If you want to explore the world of Celtic mythology, then you’ve come to the right place! With so many books on this topic, it can be challenging to pick a suitable one that covers all aspects of Celtic mythology.
To make your search easier, we have provided a list of the best Celtic mythology books currently available that will help get your knowledge up to speed in no time.
Whether you’re looking for absorbing narrative or comprehensive reference materials about ancient myths and gods spanning generations and cultures alike, this selection of some of the top titles in the genre promises plenty for everyone’s interests.
Kiss of the Cobra by Peter Berresford Ellis.
Kiss of the Cobra, written by Peter Berresford Ellis, is among the best Celtic mythology books. This amazingly illustrated book covers many Celtic myths and gods, spanning generations and cultures alike.
Published in 1996 by Constable & Robinson Ltd., this comprehensive guide includes over 500 pages containing detailed information on various topics such as Celtic gods, goddesses, heroes, villains, and much more.
The compilation also includes stories from ancient Irish mythologies and Scottish legends. The book follows the adventures of a young boy named Aidan who finds himself in the strange world of Tuatha Dé Danann – the descendants of the gods.
Throughout his journey, he encounters various characters, including the legendary hero Cú Chulainn, who will help him fulfill his destiny. Kiss of the Cobra is a must-read for anyone interested in Celtic mythology!
Celtic Myths and Legends by T. W. Rolleston
This classic novel, first published in 1911 by T.W. Rolleston, is one of the most well-known books on Celtic mythology currently available. The book covers various topics, from ancient myths and gods to folklore and legends spanning generations and cultures. It provides an extensive overview of the main characters and stories associated with the Celtic people and their culture.
The volume comprises two parts: The first part is a general introduction to the subject, providing an overview of topics such as how the Celts lived, their beliefs and rituals, and their gods, heroes, and legends.
The second part includes detailed information about each character, including their genealogy, attributes, and stories. It also includes an extensive collection of Irish tales – some of them previously unpublished – that have been passed down through generations.
Gods and Heroes of the Celts by Marie-Louise Sjoestedt
Gods and Heroes of the Celts by Marie-Louise Sjoestedt is one of the best Celtic mythology books available. This book was Published in 1940, providing an in-depth look into ancient Celtic myths and gods.
It covers topics such as goddesses, heroes, gods, and monsters – all within the scope of a comprehensive reference book. The work has a total of 272 pages and is full of illuminating details about the characters and stories of Celtic mythology. It also includes a detailed study of ancient Celts’ history, literature, and religious practices.
Marie-Louise Sjoestedt’s Gods and Heroes of the Celts is essential for anyone interested in delving into Celtic mythology’s rich and fascinating world. It provides a wealth of information on characters, stories, and deities that have been part of this ancient culture for generations.
The Táin by Thomas Kinsella
The Táin by Thomas Kinsella is among the best books available on Celtic mythology, superbly written and packed with fascinating detail.
Published by Oxford University Press in 1969, it contains a translation of the ancient Irish epic The Táin Bó Cúailnge, originally orally transmitted between the 8th and 11th centuries. The work includes a comprehensive introduction to the text and an essay about its historical context and impact on Irish literature.
The Táin has two parts and contains over 200 pages of absorbing narrative. It covers the story of Queen Medb’s invasion of Ulster to take possession of a magical bull and the heroic efforts of Cu Chulainn to protect his homeland. It also touches on various topics, such as Celtic gods and goddesses, magic, and folk tales.
The Táin is an essential read for anyone interested in the mythology of Ireland and the wider Celtic world. It is a truly captivating and unique story with colorful characters and intriguing plot points.
Celtic Mythology: Tales of Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes by Phillip Freeman
“Celtic Mythology: Tales of Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes” by Phillip Freeman is an authoritative and comprehensive guide to the Celtic pantheon and its stories. This book provides readers with a detailed overview of the gods, goddesses, heroes, myths, and legends that have shaped Irish and British culture over centuries.
The text includes a full cast of characters, including the powerful gods and goddesses Lugh, Dagda, Morrigan, and Brigid. It also delves into stories such as Cú Chulainn’s heroic deeds in single-handed combat against many foes, the tragedy of Deirdre of the Sorrows, and Bran’s journey to the Otherworld.
This book will surely appeal to anyone looking for a comprehensive, detailed look at Celtic mythology and the stories that have made it so beloved. This book is published by Hackett Publishing Company, Inc., and contains 224 pages of captivating content.
Whether you are an Irish or British ancestry enthusiast or just looking for an interesting read on ancient culture, this book will surely provide you with a wealth of information.
Gods and Fighting Men: The Story of the Tuatha De Danann and the Fianna of Ireland by Lady Gregory (preface by W. B. Yeats)
Published by Penguin Books, the book is 438 pages long and features a preface written by W.B. Yeats, providing an introduction to the book’s main themes. In it, readers are introduced to characters such as Cuchulain, the great Irish warrior, and hero; Finn MacCool, leader of the fabled Fianna; and the mysterious Tuatha De Danann, the race of gods that ruled over the land before being subsumed into mythology by later cultures.
Gods and Fighting Men also features detailed accounts of famous battles such as Moytura and stories from older Irish mythology literature such as The Táin Bó Cúailnge and The Destruction of Da Derga’s Hostel.
Eddison Monroe, born 1990 in Portland, Oregon, is an accomplished and celebrated female writer and independent author. The youngest of three siblings, Eddison's passion for storytelling began during her childhood as she entertained her family with vivid tales and fantastical characters. Her nurturing environment and the encouragement of her parents, both educators, played a crucial role in shaping her literary aspirations.
Eddison's writing often explores themes of self-discovery, relationships, and the complexities of human emotions. Her works are characterized by their lyrical prose, intricate world-building, and strong, multidimensional female characters.
A strong advocate for independent publishing, Eddison frequently conducts workshops and seminars to guide budding writers in navigating the world of self-publishing. She also serves as a mentor for aspiring authors, providing them with the knowledge and tools to pursue their dreams.
