The Encyclopedia Of Celtic Mythology And Folklore

Presents an illustrated A to Z reference containing over 1,000 entries providing information on Celtic myths, fables and legends from Ireland, Scotland, Celtic Britain, Wales, Brittany, central France, and Galicia.

Examines the mythology and folklore of the peoples of Ireland, Scotland, Celtic Britain, Wales, Brittany, and central France and Galicia, covering original sources, mythical figures and heroes, themes, and sacred and historical places.

An Encyclopedia of Celtic Mythology is a comprehensive and exhaustively researched introduction to Celtic gods and goddesses and the folklore surrounding them. This beautiful, full-color book explains the cultural and religious origin of Celtic myths and how some of these ancient traditions still influence today's world. Curious readers and students will enjoy the facts behind the myths.

Many American legends have Celtic origins. Each chapter in this fascinating book presents a Celtic myth and a similar American one. Celtic immigrants brought these legends to all regions of the U.S. Old-world mythology morphs into New World folklore. Curran recounts America's oldest legends and traces their origins to the Celtic mythology of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, presenting a similar old-world tale alongside each American version. Once transported to America, the original Celtic tales evolved to assimilate the new population's geographic, social, and religious customs, weaving their way into the fabric of American folk history.

In this important volume three ancient mythologies arebrought to life: the Classical mythology of ancient Greece and Rome; the fairytale myths of the Celticworld; and from Northern Europe, tales of Germanic gods, Nordic warriors and fearsome giants. For maximumaccessibility each entry is listed in A-Z order, detailing characters, locations, and sites of interest, significantevents, stories and symbols. Pictorial features also focuson recurring mythological themes, such as Oracles,Magic, Voyages, Heroes, and Spells, making this bookuniversal in theme and timeless in appeal. This is a lavish guide to the classic mythologies.

The original texts, which are the basis of the study of the Celtic Shamanic tradition, are so often missing from the contemporary practical books on Celtic subjects which fill the shops today. As well as familiar stories, this collection includes texts last translated in rare 19th century journals. The scope of the material ranges through the entire spectrum of Celtic mythology, from the adventures of heroes, to love stories, with tales of magic, warfare, the Otherworld, Faery traditions, shapeshifting and fantastic voyages to strange lands. There is also an introductory overview by the authors, extensive bibliography and resource list and indexes of people, places and themes.

Fairies have been revered and feared, sometimes simultaneously, throughout recorded history. This encyclopedia of concise entries, from the A-senee-ki-waku of northeastern North America to the Zips of Central America and Mexico, includes more than 2,500 individual beings and species of fairy and nature spirits from a wide range of mythologies and religions from all over the globe.

The authoritative A-Z of the mythical figures of three ancient cultures: Classical, Celtic and Norse. Over 500 alphabetical entries describing the central mythical figures of each culture, with copious cross references. Superb pictorial spreads on the mythical themes and symbols central to each culture. Beautifully illustrated with over 550 images spanning fifteen centuries of fine art from the ancient world to the present day, including both classic masterpieces and specially commissioned artwork. Lively narrative commentary by one of the world's authorities on myths and mythology. Timeless in scope and appeal, a classic of its kind -- a complete and comprehensive reference to the ancient tales.