Celtic mythology

Description

Ward Rutherford's Celtic Mythology is a classic ... It paints a brilliant portrait of the Celtic world and the way the people of those distant times interpreted the world around them though the creation of myths and legends. - John Matthews In this lively and absorbing account of the world of Celtic myth and the role it has played in the development of western culture, Ward Rutherford explores one of the jewels of European cultural heritage. In so doing he demonstrates how deeply Celtic mythology has become embedded in Western consciousness. With a new introduction from John Matthews - historian, folklorist, best selling author of Pirates and winner of the Benjamin Franklin award for The Winter Solstice, this book provides a highly literary and engaging insight into: The world of the Celts, including an historical overview from their emergence as an identifiable people around 1000 B.C. Also included is an explanation of their social structure.

Description

In this lively account of the world of Celtic myth, the author shows how deeply the myths have become embedded in Western consciouness -- from the Celtic vision of the Other World, with its dim forests and howling bare-fanged creatures, to the paradise of Tir nan'Og, the Land of Youth, where birds sing, and streams flow peacefully by in endless summer afternoons. Finally, the author traces the Celtic influence in the Arthurian cycle and assesse its impact on the English literary tradition.

Subjects

Other Editions

• Celtic mythology: the nature and influence of Celtic myth, from Druidism to Arthurian legendSterling Publishing Co., Inc.1990-01-01
• Celtic mythologyCoronet Books2015-01-01