The Epics of Celtic Ireland: Ancient Tales of Mystery and Magic

By Jean Markale and Alex Brown

Book Overview

A world-renowned Celtic historian restores the classic Irish epics to their original sacred context. - Restores the true Celtic morality and sentiment to these tales, which were expurgated by Christian monks. - Reveals how deeply these mythic tales have shaped modern sensibility. - Shows how the ancient Celtic tradition provides answers to contemporary spiritual needs. Some of the most powerfully moving tales in Western literature are to be found in the epics of Celtic Ireland. Heroes and heroines like Finn Mac Cool, Grainne, and Cuchulainn are now familiar names, and their exploits have even been novelized for the contemporary reader. But the value of these stories extends far beyond mere entertainment. In Celtic myth the adventure of a hero and a warrior is not only an instinctive search for answers to the great human metaphysical problems, but also a palpable, even sensual experience. The dividing line between sacred and profane is forever shifting in ways that can be shocking, if not incomprehensible, to a person accustomed to the logical systems based on classical thought. Distrustful of the written word, Celtic druids forbade anything involving their tradition from being put into writing. However, Christian monks chose to preserve all they could of the oral tradition on paper. Unfortunately, they did not hesitate to alter what they couldn't comprehend, or what their Christian sensibilities found shocking. In this collection of some of the most important narratives in the rich Irish tradition, Jean Markale restores these texts to their original form and reveals how the Celtic spirit is on the verge of reclaiming its rights.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0892818158
• ISBN13: 9780892818150
• Release Date: June 2000
• Publisher: Inner Traditions International
• Length: 248 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.9" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

New ways to think about Irish mythology

Fond of Markale's work, as his mind seems to work like mine, I especially enjoyed this trip through the epics of Celtic Ireland. As a Druid and shaman, I liked his associations between the myths and druidry, shamanism, and even modern psychology. This book will make you think in new ways about the Irish myths, even if you don't agree with all his conclusions.

A treatise on Irish epics and legends

Celtic historian Markale provides a treatise on Irish epics and legends which includes plenty of spiritual insight as it probes how mythic tales have shaped modern beliefs. Students of Irish history or spirituality will find Epics of Celtic Ireland an excellent survey of early Celtic literature and spiritual beliefs.

Excellent presentation

This is indeed one of the best sources I have found relating to the simple retelling of the ancient, Celtic tales. Everything is explained with great simplicity, lending itself to be understood without sacrificing the original context of the stories. I highly recomend it to those new into celtic literature, and to those already versed as well.