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

(Paperback)

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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.

Reviews

"It is exciting to vicariously participate in such extraordinary adventures as retold in these epics." * Jack L. Ralston, ForeWord, July 2000 *
"Students of Irish history or spirituality will find Epics of Celtic Ireland an excellent survey of early Celtic literature and spiritual beliefs." * Internet Bookwatch, October 2000 *
"I highly recommend it to those looking for information on Celtic folklore for whatever reason." * Jodi Wetherup, The Beltane Papers, November 2002 *

Author Bio

Jean Markale (1928-2008), was a poet, philosopher, historian, and storyteller, who spent a lifetime researching pre-Christian and medieval culture and spirituality. He was a former specialist in Celtic studies at the Sorbonne and author of more than 40 books, including Women of the Celts and Cathedral of the Black Madonna.