The new instalment in T&H's successful myths series (after The Greek and Roman Myths and The Egyptian Myths) introduces the world of the Celts, their gods and goddesses, heroes, monsters and villains. As well as vividly exploring the tales, the author brings her expertise in the archaeology of the Iron Age and particularly shamanism to bear on the mythical worlds she describes, with evidence as diverse as the Gundestrup Cauldron and the famous bog bodies. Starting with a discussion of how myths are transmitted and by whom, the author continues with an account of the Irish and Welsh myths and their key actors and motifs, before moving on to consider themes such as heroes, animals, women, environment and the Otherworld. In her finale, the author asks how the myths survived the Christianization of Europe and looks at the influence of monastic chroniclers on the tales, which they preserved and adapted.
The perfect introduction for the modern reader to the world of Celtic myth and legendAbout the AuthorMiranda Aldhouse-Green is Professor Emeritus at Cardiff University. She is the author of The Celtic Myths, Dictionary of Celtic Myth and Legend, Exploring the World of the Druids and, with Stephen Aldhouse-Green, The Quest for the Shaman.
Reviews'A magical miscellany of myths' - The Times
'A very scholarly but eminently readable and accessible guide to the Celtic myths' - Reference Reviews
Book InformationISBN 9780500252093
Author Miranda Aldhouse-GreenFormat Hardback
Page Count 208
Imprint Thames & Hudson LtdPublisher Thames & Hudson Ltd
Weight(grams) 480g