Mondays Book Talk - Celtic Myths and Legends

Written by Ben Kesp 

Celtic Myths and Legends by Peter Berresford Ellis 

This book almost fell off the shelf into my hands, screaming for me to pick it up. The mammoth book of Celtic Myths and Legends details stories from six Celtic cultures: Irish, Welsh, Scots, Breton, Cornish and Manx. Some of the stories are new, translated from manuscript and untold before to the modern reader. 

Peter Berresford Ellis from the UK has published numerous books and graduated in 1989 in Celtic Studies from the University of East London and in 1992 with a masters. He has conducted extensive research in the field of Celtic studies which date back to the dawn of European civilisation. 

Added to his knowledge of the subject, his ability for story telling uniquely allows him to bring to life these ancient stories for new generations of all ages. The stories, some familiar and others unfamiliar allow you to expand your imagination and enter great worlds of magic, battles, creatures, heroes, kings, gods and goddesses. With each story a reference is made to the current landscape across Ireland and Britain connecting the unknown past with the present through mythology. 

In addition what I enjoyed is Berresford’s excellent introduction providing a knowledgeable account of the early languages in Europe including the ancient Gaelic language. 

Delve into the world of our ancient ancestors and explore a rich mythology providing a better understanding of the landscapes we inhabit today. If mythology is your interest, this book will entertain you.