Folklore of Wales

Nonfiction, History
Cover of the book Folklore of Wales by Anne Ross, The History Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Anne Ross ISBN: 9780750952460
Publisher: The History Press Publication: September 1, 2001
Imprint: The History Press Language: English
Author: Anne Ross
ISBN: 9780750952460
Publisher: The History Press
Publication: September 1, 2001
Imprint: The History Press
Language: English

Wales is a Celtic country and the Celts have always treasured oral learning and recitation. Indeed they have a passion for committing facts to memory rather than relying on the written word. So it is no surprise, as we can see from Anne Ross's study, that Welsh folklore and story-telling is so rich and varied. In addition to examining the part played by the medieval church in this oral tradition, individual chapters cover legends associated with place-names; calendar customs; giants and monsters; omens and second sight; witches, ghosts and faries; supernatural birds and animals; folk healing and herbal remedies. The landscape is studded with the remains of ancient monuments, which are seen as the creation of gods and heroes. Every lake had its legend, whether it be inhabited by a grim, monstrous afanc, or by a beautiful, enchanted maiden, or maybe harbours a drowned settlement where the bell still tolls to warm of approaching storms. Giants stalk the land, while faries can be dangerous, hostile and demanding propitiation. Omens of potential marriage partners were avidly sought by girls, while ghostly death-lights - corpse candles - could be seen moving relentlessly towards the person who was doomed to death. A whole world of the past is to be found in this rich treasure house of inherited lore.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Wales is a Celtic country and the Celts have always treasured oral learning and recitation. Indeed they have a passion for committing facts to memory rather than relying on the written word. So it is no surprise, as we can see from Anne Ross's study, that Welsh folklore and story-telling is so rich and varied. In addition to examining the part played by the medieval church in this oral tradition, individual chapters cover legends associated with place-names; calendar customs; giants and monsters; omens and second sight; witches, ghosts and faries; supernatural birds and animals; folk healing and herbal remedies. The landscape is studded with the remains of ancient monuments, which are seen as the creation of gods and heroes. Every lake had its legend, whether it be inhabited by a grim, monstrous afanc, or by a beautiful, enchanted maiden, or maybe harbours a drowned settlement where the bell still tolls to warm of approaching storms. Giants stalk the land, while faries can be dangerous, hostile and demanding propitiation. Omens of potential marriage partners were avidly sought by girls, while ghostly death-lights - corpse candles - could be seen moving relentlessly towards the person who was doomed to death. A whole world of the past is to be found in this rich treasure house of inherited lore.

More books from The History Press

Cover of the book Little Book of Ireland by Anne Ross
Cover of the book Giuseppe Verdi by Anne Ross
Cover of the book M-Mother by Anne Ross
Cover of the book Leeds Book of Days by Anne Ross
Cover of the book Operation Barbarossa by Anne Ross
Cover of the book To Walk in the Dark by Anne Ross
Cover of the book The Santa Barbara B-24 Disasters by Anne Ross
Cover of the book Kelly Moran by Anne Ross
Cover of the book Samurai War Stories by Anne Ross
Cover of the book QE2 by Anne Ross
Cover of the book Kremlin Conspiracy by Anne Ross
Cover of the book Shipping Company Losses of the Second World War by Anne Ross
Cover of the book Infamous Cheshire by Anne Ross
Cover of the book Ireland's Suffragettes by Anne Ross
Cover of the book Transforming the Skies by Anne Ross
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy