The myths and legends of prehistoric Ireland have inspired writers through the ages, down to W.B. Yeats and Seamus Heaney in our own century, but what do we know of the realities of ancient Irish belief? Daithi O hOgain's book approaches the question by studying archaeological remains such as tumuli, stone henges and circular enclosures and analysing the rich materials that have been handed down both in the great cycles of Irish heroic tales and the humble but significant survivals of modern folklore, for instance the traditions associated with wells and springs. Drawing evidence from these varied sources, he arrives at a balanced picture of a society and its beliefs which have all too often been the subject of conjecture and fancy. CONTENTS Pre-Celtic Cultures . Basic Tenets in the Iron Age . The Druids and their Practices . The Teachings of the Druids . The Society of the Gods . The Rites of Sovereignty . The Triumph of Christianity. DAITHI O HOGAIN is Associate Professor of Folklore at University College Dublin.
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An excellent book... a highly accessible and lively assessment of c ontinuity and change in belief and religion from pre-Celtic times through to the arrival of St Patrick. ...A fine book and to be recommended to a wide readership, especially to all those who think that Irish history started in 1601. IRISH STUDIES REVIEW The focus of this book is the evidence for pagan cult systems in ancient Ireland, particularly the period 500BC to AD600...on the whole a thoroughly researched and rigorously referenced study... a useful reference work. ZEITSCHRFT FUR CELTISCHE PHILOLOGIE
From the Back Cover
A clear and comprehensive survey of the lore and rituals of pre-Christian Ireland.
Combines the evidence from folklore, early literature and archaeology to establish ancient views of the otherworlds and its interface with hunman life.
Commences with the earliest known settlements in Ireland and proceeds to a discussion of druidic teaching and practice, as far as the introduction of Christianity.
Sheds light on the connections between ideas, narratives and material artefacts. Detailed with copious notes and supplemented with an outstanding bibliography. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
At a time when a lot of drivel is written about the celts and what they believed in an attempt to give credibility to certain new age beliefs, it is refreshing to come across a writer who sifts the knowable from the unknowable. After all it wasn't until the coming of Christianity to Ireland that anything started to be written down. Dr O'hOgain uses all available material, archealogical evidence, traditional oral tales and the material the early Irish monks wrote down of their pagan countrymen, to give us, probably the most authentic picture possible of the beliefs and practices of the Pre Christian Irish. Dr O'hOgain is based at University College Dublin and has written extensively about Irish folk lore and tales. He knows his stuff! Particularly interesting is the final chapter on the coming of Christianity to Ireland which goes some way to explain the very different nature of Christianity that existed in Ireland right up to the mid Nineteenth century, and, perhaps, the still prevalent emphasis on holy sites in Ireland. The only fault with the book is the lack of an index.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
An excellent book, which concentrates on the religious beliefs of pagan Ireland, based on both archaeology and mythological material. Ó hÓgáin discusses general topics, such as druidry, the images of Irish deities and the impact of Christianity in customs and beliefs. An original feature of the book is that it consecrates a whole chapter on the culture of the pre-Celtic people of Ireland and how it affected 'Celtic' religion, a topic much neglected in the past even by eminent scholars, like Mac Cana, or Rees and Rees. The examination of Sovereignty rites, and of the continuity of pagan well cult in Christian times by Ó hÓgáin, is particularly illuminating. A weak point of the book is the lack of an index, which makes it difficult to use.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
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4.5 out of 5 stars
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17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very thorough and scholarly
16 Jun 2003
By "majnoon_"
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
This is a definitive work on the subject. The author surpasses credible to the level of genuine expert. I feel safe in trusting his research and speculations. Being a scholarly work, the book isn't for the faint of heart (it can be thick reading at times), but if your into Celtic studies, the history of Ireland, the history of the Druids, then this book is a must and should be read and referred to again and again. The author uses a wonderful blend of archaeology, literature, and mythology not only of Ireland, but also from a vast range of sources. He ties in accounts of the Continental Celts, the Indo-Europeans, the Greek and Roman sources, and even accounts from India (Vedic, rig Veda, etc). The author gives us a complete picture that is supported by a myriad of sources and language associations. The only thing that I felt could have enhanced the book would be an index. Very great work, well worth the money.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Yes!
1 Aug 2005
By BottledHammer
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Excellent! Very blunt, well put, and provides the information in a way that is no nonsense, straight way. Loved it.
17 of 21 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
WOW! A stunning work that every Celt/Irish nut will want!
5 Jan 2000
By A Customer
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
O'Hogain has done it again, by providing another invaluable resource for those interested in learning more about Celtic and Irish pre-christian religion. Very well-researched and written, this book will take you on a journey back in time, which you'll never forget! Don't miss his other works either.
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