The Celtic Myths That Shape the Way We Think

Mark Williams

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Hardback

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English

Thames & Hudson
16 September 2021

Religion & beliefs; Celtic religion & mythology

Series: The Myths That Shape The Way We Think

How do myths that were deeply embedded in the customs and beliefs of their original culture find themselves retold and reinterpreted across the world, centuries or even millennia later? Focusing on ten myths that have had the greatest cultural impact and are the most relevant to our lives today, Mark Williams reveals the lasting influence of Celtic mythology, from medieval literature to the modern fantasy genre. Ten chapters recount the myths and explore the lasting influence of legendary figures including King Arthur, the Celtic figure who paradoxically became the archetypal English national hero; Cú Chulainn, the hero of the Táin, Ireland's great medieval epic, who became a symbol of the reborn Irish nation; the Irish and Scottish hero Finn, who as 'Fingal' caught the imagination of Napoleon, Goethe and Mendelssohn; and the Welsh mythical figure Blodeuwedd, magically created from flowers of the oak, who inspired Yeats.

Williams also explores the contentious use of mythic imagery in nationalist ideology, and how characters and concepts from Celtic legends have been relevant to past and present discussions on national identity. His elegantly written retellings capture the beauty of the original myths while also delving deeper into the history of their meanings, offering the reader an intelligent and engaging take on these powerful stories. Beautiful illustrations of the artworks these myths have inspired over the centuries are presented in a colour-plates section and in black-and-white within the text.

Mark Williams' mythological expertise and captivating writing style makes this book essential reading for anyone who appreciates the myths that have shaped our artistic and literary canons and continue to inspire today.

With 77 illustrations

By: Mark Williams
Imprint: Thames & Hudson
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 153mm,
Weight: 660g
ISBN: 9780500252369
ISBN 10: 050025236X
Series: The Myths That Shape The Way We Think
Pages: 304
Publication Date: 16 September 2021
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Introduction: The Nature of Celtic Mythology 1. Shining Brow: Taliesin, Chief of Poets 2. The Celtic Arthur 3. Merlin: from Wildman to Wizard 4. Brutus: Britain’s Forgotten Founder 5. The Tragic Story of Branwen 6. The Hero Cú Chulainn: The Hound of Ulster 7. Finn: The Roving Warrior 8. Blodeuwedd: The Woman Made From Flowers 9. The Celtic Love Triangle: Deirdriu of the Sorrows 10. Irish Fairies: The People of the Síde Epilogue: The Legacy of Celtic Myths

Mark Williams is Associate Professor of Global Medieval Literature at the University of Oxford and the author of Ireland's Immortals: A History of the Gods of Irish Myth. He writes with 'extraordinary erudition and devastating wit' (New York Review of Books).

Reviews for The Celtic Myths That Shape the Way We Think

"'This is simply the best concise work on its subject, for a student or general reader, yet published. The author is not only expert in the original texts but has a profound understanding of how they have been used ever since: and so why they matter' - Ronald Hutton, Professor of History, University of Bristol and author of 'The Witch' and 'Pagan Britain' 'Scholarly but accessible' - Cotswold Life 'An eminently accessible introduction to ""Celtic myth"" and the specific quirks of its modern reception that will serve as an excellent introduction' - Cambrian Medieval Celtic Studies 'For those interested in the power, pliability, and potency of Irish and Welsh mythology, this book has much to offer' - Church Times 'Readers will have a refreshingly mist-free experience with Williams as an engaging and expert guide. Highly recommended for the interested non-specialist' - Folklore"