An Introduction to Celtic Mythology

by David Bellingham

Includes examples of traditional folk-tales from the Celtic lands of Britanny, Cornwall, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Scotland and Whales. A comprehensive appendix lists the original sources for these tales, and full pronunciation are given. The text is interspersed with fascinating information boxes featuring Celtic art, religion, storytellers and archaeology. Dozens of photographs and pictures - all in full color!

Genres: Mythology, History, Nonfiction, Reference, Folklore, Ireland

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Eloise Sunshine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stories of the Mabinogion I had only recently read, so they were already familiar to me, but illustrative photos of places and items used or hinted in the stories gave them a whole new dimention. Also, the short summary was a lot easier to read than original stories (although I totally understand why they needed to be long and twistful on purpose in the past).

So, if mythology and history interests you, then this is a great book where to start your journey understanding better the Irish and other celtic tribes, what has influenced the bakcground of these people. Plus the artefacts are just very nice to look at! What a huge work there must have been behind this book! I totally appreciate your effort, David (Y)

[tajosima · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t want to be that person but..today I saw a post on Instagram about celtics that was more interesting than most of this book..which makes me think that I do find the Celtic mythology interesting. And idk if some part of how this was very boring to me was because of the translation because some of the things didn’t make much sense. And I felt like some parts at the end of the book should be at the beginning to give the right context. I also read a lot of footnotes about how fairies were a big part of the Celtic mythology but then they told like 2 stories where there were fairies. Gonna try and look for more about the celtics.

[Rodney Sloan · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good enough general intro to celtic mythology, but the stories are not particularly engaging. This is more of a magazine style publication, providing a shallow look at celtic myth, but without a good overview to ground someone who is new to the subject.

Also, at least one of the stories deals with rape or non-concentual sex in a way that doesn't condemn the act. These are old stories, with older sensibilities, but an editorial note would have been useful.

A few useful resources at the end, but no maps, timelines, or reference charts.

[Ruby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always been drawn to various mythological stories, and learning where they come from, how they come about, etc. has been important to me. This book is a great learning tool because it blends the myths with wonderful photos of original works of celtic mythology art and stories.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorite thing about this book was how artifacts, famous paintings, and landscape photos were integrated into the myths. This really made the stories and the people who told them feel real.

[Blue Sapphire · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know this was supposed to be written as a textbook but it was so dry. I enjoyed the artwork but the stories were not very interesting.