Customer Reviews

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

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All Celtic scholars search for a decent translation of Celtic myths. The Epics of Celtic Ireland is not the book to provide this information. This book was interesting because it reflects Markale's own understanding and myths of the Celtic Irish; however it is a secondary source (i.e. his own opinions) rather than translations of myths. Rather than supply the actual myths themselves (which is somewhat implied), he recaps them and then provides the importance of the myths.... at least what he thinks is important. The only problem with this is that his version of things is explained using later political conflicts that the tellers and even the transcribers (early Christian monks) of these myths would not know (because they have not occurred yet). So if you are looking for a book that will simply provide you with an interpretation of the myths but no real substance (some of his support is flimsy and without allowing us to read the myths in question his validity is doubtful) then this is the book for you. If you are interested in gaining your own perspective of Celtic Myths than you need to turn elsewhere.

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.

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.

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.