The Dragon Myth appears in numerous languages; it can be found with minor variations in English, Russian, Swedish, German, French, Japanese and Swahili. The author of this work presents the Celtic version of the classic myth in a translation which reflects the spirit and beauty of the original Gaelic. The volume also includes The Geste of Fraoch and The Death of Fraoch, followed by The Three Ways and The Fisherman in the original Gaelic.
Mythical Ireland embodies the search for a soul among Ireland's ancient ruins, and is an attempt to retrieve something of deeper import from 5,000-year-old megalithic monuments and their associated myths. The book represents a fascinating and engaging journey through time, landscape and the human spirit. Dealing with archaeology, interpretive mythography, cosmology and cosmogony, the book attempts to grapple with a core meaning, something beyond the functional interpretations of academia. In this revised and expanded edition, Anthony Murphy delves further into the many enthralling aspects of this journey. Just how much knowledge did locals have of the secrets of Newgrange before it was excavated? Who is the Cailleach, the ancient hag goddess whose image is ubiquitous in the ancient landscape? What happened to make Ireland's Stonehenge disappear from the landscape? Who were the first kings of Tara? What were the indigenous Irish myths about the Milky Way? Did someone try to steal the Tara Brooch? Why are there myths in Ireland about flooded towns and cities? Lavishly illustrated with exquisite photographs of the Irish landscape and ancient monuments, Mythical Ireland represents a personal and yet universal journey, a quest to reimagine the shrines as empowering and transformative sacred places. Murphy invokes the druids and poets of the Boyne and thus the sídhe of the ancient texts are reawakened for a modern and turbulent world.
CELTIC MYTHOLOGY (Illustrated Edition) is a seminal collection that explores the rich tapestry of Celtic myths, legends, and folklore. Curated by notable scholars J. A. MacCulloch, T. W. Rolleston, and W. Y. Evans-Wentz, this anthology spans a diverse range of literary styles, from vividly narrated mythical stories to scholarly interpretations and analyses of Celtic lore. The collection stands out for its depth of exploration into the cultural, spiritual, and historical significance of Celtic mythology, showcasing the profound impact these stories have had on literary and cultural expressions across the world. Emphasizing tales of gods, heroes, and ancient rites, the volume invites readers into the mystical world of the Celts, enriched by insightful commentary and exquisite illustrations. The contributing authors, J. A. MacCulloch, T. W. Rolleston, and W. Y. Evans-Wentz, bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise, drawing from their respective backgrounds in history, literature, and anthropology to illuminate the Celtic spirit. Their collective work underscores the significance of Celtic mythology in the broader context of world mythology, highlighting its role in understanding ancient civilizations and their universal quest for meaning. Positioned at the intersection of literary scholarship and cultural anthropology, this anthology represents a converging of authoritative voices whose contributions elucidate the multifaceted nature of Celtic mythology. The editors discerning selections and commentaries not only celebrate the richness of Celtic lore but also underscore the relevance of these ancient narratives in contemporary discussions about cultural heritage, identity, and the interconnectedness of human experiences. CELTIC MYTHOLOGY (Illustrated Edition) is an indispensable volume for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of mythology, offering a unique lens through which to explore the complex weave of Celtic tradition and its enduring relevance. This collection serves as a gateway to a world where myth and history intersect, inviting readers on a captivating journey through the enchanted landscapes of Celtic imagination. Its educational value, coupled with the allure of its narratives and scholarly insights, makes this anthology a priceless addition to any collection, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of storytelling and the power of myth.
The gifted W.B. Yeats wrote of his own people “...even a newspaperman, if you entice him into a cemetery at midnight, will believe in phantoms, for everyone is a visionary if you scratch him deep enough. But the Celt, unlike any other, is a visionary without scratching.” This introduction to Celtic Mythology will serve the novice well – for it is a complicated history with the earliest written records destroyed by the marauding Vikings. Inside you will read about... ✓ The Arrival of the Tuatha dé Danann ✓ Hibernia ✓ The Main Gods of the Celtic Pantheon ✓ Celtic Life and Rituals ✓ Sources of Celtic Mythology ✓ The Effect of Christianity and Beliefs and Superstitions The oral tradition harks back to 4000BCE and is a compilation of myths and cultures of many different peoples including the Indo-Iranians, Slavs, Greeks, Germans, Austrians and finally, the Gauls, who washed up on the shores of the Emerald Isle. Whatever aspect of this rich, mystical and lavishly embellished heritage you would like to investigate further you will find the author has supplied a marker to guide you on your way.
"Celtic Mythology" is a study on ancient folk tales and legends of old Ireland, Wales and other Celtic regions, which remained a precious legacy to their illustrative history. The book deals with different aspects of folklore and mythology: myths of the creation, tales of gods and their position and behavior, the mythical creatures and animals, folk tales of the divine land and many more. Well grounded in history and sociology, the author relates these folk tales, legends and myths of Gaelic, Brythonic and Gaulish people to each other and explores the influence of Christianity on their development through the ages. "The Religion of the Ancient Celts" is an exhaustive and comprehensive study of the Celtic religion. It provides insights into Celtic religious practices, and comparisons geographically as well as with more familiar Roman and Christian pantheons. The author offers numerous interpretations and overlaps regarding the mythological roles of gods and goddesses. The Celts interacted with many cultures over the years and adopted their gods and combined with theirs. Roman and Greek gods were adopted as were Vikings' and Christianity later.
The blue-skinned old woman who made the mountains. Finfolk, seal-people and the Makers of Dreams. Within these pages are the little-known stories of Scotland, collected and retold by an oral storyteller who performs them throughout the world. From folk-tales and local legends to ancient epics, these stories will astonish and delight readers everywhere. Daniel Allison is an acclaimed oral storyteller who performs everywhere from schools and prisons to global festivals. He hosts the House of Legends Podcast and is the author of The Bone Flute, Silverborn, Scottish Myths & Legends and Finn & The Fianna. 'A masterpiece... Celtic myths and legends at their fantastic best. Mythical, flirty, thumpingly violent and divinely nasty!' Jess Smith reviewing Finn & The Fianna 'A tremendous read... no end of dramas, surprises and reversals of fortune... wonderful stuff' Fay Sampson reviewing The Bone Flute 'The best mythology podcast I've heard' House of Legends listener review
Presents an illustrated A to Z reference containing over 1,000 entries providing information on Celtic myths, fables and legends from Ireland, Scotland, Celtic Britain, Wales, Brittany, central France, and Galicia.
"Read about the creation of people according to the Popol Vuh, the origin of the sun, moon, world, music, and four other important myths"--Provided by publisher