Magic and Myth: Ireland's Fairy Tales

by Michael Scott

Myths, legends, and magic are woven together in a collection of enthralling Irish fairy tales from the New York Times bestselling author of the Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series.

A haunting midnight dance that steals children away... An eerie fairy island that appears once every seven years... A magical silver horse that emerges from the depths of a dark lake...

Venture into the Otherworld with eleven timeless, enchanting Irish fairy tales that uncover the haunting, hidden world of the Sidhe --the fairy-folk. A master of Irish mythology, bestselling author Michael Scott has crafted stories guaranteed to enthrall young readers who love magic, legends, and lore.

And don't miss the companion collection of Irish folktales, Legends & Lore !

Genres: Mythology, Short Stories, Collections, Audiobook

208 pages, Paperback

First published May 4, 2021

About the author

Irish-born Michael Scott began writing over thirty years ago, and is one of Ireland's most successful and prolific authors, with over one hundred titles to his credit, spanning a
variety of genres, including Fantasy, Science Fiction and Folklore.

He writes for both adults and young adults and is published in thirty-seven countries, in over twenty languages.

Praised for his “unparalleled contribution to children’s literature,” by the Guide to Children’s
Books, Michael Scott was the Writer in Residence during Dublin’s tenure as European City of Culture in 1991, and was featured in the 2006 edition of Who’s Who in Ireland as one of the 1000
most “significant Irish.”

Reviews

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scott retells 11 traditional Irish folktales, of which I was only familiar with one: "The King's Secret." The stories feature fairy land, leprechauns, the Sidh, giants, Morrigan, the Devil, pookas, and other Irish folk motifs. There are no sources listed, although Scott mentions in his introduction that he spent years traveling across Ireland colleccting hundreds of stories, legends, and myths. The author blurb states that he is an authority on mythology and folklore.
The retellings flow smoothly and read like fictional short stories.

[LucyInTheSky]

While I do really appreciate that Michael Scott has been travelling through Ireland to collect stories, like a true modern-day bard, this book of stories was not entirely what I was hoping for or expecting. I had a fantastic time reading Irish Myths and Legends, full of wisdom, ancient lore. Truly a magical experience. So I was kind of hoping to find some of that in this book as well. It seems like this book was intended for a younger audience. The stories were short and much more superficial, lacking the profound wisdom I found in the other book. Since I think I'm not the audience this book was intended for, I will not give a rating.

I think I'll try another Michael Scott book: Irish Folk and Fairy Tales Omnibus Edition, looks promising. Otherwise I can of course always return to Irish Myths and Legends and again have a splendid time with that.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cool book about Ireland's Fairy Tales alot I have never heard of so it was cool to learn some new things from another country that I have interest in...don't get caught after midnight dancing with the fairies or you will go missing if you are a child and then there is the mysterious fairy island where if yoou meet the lovely lady on it just say before you leave May God Bless you and see what happens..there is the Leprechauns and their gold need to be careful cause they are fast and sneaky..then there is the mysterious and beautiful Kelpie Fairy Horses that will cause issues and what not in your fields enjoy.

[Terhi Tatjana · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delight these stories were! I had no idea Ireland had such a rich and old oral story tradition. This book has a few select ones that seem to span across the ages. They're each well told, clearly and with a little lesson at the end of each one.

Favorite Line ~ "It's not wise to make an enemy of one of the little folk. They can be cruel and spiteful when they are annoyed. However, a Leprechaun can be a very good friend to have. They are usually kind and considerate, and they're always full of good advice.

My favorite story ~ The one with the 'fairy doctors', or wise women

[Rawan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compared to the other Irish dairy tail book that Michael Scott has written, I found these stories a lot more interesting and easier to read. I get that these are traditional stories but it’s written in a comprehensive story format that’s easy to digest. Like bedtime stories back in the day 😃

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Either a good introduction or a fun return to Irish fairy tales. Whichever it is for you, the stories Scott chooses from the multitude of Irish myth are good picks!

[Solveig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely and very entertaining 💟💟💟

[Fiona · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm disappointed in the lack of unifying thread or theme to the retelling of these traditional tales; Scott just recants without elevating.

[Mgb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Irish fairy tales, and this book adds nicely to my shelf. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the doors of heaven and hell and the story with Turlough O’Carolan as a character.

[Yasser Maniram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, but with an assortment of interesting tales.

[Caren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved these Irish stories.

[Sambo Pro · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not worth reading.

[Darlene Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these stories.

[Brandon Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful collection of fairy tales in Ireland that were passed down verbally until fairly recent history.

[Spencer Robelen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to all the fun and spooky elements of Irish fairies. 🧚‍♂️ Enjoyable for young and adult readers.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book for kids.

[Ivy Mwila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

[A Matar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book because I really like reading folklore and this book is just a colection of Irish folklore. I've read this book so much lol and this is the first time I've revewed it

[Dkilwein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just in time for St Patty’s Day!

[Nema Nauj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice short stories, I love them, and I think he is very generous for putting a lot of book samples at the end.