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.

ISBN-13: 9781476669076

Media Type: Paperback

Publisher: McFarland & Company - Incorporated Publishers

Publication Date: 05-31-2018

Pages: 293

Product Dimensions: 5.90(w) x 8.70(h) x 0.80(d)

Age Range: 18 Years

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.

Table 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
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