Archaeology and Celtic Myth

Archaeology and Celtic Myth PDF

Author: John Waddell

Publisher:

Published: 2015

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781846825903

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In this book, author John Waddell contends that elements of pre-Christian Celtic myth preserved in medieval Irish literature shed light on older traditions and beliefs not just in Ireland but elsewhere in Europe as well. Waddell mainly focuses on aspects of the mythology associated with four well-known Irish archaeological landscapes: Newgrange and the Boyne Valley, the royal sites of Rathcroghan in County Roscommon, Navan in County Armagh, and Tara in County Meath. Their mythological associations permit the pursuit of the archaeological implications of several mythic themes, namely sacral kingship, a sovereignty goddess, solar cosmology, and the perception of an Otherworld. *** "This is quite a worthwhile study... Recommended." - Choice, Vol. 52, No. 3, November 2014

Myth and Materiality

Myth and Materiality PDF

Author: John Wadell

Publisher:

Published: 2018-07-31

Total Pages: 192

ISBN-13: 1785709763

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The aim of this book is to promote the thesis that myth may illuminate archaeology and that on occasion archaeology may shed light on myth. Medieval Irish literature is rich in mythic themes and some of these are used as a starting point. Some myths are of great antiquity and some were invented by contemporary authors. It is a challenging source, first explored in the author's earlier work Archaeology and Celtic Myth and this work will elaborate on some of the themes pursued there and introduce some new ones. Combining literary and archaeological evidence, chapters deal with the construction of the past, illustrating how the Irish medieval world invented aspects of the past; the abuses of myth presented in later literature; the evidence for the survival of pagan beliefs and practices well into medieval times in Ireland; evidence to illustrate the key elements of the institution of sacral kingship, a consideration of sacred trees; mythology of the underworld and its archaeological expressions; and the equine aspects of the myths attached to the Irish goddess Macha (linked to Navan Fort) and her Welsh counterpart Rhiannon. John Waddell brings a lifetime's experience of studying Irish history, Bronze Age archaeology and Celtic mythology in this personal and lively exploration of mythology and its archaeological expression.

Dictionary of Celtic Myth and Legend

Dictionary of Celtic Myth and Legend PDF

Author: Miranda Jane Aldhouse-Green

Publisher: Thames & Hudson

Published: 1997

Total Pages: 246

ISBN-13: 9780500279755

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Contains entries on Celtic myth, religion, and folklore in Britain and Europe between 500 BC and 400 AD.

Celtic Myth in the 21st Century

Celtic Myth in the 21st Century PDF

Author: Emily Lyle

Publisher: University of Wales Press

Published: 2018-02-07

Total Pages: 226

ISBN-13: 1786832062

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This wide-ranging book contains twelve chapters by scholars who explore aspects of the fascinating field of Celtic mythology – from myth and the medieval to comparative mythology, and the new cosmological approach. Examples of the innovative research represented here lead the reader into an exploration of the possible use of hallucinogenic mushrooms in Celtic Ireland, to mental mapping in the interpretation of the Irish legend Táin Bó Cuailgne, and to the integration of established perspectives with broader findings now emerging at the Indo-European level and its potential to open up the whole field of mythology in a new way.

The Celtic Myths That Shape the Way We Think

The Celtic Myths That Shape the Way We Think PDF

Author: Mark Williams

Publisher: Thames & Hudson

Published: 2021-09-28

Total Pages: 226

ISBN-13: 050077255X

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A fresh and revealing look at the stories at the heart of Celtic mythology, exploring their cultural impact throughout history up to the present day. The Celtic Myths That Shape the Way We Think explores a fascinating question: how do myths that were deeply embedded in the customs and beliefs of their original culture find themselves retold and reinterpreted across the world, centuries or even millennia later? Focusing on the myths that have had the greatest cultural impact, Mark Williams reveals the lasting influence of Celtic mythology, from medieval literature to the modern fantasy genre. An elegantly written retelling, Williams captures the splendor of the original myths while also delving deeper into the history of their meanings, offering readers an intelligent and engaging take on these powerful stories. Beautiful illustrations of the artworks these myths have inspired over the centuries are presented in a color plates section and in black and white within the text. Ten chapters recount the myths and explore the lasting influence of legendary figures, including King Arthur, the Celtic figure who paradoxically became the archetypal English national hero; the Irish and Scottish hero Finn MacCool, who as “Fingal” caught the imagination of Napoleon Bonaparte, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and Felix Mendelssohn; and the Welsh mythical figure Blodeuwedd, magically created from flowers of the oak, who inspired W. B. Yeats. Williams’s mythological expertise and captivating writing style make this volume essential reading for anyone seeking a greater appreciation of the myths that have shaped our artistic and literary canons and continue to inspire today.

