Carmina Gadelica, Vol. I & II: Hymns and Incantations (Forgotten Books) [Paperback]

Book Description:

"This is volume I of Alexander Carmichael's collection of folk poetry from the Western Isles of Scotland. Carmichael spent years collecting folklore from the vanishing cultures of Scotland. The poems in this volume include prayers, invocations, blessings and charms. They are a synthesis of Christian and pre-Christian belief systems. Besides invoking Jesus, Mary, and the saints, a number of these call on other powers. One of these is 'Bride,' who is explained as Jesus' midwife, but who is probably Brigid, an ancient Celtic goddess. Also mentioned throughout are a triune deity which is equated to the Christian Trinity, but which may also be an echo of a set of three pagan deities. The text includes notes on seasonal observances and folk customs which are probably likewise survivals of pre-Christian customs. All of these are woven into the cycles of the year, and activities such as weaving, fishing and herding. A vivid picture of life in pre-modern rural Scotland emerges." (Quote from sacred-texts.com)

Table of Contents:

Publisher's Preface; Introduction; I. Achaine Invocations; Rune Before Prayer. Rann Romh Urnuigh; God With Me Lying Down. Dia Liom A Laighe; The Invocation Of The Graces. Ora Nam Buadh; A General Supplication. Achanaidh Choitcheann; God Be With Us. Dhe Bi Maille Ruinn; Jesu, Thou Son Of Mary. Ios, A Mhic Muire; Holy Father Of Glory. Athair Naomha Na Gloir; A Prayer. Uirnigh; Rune Of The 'muthairn.' Duan Na Muthairn; Bless, O Chief Of Generous Chiefs. Beannaich, A Thriath Nam Flath Fial; The Guiding Light Of Eternity. Solus-iuil Na Siorruidheachd; A Prayer For Grace. Achanaidh Grais; Prayer For Protection. Achanaidh Comhnadh; Jesu Who Ought To Be Praised. Eosai Bu Choir A Mholadh; The Rock Of Rocks. Carraig Nan Al; The Lightener Of The Stars. Sorchar Nan Reul; The Cross Of The Saints And The Angels. Crois Nan Naomh Agus Nan Aingeal; The Guardian Angel. An T-aingheal Diona; Desires. Ruin; Invocation For Justice. Ora Ceartais; Invocation For Justice. Ora Ceartais; Prayer For victory. Ora Buaidh; The Lustration. An Liuthail; Bathing Prayer. Ora Boisilidh.; God Guide Me. Dhe Stiuir Mi; Sleep Blessing. Beannachadh Cadail; Come I This Day. Thigeam An Diugh; The Soul Plaint. An Achanaidh Anama; Sleeping Prayer. Urnuigh Chadail; The Gifts Of The Three. Tiubhradh Nan Tri; Sleep Prayer. Urnuigh Chadail; Resting Blessing. Beannachd Taimh; Sleep Consecration. Coisrig Cadail; Bed Blessing. Beannachadh Leapa; The Sleep Prayer. An Urnuigh Chadail; Sleep Consecration. Coisrig Cadail; Bed Blessing. Beannachadh Leapa; The Soul Shrine. A Choich Anama; Soul-shrine. Coich-anama; I Lie In My Bed. Laighim Am Leabaidh; Morning Prayer. Urnuigh Maduinn; The Dedication. An Tionnsgann; A Resting Prayer. Achanaidh Taimh; House Protecting. Teisreadh Taighe; Blessing Of House. Beannachadh Taighe; To Whom Shall I Offer Oblation. Co Dha Dhiolas Mi Cios; Hail, Mary. Earna Mhoire; Hail To Thee, Mary. Failte A Mhoire; The Battle To Come. An Cath Nach Tainig; The Baptism Blessing. Am Beannachadh Baistidh; The Soul Leading. An Treoraich Anama; The Death Blessing. Am Beannachadh Bais; Soul Peace. Fois Anama; The New Moon. A Ghealach Ur; ii. Aimsire Seasons; Christmas Hail. Nuall Nollaig; Christmas Carol. Duan Nollaig; Christmas Chant. Duan Nollaig; Hey The Gift. Heire Bannag; Hey The Gift, Ho The Gift. Eire Bannag, Hoire Bannag; The Gift Of Power. Bannag Nam Buadh; The virgin And Child. An Oigh Agus An Leanabh; The Shepherd Of The Flock Was Born. Rugadh Buachaille Nan Treud; Hogmanay Of The Sack. Calluinn A Bhuilg; Hogmanay Carol. Cairioll Callaig; The Song Of Hogmanay. Duan Callaig; Hogmanay. Oidhche Challaig; The Blessing Of The New Year. Beannachadh Bliadhna Uir; Christ The Priest Above Us. Criosda Cleireach Os Ar Cionn; The Day Of St Columba. La Chaluim-chille; Genealogy Of Bride. Sloinntireachd Bhride; Genealogy Of Bride. Sloinntireachd Bhride; Bride The Aid-woman. Bride Ban-chobhair; M

About the Author:

"Alexander Carmichael (1832 - 1912) was a writer and folklorist born in Taylochan, Lismore, best known for his multi volume work Carmina Gadelica. He was an exciseman and in the course of his travels was able to collect extensive folkore. His daughter Ella who continued to publish his work after his death was married to Scottish Gaelic scholar William J. Watson." (Quote from wikipedia.org)