
This compact guide invites listeners to explore the rich tapestry of myth and legend that shaped the early peoples of the British Isles. It brings together the Gaelic gods, the fearsome giants, the heroic Red Branch champions of Ulster, and the wandering warrior Finn with his Fenians, offering clear, concise stories that echo the grandeur of Troy. The author also weaves in the ancient Britons’ deities and the timeless figure of Arthur, presenting them as part of a shared Celtic tradition. Helpful marginal notes point the curious toward the original sources for deeper study.
Designed for anyone familiar with Greek, Roman or Norse myths, the volume serves as a friendly bridge to a nearer, native source of poetry. It avoids scholarly jargon, offering brief biographies of each figure—from their divine origins through their later transformation into the fairy lore of today. The book also includes a concise bibliography, guiding listeners who wish to pursue the full translations and academic essays behind the stories. In this way, the listener gains both an enjoyable overview and a roadmap for further adventure into Celtic legend.
Full title
The Mythology of the British Islands An Introduction to Celtic Myth, Legend, Poetry, and Romance
Language
en
Duration
~11 hours (680K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by MWS and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
Release date
2017-04-27
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Best known for bringing Celtic myth and legend together in one vivid volume, this early 20th-century writer helped generations of readers discover the folklore of Britain and Ireland. His work blends storytelling with scholarship in a way that still feels inviting today.
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