Celtic Mythology

Tales of Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes

By: Philip Freeman

Narrated by: Gerard Doyle

Most people have heard of the Celts - the elusive, ancient tribal people who resided in present-day England, Ireland, Scotland and France. Paradoxically characterized as both barbaric and innocent, the Celts appeal to the modern world as a symbol of a bygone era, a world destroyed by the ambition of empire and the spread of Christianity throughout Western Europe. Despite the pervasive cultural and literary influence of the Celts, shockingly little is known of their way of life and beliefs, because very few records of their stories exist. In this book, for the first time, Philip Freeman brings together the best stories of Celtic mythology.

Everyone today knows about the gods and heroes of the ancient Greeks, such as Zeus, Hera, and Hercules, but how many people have heard of the Gaulish god Lugus or the magical Welsh queen Rhiannon or the great Irish warrior Cú Chulainn? We still thrill to the story of the Trojan War, but the epic battles of the Irish Táin Bó Cuailgne are known only to a few. And yet those who have read the stories of Celtic myth and legend - among them writers like J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis - have been deeply moved and influenced by these amazing tales, for there is nothing in the world quite like them. In these stories a mysterious and invisible realm of gods and spirits exists alongside and sometimes crosses over into our own human world; fierce women warriors battle with kings and heroes, and even the rules of time and space can be suspended. Captured in vivid prose these shadowy figures - gods, goddesses, and heroes - come to life for the modern listener.

©2017 Philip Freeman (P)2017 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Very cool set of myths

Absolutely loved this collection of myths. I can see why my favorite writers like Tolkien were fascinated by these. I also absolutely loved the narrator, presenting the story as if we're sitting together by the camp fire.
This collection is a bit academic, and myths are presented without attempting to embellish them. Obviously, you will find neither modern views on women or any other modern sensitivities in there. They are what they are, stories recorded mostly during Medieval times. Enjoy them for what they are and use your own imagination to engage emotionally.

Less than I expected

One thing that I did pick up: It is amazing how every mythic person always agrees with every proposal, request and bet. I think the collected materials here covered less of the Celtic legacy than I expected.

Not great courses material

I really enjoy the instruction that goes with the great courses but this was more of a script read that at times was very confusing and jumped around. You didn’t know if you were going to the next course or if it was just a continuation of reading a dialogue that was at best scripted. I’m sure the instructor is an expert but it was not taught in the manner that was conducive to a great understanding. I will be trying to exchange this course. Disappointed!

Can be a bit dry

I really struggled to finish this one. Not as engaging as I would have liked.

Artfully translated and retold.

I thoroughly enjoyed the telling of each tale. Entertaining history that should not be lost to time.

Dry but accurate. great overview

a bit monotone.

celtic stories are intruiging. a bit repetisjuos at times.

more history than adventure

Scholarly and Honest

Not only wonderful stories, but also a good explanation of how Celtic Mythology developed, with influences from Roman, Greek, Norse, and Christian mythologies.

lot of info fast at first

it's a good book to give you a broad view quickly but lacks depth and seams to be filtered through Christianity a bit more then I was hoping.

A Masterful Collection of Stories

A solid overview of the different tales found in Celtic Mythology. It is easily accessible to those "non-stuffy" academics and allows the present-day reader to get a solid understanding of what these tales were and what they represented. Gerard Doyle is a wonderful narrator - and I am very glad that it was he who was the narrator!

uncompelling

The myths were uncompelling and seemed to lack purpose. I will look for other Celtic myths. I hope these are not the best the region has to offer.