Despite constant development, shifting geographical locations and consequent contact with other peoples, the Celtic culture always remained one with a predominantly oral tradition. It was only with the coming of Christianity, and the particular enthusiasm with which Celtic Christianity evolved, that any form of written or illustrated record emerged. Then, the pagan traditions of centuries were inevitably reinterpreted, altered and adapted through the work of monks and the Church. Nevertheless, many of the pre-Christian elements survived and evolved further - especially in Ireland, but also in the other Celtic lands of Scotland, the Isle of Man, Brittany, Wales and Cornwall - and continued to underpin the tradition and cultures of the Celtic people. despite the coming of the modern world.
Nowadays, there is renewed interest in and appreciation of what, for a time, were considered naive or quaint beliefs. Featuring giants and demons, monsters and sprites, witches, wise women and wizards, land and sea fairies, the stories from the people of the Celtic lands present a rich diversity of image and character.
It is the explanation and celebration of those wondrously strange creatures and entities that inspire the writing and lecture work of Dr Bob Curran. In the pages of this book, he not only provides a full historical, cultural and geographical backdrop to the inhabitants of these ever-powerful myths, but also retells selected tales from each tradition, bringing to life each archetype in a vivid, authentic and entertaining way.
Throughout, his words are enhanced and given a vibrant visual reality by the illustrations by gifted artist Andrew Whitson. Together, in this dazzling book, they provide an exciting and important new perspective on the modern reappraisal and celebration of Celtic tradition and culture.
