Ebook: Celtic Mythology

The Celts controlled Ireland, Wales, western Scotland, Cornwall and much of Europe for many centuries. Most of the impressive material remains have been found in continental Europe. But the great stories of supernatural creatures and superhuman heroes which make up Celtic mythology nearly all derive from Ireland. The Celts were supreme in Ireland for well over a thousand years, and their influence, including their language, has lasted longer than in any other region.

The Celtic gods resembled those of Rome. There were counterparts of all the main gods and, in addition, the antlered god Cernunnos, 'lord of the animals'. But Celtic mythology is above all rich in the daring exploits of swashbuckling heroes. Cú Chulainn engages in one single combat after another to delay the advance of the Connaehtmen as they attack the Ulstermen in search of the mighty bull of Cuailnge. Cú Chulainn can be overcome only by trickery and magic. The fantastic adventures of Fionn mac Cumhaill and his companions are still told by Gaelic storytellers. The story of the love of Diarmaid and Grainne is comparable with those of Adonis and Aphrodite and of Tristan and Iseult.

The author gives an enthralling account of the development of these and many other stories, and shows how they express the beliefs and hopes of a great civilisation. Significantly the Celts regarded the Underworld as a land of primeval innocence and happiness filled with enchanting music, beautiful women and exquisite food and drink - an inviting contrast to their hard and dangerous lives on earth.

The book is beautifully illustrated with outstanding examples of the work of Celtic artists and craftsmen.