Celtic Myths

Celtic Myths PDF

Author: Miranda Jane Green

Publisher: University of Texas Press

Published: 1993

Total Pages: 84

ISBN-13: 9780292727540

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As non-literates, the Celts left no written record of their lives, their beliefs, and the stories which were such an important part of their culture. Here Dr. Green uses the works of contemporary commentators from the Classical world, later Christian scribes recording oral traditions, and archaeological evidence to discuss Celtic myths and their religious beliefs and rituals. Photos.

A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology

A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology PDF

Author: James MacKillop

Publisher: Oxford Reference Collection

Published: 2017-01-14

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780198804840

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This Dictionary is part of the Oxford Reference Collection: using sustainable print-on-demand technology to make the acclaimed backlist of the Oxford Reference programme perennially available in hardback format.A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology is a comprehensive and accessible survey of one of the world's richest mythological traditions. It covers the people, themes, concepts, places, and creatures of Celtic mythology, saga, legend, and folklore from both ancient pagan origins, and moderntraditions.

The Egyptian Myths: A Guide to the Ancient Gods and Legends

The Egyptian Myths: A Guide to the Ancient Gods and Legends PDF

Author: Garry J. Shaw

Publisher: Thames & Hudson

Published: 2014-04-22

Total Pages: 224

ISBN-13: 0500772010

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An authoritative guide to the Egyptian myths that sheds new light on an ancient way of understanding the world This survey of Egyptian mythology explores how the ancient Nile-dwellers explained the world around them. It delves into the creation and evolution of the world and the reigns of the gods on earth, before introducing us to the manifestations of Egypt’s deities in the natural environment; the inventive ways in which the Egyptians dealt with the invisible forces all around them; and their beliefs about life after death. Through his engaging narrative, Garry Shaw guides us through the mythic adventures of such famous deities as Osiris, the god murdered by his jealous brother Seth; the magical and sometimes devious Isis, who plotted to gain the power of the sun god Re; and Horus, who defeated his uncle Seth to become king of Egypt. He also introduces us to lesser known myths, such as the rebellions against Re; Geb’s quest for Re’s magical wig; and the flaying of the unfortunate god Nemty. From stars and heavenly bodies sailing on boats, to the wind as manifestation of the god Shu, to gods, goddesses, ghosts, and demons—beings that could be aggressive, helpful, wise, or dangerous—Shaw goes on to explain how the Egyptians encountered the mythological in their everyday lives.

Celtic Cosmology and the Otherworld

Celtic Cosmology and the Otherworld PDF

Author: Sharon Paice MacLeod

Publisher: McFarland

Published: 2018-05-21

Total Pages: 293

ISBN-13: 1476630291

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 The early medieval manuscripts of Ireland and Britain contain tantalizing clues about the cosmology, religion and mythology of native Celtic cultures, despite censorship and revision by Christian redactors. Focusing on the latest research and translations, the author provides fresh insight into the beliefs and practices of the Iron Age inhabitants of Ireland, Britain and Gaul. Chapters cover creation and cosmogony, the deities of the Gaels, feminine power in narrative sources, druidic belief, priestesses and magical rites.

Sacred Heritage

Sacred Heritage PDF

Author: Roberta Gilchrist

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2020-01-02

Total Pages: 275

ISBN-13: 1108496547

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Forges innovative connections between monastic archaeology and heritage studies, revealing new perspectives on sacred heritage, identity, medieval healing, magic and memory. This title is available as Open Access.