A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology (Oxford Paperback Reference)

by James MacKillop

Paperback, 2004

Status

Available

Call number

BL900 .M445

Publication

Oxford University Press, USA (2004), Paperback, 490 pages

Description

This text contains full coverage of the persons, themes concepts, places, and creatures of Celtic mythology, in all ancient and modern traditions.

Language

Original publication date

1998

ISBN

0198609671 / 9780198609674

Other editions

Local notes

The full richness of Celtic mythology, with legends, sagas, & folklore, with traditions, places, & personalities, are concisely conveyed in James MacKillop's dictionary. The 4,000 entries include brief descriptions (such as short explanation of Arthen, the bear-&-river god of early Wales) as well as extended stories of bloody vengence (following actual or supposed treachery), romantic love, & frequent adultery, plus tales of mysterious monsters on lonely hillocks.

From Deirdre & Cùchulainn to leprechauns, Galahad, cauldrons, & archaeology to Druids, MacKillop provides an impressive amount of lore & research in a reliable, browsable, & enjoyable dictionary.

User reviews

LibraryThing member BenjaminHahn
This is an excellent resource book that I have been keeping handy when I am reading books like the Tain and other old celtic folk stories. There is even a number of pronunciation guides for the different old and new Gaelic dialects. This book covers people, places, major tales, themes, concepts,
Show More
creatures, aristocracy, archaelogical sites, shrines, and language development. There is even articles on how some themes are related to neighboring cultures like Norse and Greek. Very helpful for tracking down strange references.
Show Less
LibraryThing member ed.pendragon
The tag "Celtic" is one of those catch-all but often meaningless labels that are a lazy shorthand for anything mystical, fey or even implicitly racial. Too often it is used by those profoundly unaware of its scholarly origins in linguistics or cultural history, so it is refreshing to have this
Show More
Dictionary written by a specialist displaying his undoubted expertise in linguistics, literature, archaeology, history, comparative religion and history. As with any reference book worth its salt one fascinating entry leads to another, displaying that essential corollary to academic authoritativeness, accessibility. The hardback is reassuringly solid, so it is disappointing that the paperback seems slight in comparison, but either edition should be on the shelves of anyone avowing even a passing interest in Celtic culture.
Show Less

Physical description

490 p.; 7.56 inches

Pages

490
Page: 0.8897 seconds