Celtic Mythology: Tales of Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes

by Philip Freeman

Most people have heard of the Celts--the elusive, ancient tribal people who resided in present-day England, Ireland, Scotland and France. Paradoxically characterized as both barbaric and innocent, the Celts appeal to the modern world as a symbol of a bygone era, a world destroyed by the ambition of empire and the spread of Christianity throughout Western Europe. Despite the pervasive cultural and literary influence of the Celts, shockingly little is known of their way of life and beliefs, because very few records of their stories exist. In this book, for the first time, Philip Freeman brings together the best stories of Celtic mythology.

Everyone today knows about the gods and heroes of the ancient Greeks, such as Zeus, Hera, and Hercules, but how many people have heard of the Gaulish god Lugus or the magical Welsh queen Rhiannon or the great Irish warrior Cú Chulainn? We still thrill to the story of the Trojan War, but the epic battles of the Irish Táin Bó Cuailgne are known only to a few. And yet those who have read the stories of Celtic myth and legend-among them writers like J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis-have been deeply moved and influenced by these amazing tales, for there is nothing in the world quite like them. In these stories a mysterious and invisible realm of gods and spirits exists alongside and sometimes crosses over into our own human world; fierce women warriors battle with kings and heroes, and even the rules of time and space can be suspended. Captured in vivid prose these shadowy figures-gods, goddesses, and heroes-come to life for the modern reader.

Genres: Mythology, History, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Religion, Ireland, Folklore

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2017

About the author

I teach Classics and Celtic studies at Luther College in the beautiful little town of Decorah, Iowa. I did my doctoral work at Harvard and taught at Boston University and Washington University in St. Louis before coming to Luther to help run the Classics department. I love teaching and see my writing as an extension of my work in the classroom. I hope you enjoy the books as much as I enjoyed writing them.

Reviews

[Vivianne TM · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've been curious about Celtic mythology for a while so I was happy to find and read this book. It wasn't exactly what I expected. The stories were fun but the role of females in all the hero stories bothered me.

I get that these are folk tales that represent the views and society of the time but that didn't make it any less bothersome when all women were only viewed as property to pass from man to man, and the only heroines were the pure and chaste virgins of the catholic era.

I get that this is just a collection of pre-recorded stories and I'm not criticizing the content, just stating that it bothered me and that it made the reading seem flat and the characters cardboard.

I'm not giving up on Celtic myths, though. Not yet.

[Classic Bhaer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never thought that some Celtic Myths would make Greek Mythology seem boring. This was a really well done collection of myths that cover a good deal of time and area. I felt that the author framed them very well with giving some historical context as well as organized them well. I enjoyed reading these tails and chances are I will read them again in the future.

[Belles · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m sure this is a good collection of Celtic mythology stories. But like all mythology stories, these are all kind of ridiculous. Also, I was assuming that most of these stories would involve Celtic gods, but hardly any of these stories involve gods.

[Laura Macy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn’t a page turner. However, if Celtic mythology is what you’re looking for, this delivers some complex but interesting tales.

[Jeremiah Lorrig · Rating 3 out of 5]

The tails of the ancient Celts are wide ranging, filled with love of beauty, and carry deep themes that are still relevant to us today.

Some of these tales are remote and unfamiliar and some are more widely known. Of course, they only scratch the surface because the stories we have today are only those that were written down my non-celts.

Celtic art, music, and stories all seem to carry hits of an otherworldly reality simmering just beyond our experiences, but the results of us engaging this Celtic culture is that we more fully appreciate the world we do see.

I would rate this book higher if the author had put more into the art of telling these tales rather than just communicating the key plot points. I feel that tales of this nature should be told poetically if they be told because that’s how they were made and handed down for centuries from mothers, grandfathers, bards, and nurses until the tale became fixed in ink.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine collection of Celtic Myths.

