The No1 Ethical retailer for Books, CD’s, DVD’s & Games
30 Day Refund Guarantee

Celtic Mythology: Tales of Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes

Celtic Mythology: Tales of Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes

by PhilipFreeman (Author)

  • New

    Hardcover 2017

    $21.73
Synopsis

Most people have heard of the Celts-the elusive, ancient tribal people who resided in present-day England, Ireland, Scotland and France. Paradoxically characterized as both barbaric and innocent, the Celts appeal to the modern world as a symbol of a bygone era, a world destroyed by the ambition of empire and the spread of Christianity throughout Western Europe. Despite the pervasive cultural and literary influence of the Celts, shockingly little is known of their way of life and beliefs, because very few records of their stories exist. In this book, for the first time, Philip Freeman brings together the best stories of Celtic mythology. Everyone today knows about the gods and heroes of the ancient Greeks, such as Zeus, Hera, and Hercules, but how many people have heard of the Gaulish god Lugus or the magical Welsh queen Rhiannon or the great Irish warrior Cu Chulainn? We still thrill to the story of the Trojan War, but the epic battles of the Irish Tain Bo Cuailgne are known only to a few. And yet those who have read the stories of Celtic myth and legend-among them writers like J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis-have been deeply moved and influenced by these amazing tales, for there is nothing in the world quite like them. In these stories a mysterious and invisible realm of gods and spirits exists alongside and sometimes crosses over into our own human world; fierce women warriors battle with kings and heroes, and even the rules of time and space can be suspended. Captured in vivid prose these shadowy figures-gods, goddesses, and heroes-come to life for the modern reader.

$21.73

Save:$3.41 (14%)

Quantity

10 in stock

More Information

Format: Hardcover
 Pages: 296
 Edition: 1
 Publisher: OUP USA
Published: 25 May 2017
ISBN 10: 0190460474
ISBN 13: 9780190460471

Media Reviews

Freeman s Celtic Mythology is a satisfying presentation of a decent selection of Irish and Welsh myths and tales from both pagan and Christian sources...the Oxford hardback is smallish and well-designed. The introductions are short and sweet, as are the endnotes, and since Irish and Welsh names are tricky, a glossary is provided. This would be an excellent collection for introductory courses in Celtic Studies; it is also an entry point for anyone wanting to become familiar with these tales. Freeman's version is engaging, accessible, and faithful. --Reading Religion


Philip Freeman's book is a delight. This spirited retelling of the famous stories of the Celtic west serves as a brilliant introduction to the beliefs and values of the pagan and early Christian communities of Ireland and Wales. I can think of no better way to begin to explore the culture of the early Irish and Welsh. --Barry Cunliffe, author of Britain Begins


Philip Freeman brings to life the tales the ancient Celts told to each other, and what tales they were! Filled with passion, rage, bravery, and adventure, these stories are as exciting today as they were on the dark nights of the distant past. Heroes, heroines, gods and goddesses come to life in Philip Freeman's brilliant re-telling of these little-known but unforgettable stories. --Terry Golway, author of The Irish in America


Author Bio
Philip Freeman graduated with a BA in Classics from the University of Texas and earned the first joint Ph.D. in Classics and Celtic Studies at Harvard University. He has been a college professor for twenty years teaching classical and Celtic mythology. He is the author of eighteen books and currently hold the Orlando W. Qualley Chair in Classics at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.