Celtic Myths and Legends (Myths of the World)

Rating:
Summary: Not for Novices
Review: I have read many texts regarding Greek/Roman mythology, but until now have not spent any time on mythology of other areas. This book is NOT one to read as an intro to Celtic mythology. Even references to the well-known character of King Arthur sound foreign to those who only know the most famous of the fairy-tale stories.

I found two highly related problems with reading this book. The first is the assumption by the author that you have already had an introduction to a history of the Isles. Second is the difficulty in reading the names of characters. To someone who is not familiar with pronouncing names with multiple consonants and many W's, V's, and Y's in them, it takes away from the enjoyment and educational value of the book.

However, in all fairness, if you do not have these weeknesses (as I do), then you will probably find this book very enlightening. Squire seems to have really researched the topic and speculates that various gods/heros are 'reincarnated' over the ages to fit the ideals of the current society.

Rating:
Summary: This book is amazing
Review: My boyfriend lent me this book to use for a paper I had to write, and I have to say that it is the best source I have been able to find. The mythology and tales are something one could find in Bullfinch's Mythology, but instead of Greek tales, they explain those of the Celts, which is a very hard task indeed!

Being that there are such a vast amount of Gods in the Gaelic Myths, this book not only narrows them down quite well, but explains their tales with interesting perspectives varying between quotes from other sources, and the author putting things into his own words.

Though dry, the first four chapters are essential to the reader, giving them a background to the ancient Britons, Greeks, and Teutonics, and showing how they compare to the myths of the Celts. It demonstrates how the myths of the Celts are more romantic and less grisly or tragic then the aforementioned.

After beginning with this book, I am looking forward to continuing on with my learning about the Celtic Myths and Legends. I hope that this critique is useful to you in your research!

Rating:
Summary: Handbook of the Celtic Renaissance
Review: This is an excellently produced reprint of Charles Squire's classic turn-of-the-century volume of Irish myth and legend. It is a trim, quality volume with an emerald green cover embossed in gold. The dust jacket is also beautifully done with reproductions from the full-color plates inside the volume. This is a book that will last. There is also a new introduction by Owen Perkins.

These are myths that predate those of the Greeks, with power and meaning every bit as great. These are the foundation myths of the Celts of old Briton. They are all here: the tales of the Tuatha de Danann and the Fomors, of Cuchulainn, of Chonchobar, of Conn and Cormac, of Finn mac Coul and the Fenians, and of Arthur himself. Indeed, Squire was one of the first scholars to free Arthur and his knights from the clutches of the Normans and their thieving decedents.

The book itself is divided into three parts: 1) an introductory section on the source works, the history of the ancient Britons, and the religion of the same, 2) the Gaelic Gods and their stories, and 3) the British Gods and their stories. There is also section on survivals of ancient Celtic paganism into "modern times" (i.e. the early 20th century.) A bibliography of source works is included, as well as a pronunciation guide, and a full index. There is a four-page section of full-color plates of marvelous heroic paintings.

I've owned and read several newer accounts of these myths (both new-age and scholarly) but this is the one I get down to read by the fire when my soul needs renewal.