[Isabelle reads a book a day because she has no friends · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was my very first introduction to Celtic literature, so I’m not sure what I’m missing—but I think I’d rather stick with the other mythologies. Nothing against the author relaying them, but these stories were dry and nonsensical at times (not to mention repetitive). Despite all this, it was very interesting to dive into another culture and there were tales that definitely stood out above the rest.

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

A in depth look at Celtic myths. This was a good read, but it is super dense. This is like taking a mythology class. I did enjoy hearing the different types of Celtic myths that are not chalked full of Christian influences. We actually get to see the myths as they were told. I was super excited when jumping into this because it was in the “similar to Mythos (by Stephen Fry) page”. Unfortunately it is not told in the funny witty way that Fry’s books. It’s a good read but prepare for a lecture.

[Garrett Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

As advertised, it’s an assortment of various myths, legends, and tales from Celtic folklore. Primarily sourced from Irish manuscripts, Celtic Mythology does a good job of walking the reader through the many figures and arcs of Celtic beliefs and stories. The result, however, is an almost overwhelming stream of names, places, and events I found hard to keep track of. I enjoy mythology, but this needed a little more spark to keep things lively.

[Wyrd Witch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to Celtic Mythology- I don’t know what I don’t know; it might be all there is to know, but I doubt it.

It was fascinating to me to see the common themes in these myths to not only each other, but to Norse myth with which I am more familiar.

One low point is that I now so desperately want to visit Ireland that will live slightly discontent from here on out until I can get there....!

[Rabbit {Paint me like one of your 19th century gothic heroines!} · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5

This was a good intro to the various Celtic cultures' myths, predominantly Gaelic and Welsh cultures. It felt a little too generic for me at the same time, maybe for its simplicity. That is not necessarily a bad thing.

[Yasmin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who ever it was that supposed transcribed the Celtic mythology or persons they were obviously Christened minded because the Celtic myths are very similar to the Christian ones towards the end of the book. Although those that wrote the Celtic myths didn't check their sources because in this book much of what was the early life of Cu Chulainn was mirrored in the early life of Finn. Both of these men seemed to come in the guises of Patrick and Brendan. I have read a slightly different story of Ceridwen and Gwion. The story of salmon oil hitting Finn and Gwion are nearly identical. It's interesting how by the time of Christianity in the stories the Celts are now without fail all evil until Patrick, like the druids in the earlier stories, performs magical feats to persuade some of the Celts to conversion. The journey Brendan makes is very reminiscent to the voyage of Bran and one wonders if they were two separate stories from the beginning or just retold with differences based on the audience? I think if one read closely between the lines the so-called Celtic myths are just Christian myths retold in an attempt to be authentic, but the Christian elements remain strongly for all to see that Christianity really belonged in the land. Nevertheless, this is a very good collection of stories.

[Luke Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

An effective introduction to Celtic mythology that showcases prominent parts of the Celtic tradition, such as the Mythological Cycle of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the Ulster Cycle with Cú Chulainn, Ailill, and Medb, the Welsh Mabinogion, and Christian traditions surrounding different Irish saints. Overall, the presentation is interesting and engaging, especially the longer story cycles such as Táin Bó Cúailnge or the Mabinogion. However, there are certainly times where important details seem to be either left out or very briefly summarized- in stories such as Culhwch and Olwen, most of the mythical tasks of the hero have been abbreviated out of the story, while in other instances there are some cultural or historical assumptions that are presented but not commented on (such as the odd propensity for female characters to consume someone and then give birth to them later). In general, however, this is an easy-to-read and interesting prose adaptation of some of the Celtic world's most famous stories.

[Liam Dwyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not finish this book, I should be clear on that. With that in mind however I'm not sure I even intended to finish it. This is a collection of Celtic mythology told in a very narrative manner to allow for maximum immersion. Its the type of book you could read to you kids when they're old enough to get them excited about mythology or history and I can see myself picking it back up every once in a while to reread a story or two or continue my journey into ancient Celtic beliefs. Not a 5/5 only because it is a very specific topic that if your not interested in won't do anything really for you. Overall though I enjoyed this book and enjoyed the tales it told.

