Celtic Mythology: The Myths & Legends of the Celtic World

by Arthur Cotterell

Fairy tale mythologies of the Celtic world are brought to life in this exciting new comprehensive volume. Over 200 images, including fine art paintings, illustrate ancient stories, making Celtic Mythology the most evocative and detailed guide to the intriguing myths and legends of the Celtic world. Arthur Cotterell, a world-renowned authority on and scholar of mythology, re-tells ancient Celtic myths in a way that accentuates both their spell-binding quality and fascinating statuses as glimpses into an archaic culture. Celtic Mythology is an encyclopedia that details characters, stories, interesting locations and sites of interest, significant events, and symbols that pertain to Celtic lore. Each entry works to offer the reader an overview of Celtic mythology as well as insight into the interconnectedness of the myths and histories of the ancient Celts. This wonderful volume includes all of the most memorable and magical Celtic characters and concepts such the fearless but fated heroes Arthur, Owain, and Cuchulainn; the doomed lovers Lancelot and Guinevere; Tristan and Isolde; the mystical Druids; enchanted cauldrons; and sparkling other worlds. Some interpretative illustrations include those of the Seers, Magic and Enchantment, Heroic Quests, Fantastic Voyages, and many more. Celtic Mythology is the complete and lavish guide to the lore of this most significant and ancient culture; it is universal in theme, timeless in appeal, and will surely become the classic reference on the subject.

Genres: Mythology, Reference, Nonfiction, History, Folklore

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Arthur Cotterell, former Principal of Kingston College in London, has spent many years combining senior educational management with historical research. He is the respected author of more than thirty books, and is now writing on the Chinese empire, from the history of which he considers one can learn as much about leadership as from Ashridge or Harvard.

Reviews

[M L Swift · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book served more as a reference guide for a short story I was writing. Most of us are familiar with the Roman and Greek gods, but Celtic? I wanted to draw from lesser-known entities.

Thorough, well-written, and quite enjoyable stories about those kuh-razee Celts. I'm always interested in how societies were formed and the beliefs behind their origins. This book satisfied that interest.

In the future, if ever needing to tap into Celtic gods, demi-gods, or Demi Moore-gods, I'll grab this little treasure.

I only gave this three stars because, although thoroughly answering all my curiosities, it wasn't a book I felt compelled to read cover to cover (and I do that with a great deal of reference books when they're really good - can't help it).

Put this on your reference book shelf. For those writing about fantasy, nymphs, ogres and the like, this book will provide a wonderful foundation on which to build your characters.

[Dawn Folley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful read for those who love fantasy. Beautifully illustrated.

[JC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Makes you wonder "what were these people thinking?!" I can't conceive how they came up with some of these myths!

[Susie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now with the busyness of the end of the year, this one took me quite a bit to read. But I should have read it in between other things, as it is really a reference book.

The information contained within, for each mythological character, is mostly brief, just giving outlines, with various images for some of the more major ones. Plus there is also extra, sometimes repeated, information on various things like Quests, Otherworlds, etc., to further expand upon the mythology.

There were quite a few things I didn't know, so there was a valuable oversight, but you'll want to read elsewhere if you wish for more indepth information.

★★★☆☆ - Sort of liked/OK

[Gregg Chamberlain · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and excellent coffee-table book providing interesting and well-written summaries of the major and many minor figures of Celtic legend and myth, from gods and heroes to ordinary mortals. Comes with many lovely illustrations, both classic and modern paintings and sketches, along with a selection of ancient relics, engravings, woodcuts, and other samplings of art, depicting the Celtic world as it once was and as it might have been in folklore. Worthy addition to anyone's reference library.

[Faith Nunley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The art in this is amazing.