Theme: change and resilience in the face of adversity

2 Cyclicality & Storytelling:

• Story told early later reinforces cyclical nature of history and life
• Universal Theme: Stories passed down through the generations

3 Religion & Mythology:

• References Christian tradition St Kevin tie text religious mythological themes
• Universal Theme: Faith spirituality

4 Language Play & Humour:

• Joyce’s playful use language evident throughout (“pftjschute,” “tumptytumtoes”)

Hiberno-English & Irish Language References:

Joyce frequently incorporates Hiberno-English into his text:

• Phrases like “erse” are rooted Irish culture
• Place names like Phoenix Park tie text Irish geography history