[Keith Fike · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a joy to read a collection of rarely encountered myths. The effort undertaken to piece these broken tales together is appreciated. It is obvious that Freeman took the utmost care in presenting his work faithfully, untarnished by the transition from ancient record to modern english as much as possible.

Unfortunately, that effort lends as much to the book's detriment as to its success. The stories are told with little flare. Unfamiliar names are easily forgotten with no guiding characterization as one Irish warrior blends into another. It grows especially confusing as the characters begin to engage each other in the later stories. It's a forgivable side effect, the intermingling of characters and their feats naturally occurs over time through oral tradition, but in this case it would have been a benefit to the reader's comprehension to embellish just a smidge.

If you are looking to read with a scholar's curiosity for new mythology then this book is perfect for you. If you are looking for engaging bedtime stories akin to Neil Gaiman's 'Norse Mythology' then look elsewhere.

[Mustafa Küçükkuru · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't think you will read ancient Celtic stories because they are already lost :(.
Book contains mostly Irish tales from pre and post christianity era.

Some of the stories has discontinuity. Some stories starting from actual heros parents life and suddenly our hero borns then. You need to forget parents because they are done. It's like actor couldn't agree with director and they killed in the middle of any series :)

Anyway, soem of the stories are quite interesting also, a lot of stories are containing a women swallow a transformed human and this human born as that womens baby. :) One women swallowed a butterfly that actually a human then they give birth to same human :) Quite funny stories.

[Brianna Silva · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wasn't what I was expecting. I downloaded the audio book because I was hoping to learn more about the beliefs of the ancient Celts. But the stories are generally more recent, namely Irish and Welsh. There is even a section on Christian stories (St. Patrick, St. Bridget, etc.), which I was entirely uninterested in. I ended up skipping through that section.

I like Irish and Welsh mythology, but that just isn't what I was looking for here. Perhaps that confusion is on me; I understand now that Irish and Welsh cultures are categorized under the umbrella of "Celtic nations" today. And I know that the Irish and Welsh stories draw upon ancient Celtic sources. The book's title is not technically wrong.

I just wish the book was a little bit clearer upfront, for someone who is still learning the history and mythology of these various cultures, what exactly I was about to read. If you're looking exclusively for stories from the ancient Celts, i.e. Roman Empire and earlier, then this book is not it.

[Sirah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a combination of historical facts, scholarly conjecture, and mythological stories. There were times it was difficult to understand, but I picked out a few enticing tidbits, and I'll likely come back to this book more than once over the next few years, particularly when I'm looking for reference material.

[Sara Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was as little dry, although the Welsh stories had more life. I didn't think tacking on the Christian "myths" of Saints Patrick, Brigid, and Brendan was necessary, but that's just me. I'll look for other versions/retellings of the original Irish and Welsh stories.

[Selenity Jade (Coffee Addicts Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great listen for anyone who is into myths and history and Celtics. It was great hearing all the pronunciations.

[Bambi Unbridled]

Not a good audio book to pass the time while driving.

[Becca · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just... a boring narrator

[Sophie Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cool and weird to listen to as I fell asleep but got sad and annoying once the christian’s started converting all the pagans lol

[Kelsey Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mixed bag. Some interesting tales, some a little dry.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not much help pronouncing names, but this was very helpful with stories and characters in Celtic mythology. I'm thinking this will help me with Kevin Hearne's novels.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here the most fascinating fact I have found from this book:

Caesar includes one final god of the ancient Gauls after
all the others. This is Dis, a Roman name for the Greek
Hades, god of death and the dark underworld. He records
that the Gauls all believed they were descended from Dis, as
the druids taught. Because of this, they marked the beginning
of each day with sunset, not sunrise. In early Celtic art
Dis appears holding a scroll, sometimes accompanied by a
maternal goddess named Aericula. It may seem strange that
the Celts believed they were descended from the god of the
dead, but the same belief is found in ancient India and other
mythologies around the world. In later Irish stories, the god
Donn (“the dark one”) appears as a kindly, paternal figure
who lives on a rocky island in the western sea where the
souls of the Irish journeyed after death.

