Myth and music : tales of the Celtic bards

Inspiration and vision are the foundation of Celtic myth.

These myths were first told by the ancient bards who went through an arduous training of up to 20 years.

This gave them, they believed, powers of divination, shape changing and the ability to travel to the "other world".

It also supplied them with an unrivalled knowledge of the natural world of animals and plants and the authority to heal, order and judge.

This higher knowledge was held as precious beyond price, and not written down.

The bards would not speak openly, but instead encoded their knowledge, incorporating it into teasing riddles and into their tales.

These myths were not read; they were told and sung. Claire Hamilton recreates the experience of the Celtic listeners in the way she frames the myth with the teller, the teller with his/her audience.

The accompanying CD captures the enchanting and sometimes strange beauty of the music that would have accompanied the tales.

Introductions are given to the Celtic societies, particularly those of Ireland, Wales and Scotland, as well as the music of the Celts and their use of the harp.