Fionn Cycle: A loose collection of tales originating in Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man which surround hunter-warrior leader Fionn, his band of men and his poet son, Ossian.

Old Grey Magician: A mystical, morally ambivalent figure who appears throughout Celtic mythology; in Ireland he is the Dark Druid, and often he appears as a seabird. The shapeshifting sorcerer is a thorn in Fionn's side, solving impossible problems but always asking too much in return.

George W Macpherson has been telling the traditional tales of Fionn and the Fianna for years, artfully drawing in audiences with his storytelling talent. Gathered from sources all over the country and occasionally beyond, and collected here for the first time, the Old Grey Magician's exploits offer a fascinating insight into the traditions of Scotland and the development of oral storytelling. Introduced and situated in physical and literary history by Donald Smith, this collection reminds us of the importance of retaining the stories that shaped us.

About the Author

Author of Highland Myths and Legends, George W. MacPherson has followed the oral traditions handed down through generations of his family, and has become one of the best known traditional storytellers in Scotland. George's storytelling technique is both memorable and distinctive, capable of captivating any audience, young or old, all over the world.

George has also published a historical account of John MacPherson, Skye Martyr, and a book of traditional stories North West Skye. He has also had published many articles in papers and magazines, both prose and poetry, on a variety of subjects. A participant in the Edinburgh Storytelling Festival for ten years, he also organises the annual Skye and Lochalsh Storytelling Festival and opened the Commonwealth Heads of State Convention in Edinburgh with one of his stories. George lives in Glendale on the Isle of Skye.

Reviews

PRAISE FOR HIGHLAND MYTHS AND LEGENDS:

The mythical and the legendary - this is the stuff of stories and storytellers, an age-old tradition. Celtic heroes, fairies, Druids, Silkies, sea horses, giants, magicians, Vikings... all feature in this collection of Scottish tales, the like of which were told round camp fires centuries ago. - Scots Magazine, July 2002

Book Information
ISBN 9781910745410
Author George Macpherson
Format Paperback
Page Count 192
Imprint Luath Press Ltd
Publisher Luath Press Ltd
Weight(grams) 170g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 10mm