Celtic Cosmology and the Otherworld - Mythic Origins, Sovereignty and Liminality

The early medieval manuscripts of Ireland and Britain contain tantalizing clues about the cosmology, religion and mythology of native Celtic cultures, despite censorship and revision by Christian redactors.
Focusing on the latest research and translations, the author provides fresh insight into the beliefs and practices of the Iron Age inhabitants of Ireland, Britain and Gaul. Chapters cover creation and cosmogony, the deities of the Gaels, feminine power in narrative sources, druidic belief, priestesses and magical rites.

List of contents

Table of Contents

Introduction

A Note About ­Indo-European Root Words

Part One: Mythic Origins

1.¿Cosmology and the Celtic Dreamtime

2.¿Creation, Cosmogony and the Ancestry of the Gods

3.¿Sacred Cycles and the Mythic Symbolism of Time

Part Two: Sovereignty

4.¿Divining the Divinities: The Mórrígan, Danu and Anu

5.¿Restoring the Rightful Goddess: Sovereignty in the Tales of Findabair and Gwenhwyfar

6.¿Mistress of the Wild Things: Abundance and Feminine Power in Early Irish Sources

Part Three: Liminality

7.¿The Circle of Nine: Priestesses, Islands and Magical Rites

8.¿Bird-Mask and ­Rowing-Wheel: Mug Roith, Tlachtga and Traditions of Druidic Power

9.¿Cauldron of Awen, Stream of Imbas: The Symbolism of Water and Divine Inspiration

Chapter Notes

Bibliography

Index

About the author

Sharon Paice MacLeod is a Harvard-trained Celticist, grant-funded researcher, historical consultant and professional musician. She has taught Celtic literature, mythology and folklore at the university level and lives in New England.

Product details

• Authors: Sharon Paice MacLeod
• Publisher: Ingram Publishers Services
• Languages: English
• Age Recommendation: from age 18
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 31.05.2018
• EAN: 9781476669076
• ISBN: 978-1-4766-6907-6
• No. of pages: 293
• Dimensions: 152 mm x 229 mm x 15 mm
• Weight: 367 g
• Illustrations: Raster,schwarz-weiss
• Subjects: Social sciences, law, business > Social sciences (general); SOCIAL SCIENCE / Folklore & Mythology, RELIGION / Ancient, BODY, MIND & SPIRIT / Celtic Spirituality, Ireland, Medieval History, British & Irish history, Folklore, myths & legends, United Kingdom, Great Britain, Mythology, c 500 to c 1000 CE, Celtic religion and mythology, Celtic religion & mythology, C 500 CE To C 1000 CE, European history: the Celts, Folklore studies / Study of myth