Jay
asked
M.D. Massey:
I have started the Colin McCool series and I find that I would like to know more. I think the best place to start is to understand some of the mythos behind the story. There is a ton of references to Celtic Myths. Would you please suggest some literature to become more familiar with the Celtic Myths? I would greatly appreciate if you would.
M.D. Massey
Sure thing. First off, I'm no expert on Celtic mythology, but I'm happy to share those books that I've found most useful when doing my own personal research.
If you lean toward the classics, Lady Gregory's works and those by Yeats are fine reading. MacKillop's text on Fionn MacCumhaill is also a great resource. And if you just want to read some legends and tales, "Celtic Myth and Legends" by Peter Ellis is quite comprehensive, and it can be had in ebook form for $8 on Amazon.
Be advised, the Celtic myths and legends aren't quite as settled with regards to singular outcomes and clear-cut lineages as are the Greek and Norse myths. This is due to the fact that the Celts didn't have a formal written language. So, much of their culture and history was handed down by oral tradition until the monks arrived in Ireland, at which time they began to record the Celtic oral histories in written form.
So, expect to find conflicting stories and to encounter multiple outcomes for major characters and popular tales. It's frustrating at times, but worth the digging.
Good luck and happy reading!
If you lean toward the classics, Lady Gregory's works and those by Yeats are fine reading. MacKillop's text on Fionn MacCumhaill is also a great resource. And if you just want to read some legends and tales, "Celtic Myth and Legends" by Peter Ellis is quite comprehensive, and it can be had in ebook form for $8 on Amazon.
Be advised, the Celtic myths and legends aren't quite as settled with regards to singular outcomes and clear-cut lineages as are the Greek and Norse myths. This is due to the fact that the Celts didn't have a formal written language. So, much of their culture and history was handed down by oral tradition until the monks arrived in Ireland, at which time they began to record the Celtic oral histories in written form.
So, expect to find conflicting stories and to encounter multiple outcomes for major characters and popular tales. It's frustrating at times, but worth the digging.
Good luck and happy reading!
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