The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries

This study journeys into the heart of the fairy‑faith that has shaped the imagination of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man and Brittany. Drawing on a rich tapestry of oral legends, poems, priestly records and scientific observations, it presents the supernatural world as a living cultural force rather than a mere curiosity. The author weaves together voices from peasants, poets, clergy and scholars, letting their own words illuminate how fairies were once understood as guardians, tempters and members of the community.

The approach is both literary and anthropological, reflecting years of fieldwork and collaboration with leading Celtic experts such as Douglas Hyde and Sir John Rhŷs. Detailed introductions for each region guide the listener through regional variations, while the broader analysis seeks patterns that reveal a distinctly Celtic worldview. Readers will come away with a nuanced appreciation of how these ancient beliefs continue to echo in modern folklore.