Because we recently had St. Patricks day a few days ago I thought I would review something different for a change. Irish Fairy and Folk Tales is not like a novel or a book that is read straight through. It is actually a collection of all sorts of Irish myths and legends compiled into one volume.
Almost all cultures have their stories about magical creatures and folk lore that have come to be a major part of their culture. Ireland is not unique in the amount of legends and stories, but it is unique in some of its characters. For example the leprechaun is an exclusively Ireland creation(although many other cultures have similar types of creatures, known elsewhere as wood sprites or elves).
This particular book is edited by William Butler Yeats and is a thorough compilation of all sorts of strange and fascinating Irish stories and old Irish folktales. Many of the stories involve various creatures, including: leprechauns, fairies, banshee's, and ghost stories. There are also quiet a few short stories about the Irish faith and stories where it overcomes negative omens and beings such as demons and the devil.
Stories and folktales are often the essence of literature and inspiration for other works of art. If you would like to learn about some of the interesting cultural origins of many of Ireland's beliefs and stories, I would greatly recommend this book.
Recommended Reading:
Actually, for once, I have nothing to put here. Before this book I knew very little about Irish culture, and it is not a topic that I have ever read much on. I also have not read any Irish literature. So if anyone out there has any recommendations they would like to give me, feel free.
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2 comments:
I commend your diverse selection of reading. Such wide choices help to build a well-rounded individual.
Admittedly, this is a stereotype, but the Irish are particularly good storytellers. There is a lyrical quality to their very speech, and it is often enhanced by their familiarity and love of music, their wanderlust spirit, and yes, their love of drink!
The best toasts I have heard (personal, rambling, long, amusing) came from the lips of Irishmen.
I should think a book of Irish stories would be enjoyable to all readers.
Yeah, I'm mostly German and English so I don't really have any of that 'wanderlust spirt' in me, so I really enjoy reading and learning about other cultures.
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