The Epics of Celtic Ireland: Ancient Tales of Mystery and Magic (Paperback)

~ (Author) "There was a time when Celtic literature was considered non-existent..." (more)
Key Phrases: gai bolga, two swineherds, sun chamber, Tuatha de Danann, Emain Macha, Conall Cernach (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

I highly recommend it to those looking for information on Celtic folklore for whatever reason. -- Jodi Wetherup, The Beltane Papers, November 2002

It is exciting to vicariously participate in such extraordinary adventures as retold in these epics. -- Jack L. Ralston, ForeWord, July 2000

Students . . . will find Epics of Celtic Ireland an excellent survey of early Celtic literature and spiritual beliefs. -- Internet Bookwatch, October 2000

Review

"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 )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: Inner Traditions (June 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892818158
• ISBN-13: 978-0892818150
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #979,657 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Plot Summaries, Little Substance, February 16, 2002

By	Sarah Dudley "cyclia" (Catasauqua, Pa United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

24 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent presentation, July 13, 2000

By	Frank Alicea (Bayamon, Puerto Rico (USA)) - See all my reviews

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.

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New ways to think about Irish mythology, December 21, 2005

By	Siobhan Olaoghaire Sannes "Art Does Not Apolo... (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.