Handbook of Celtic Mythology

Were the Celts of ancient and Medieval mythology bloodthirsty headhunters or a spiritual people in tune with nature?

Readers of this introduction to Celtic mythology will find the Celtic world both fascinating and surprisingly complex.

Topics range from the ancient druids encountered by Julius Caesar, to animal deities, to King Arthur, to mythic battles in pre-Anglo Saxon Ireland (including the famous Ulster hero cycle).

It provides an introduction to Cetlic history, archaeology and languages, including what Medieval manuscripts can tell us about the divine, semidivine and magical figures of Celtic mythology.

It has a survey of mythic Celtic past, present and future, including key developments in the scholarly study of Celtic mythology.

It has an A-to-Z of key mythological figures, concepts and events, and a guide to print, website, video and CD-ROM resources.