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Thomas William Hazen Rolleston (1857-1920) was an Irish writer, literary figure and translator known for works that spanned a wide range of literary and political topics. He wrote Myths and Legends of the Celtic Race in 1911 in an attempt to revitalize what he felt was a waning appreciation for the heritage of all Celtic peoples. Perhaps the best representation and description of all the legends, myths and spiritual histories of Ireland, Britain and Wales, this collection includes the show more stories of Ultonian and Ossianic cycles, the voyage of Maeldum, and the myths and tales of the Cymry (Welsh). Rolleston also provides the fantastic narratives of Cuchulain, King Arthur, Deirdre, the Grail, and many more. For anyone wishing to learn about the Celtic peoples, their culture, legends, religion, and their influence on the development of Western civilization, these legendary tales are an essential addition to your library. show lessTags
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This was a good overview of Celtic myth and culture, however...
Having been written in 1911 there is a very outdated preoccupation with "racial characteristics" which permeates the introduction to the "Celtic race". It almost felt as if the first few chapters told me more about European attitudes of the time, and how they contributed to the absolute shitshow that was to come soon after the publication of this book, than they did about the actual Celts.
Having been written in 1911 there is a very outdated preoccupation with "racial characteristics" which permeates the introduction to the "Celtic race". It almost felt as if the first few chapters told me more about European attitudes of the time, and how they contributed to the absolute shitshow that was to come soon after the publication of this book, than they did about the actual Celts.
Celtic Myths and Legends is a great book. Written by T. W. Rolleston, it has the unusual property of beginning with what we actually know about the Celtic People from historical sources. The book gives a thorough grounding in the life and times of the Celts and even goes into etymology, particularly with place names. Starting out in this book, I only knew the bare minimum about the Celts. I knew approximately where they were located and had a rough idea of when they were at their zenith, but most of that comes from Civilization IV, the classic PC Strategy Game. I did not know about the Sacking of Rome that they did, and I was not aware of the art that they did and so on. However, something occurred to dissolve their unity and cohesion, show more and they separated into a number of small factions that were easily taken out. Their influence survives in the names of places and in certain words.
Once we get over all of the historical details the book gets into the Myths and Legends. It reminds me of the other book on Celtic Myths and Legends that I had read, and that is not a bad thing. There are a number of powerful warriors and legendary weapons in the Celtic Myths. The stories are also quite entertaining. It is unfortunate that they lose out in popularity from the Greeks and the Romans. The book contains pictures of legendary scenes from the myths and images of places that it talks about. It is quite interesting as I mentioned.
The only problem I had with this book isn’t even the fault of the book. It was printed in 1985 and belongs to my Public Library system, so it is rather worn. In some sections, it appears as though some of the pages are about to come out of the spine. Although it is hardcover, the page binding seems to be weakening. Also, since it is a Library book, it seems that someone had underlined some of the paragraphs and I hate when people do that. Other than that, I would say that the book is excellent. show less
Once we get over all of the historical details the book gets into the Myths and Legends. It reminds me of the other book on Celtic Myths and Legends that I had read, and that is not a bad thing. There are a number of powerful warriors and legendary weapons in the Celtic Myths. The stories are also quite entertaining. It is unfortunate that they lose out in popularity from the Greeks and the Romans. The book contains pictures of legendary scenes from the myths and images of places that it talks about. It is quite interesting as I mentioned.
The only problem I had with this book isn’t even the fault of the book. It was printed in 1985 and belongs to my Public Library system, so it is rather worn. In some sections, it appears as though some of the pages are about to come out of the spine. Although it is hardcover, the page binding seems to be weakening. Also, since it is a Library book, it seems that someone had underlined some of the paragraphs and I hate when people do that. Other than that, I would say that the book is excellent. show less
This is a pretty darn swell book. It gives some history of the Celtic peoples starting with ancient times and speculating on their interactions and pre-historic culture. Later it gives other details on the mythic histories of various Celtic cultures as well as various mythic and legendary cycles.
I found the details chosen by the author intriguing and the stories engaging.
Heartily recommended for anyone interested in the subject.
I found the details chosen by the author intriguing and the stories engaging.
Heartily recommended for anyone interested in the subject.
part of my heritage so well loved
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- Original title
- Myths and Legends of the Celtic Race
- Alternate titles
- Celtic Myths and Legends; Myths and Legends of the Celts
- Original publication date
- 1911; 1916 (second, revised edition) (second, revised edition)
- Important places
- Ireland; Wales, UK
- First words
- In the chronicles of the classical nations for about five hundred years previous to the Christian era there are frequent references to a people associated with these nations, sometimes in peace, sometimes in war, and evidentl... (show all)y occupying a position of great strength and influence in the Terra Incognita of Mid-Europe.
- Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)It will tell us, I believe, that, as Maeldun said of one of the marvels he met with in his voyage into Fairyland: "What we see here was a work of mighty men."
- Original language
- English
Classifications
- Genre
- Nonfiction
- DDC/MDS
- 398.2089916 — Society, government, & culture Customs, etiquette & folklore Folklore & Folktales Folk literature Groups of people Folklore by ethnic group Celtic, Romani, etc. Celtic folklore
- LCC
- BL900 .R56 — Philosophy, Psychology and Religion Religions. Mythology. Rationalism Religions. Mythology. Rationalism History and principles of religions European. Occidental Other European
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 1,501
- Popularity
- 15,345
- Reviews
- 5
- Rating
- (3.57)
- Languages
- 5 — Dutch, English, French, German, Spanish
- Media
- Paper, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 45
- UPCs
- 2
- ASINs
- 24