They were right you know. After reading this book I remembered other history books I have read and I reminded myself how cruel life was back them, and for some it still is.

To tell you the truth I have expected something else. I expected more happy stories but they were all filled with murder and sexual content. It made me hate life. I don’t know how our ancestors could live with themselves. I liked the best the Christian tales which were still based on Celtic mythology like the Saint Patrick story. I found it funny that a religion which should be tolerant was so mean. Everywhere Christians went they demonised the local religions and I find that so mean. As a true Christian this saddens me. Indeed, pagan religions were more immoral you can see that from the behaviour of their Gods, but it was so mean to do so. Demonising other traditions and cultures it’s just bad. So bad. I think that it was not until this era that Christians became true Christians. Sorry no sorry. But still many religions claim that if you believe in that particular religion you go to heaven. If not, you don’t. So mean. I hope people will change. All this barbaric beliefs only keep us in the dark ages of these stories which were disgusting. Murders, sex and so on, made me vomit. I am not criticising the author, the stories were so well written it is not his fault those times where terrible and disgusting. So glad I did not live back then. I realize I like period dramas, happy ones, or romanticized, I can't handle their truth. Our poor ancestors...

[Zina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous, superb collection of myths and stories from the Celtic peoples. It is tragic that so few stories were recorded back in the day. This book presents what gems somehow made their ways to our days. The stories show people who were fierce in battle, with some complex and interesting social rites and sense of obligation and honor. The book also includes the stories of the Christian days, as the earlier tales and sensitivities shine through and interweave the later layer of the Christian narrative.

If you ever played Lord of the Rings online, you can visualize some of the things, particularly from the Gloomglenns and other areas of Enedwaith as rather befitting backdrops to many of the stories.

I listened to it on Audible, and I really liked the narrator. You can imagine sitting by the fire, listening to his unharried recounting of the tales of heroes, kings and druids.

A warning of sorts: if you come to these stories expecting some sort of deeply emotionally engaging stories, you will be disappointed. These are the actual myths as they are, told in simple straightforward terms, like myths usually are: X went, and saw Y, and wanted to take Z, and then they fought and everybody died. You will need to grow a bit of imagination to fill the outline with your own emotional-connection backstory, or perhaps wait for somebody else to take these stories and write something based on them. Each one of the stories here could easily make a whole lengthy set of novels with all sorts of emotional stuff filling up the space between X seeing Y, wanting Z, and then them all dying.

Also, I am not sure what those who are complaining of lack of female empowerment want from history. This is history, right? Don't be silly. It was the way it was and not any other way. these are the actual myths, not modern-day revisions.

[Ian McLeod · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book packed with great stories.

My only real gripe is that I found it very hard to keep up. This is partly because it seemed to just run one story into the next and didn't feel clearly structured like some other mythology books such as Mythos by Stephen Fry, or Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman.

The other reason was the names are all so foreign to me, being Gaelic, and so were oftentimes hard to distinguish and track through stories. That part is my problem as I'm just not exposed to Gaelic enough, and is not a gripe with the book, of course, and is just a note.

Overall, this book is worth a read for the stories and it's great to be exposed to less popular, less "sexy" mythologies.

[Hannah Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited in reading this at the beginning. It got to a point that it felt everything just fell apart. Each chapter felt like its own little story and didn't flow into the next chapter. I understand on how this myth couldn't be "completely" recovered and there were other myths taken into this on its own accord, because of this myth's past. However, when it came to the last chapter, this instantly lost its touch. When I finished, the book felt incomplete. It felt there was an epilogue missing.

This is my first book by Philip Freeman and I am keeping an open mind regarding his other books. It is just this book wasn't a success.

[Maya · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 really Check out my review at Celtic Scholar's Reviews and Opinions