Animals in Celtic Life and Myth

Green examines the intimate relationship between the Celts and animals, covering their crucial role in the Celtic economy, in hunting and warfare, in art and literature and in religion and ritual. The book covers the period between 800 BC and 400 AD.

Animals played a crucial role in many aspects of Celtic life: in the economy, hunting, warfare, art, literature and religion. Such was their importance to this society, that an intimate relationship between humans and animals developed, in which the Celts believed many animals to have divine powers. In Animals in Celtic Life and Myth, Miranda Green draws on evidence from early Celtic documents, archaeology and iconography to consider the manner in which animals formed the basis of elaborate rituals and beliefs. She reveals that animals were endowed with an extremely high status, considered by the Celts as worthy of respect and admiration.

'This is a thoroughly researched and liberally illustrated study by an expert in the field, and as such it is an essential reference tool. The book is eminently readable ... this is a book both for dipping into at leisure moments and for reading in full.' - BWA

Autorentext

Miranda Green

Inhalt
List of illustrations Preface Acknowledgements 1. The Natural World of the Celts 2. Food and Farming: Animals in the Celtic Economy 3. Prey and Predator; The Celtic Hunter 4. Animals at War 5. Sacrifice and Ritual 6. The Artist's Menagerie 7. Animals in the Earliest Celtic Stories 8. God and Beast 9. Changing Attitudes to the Animal World Notes Abbreviations Bibliography Index.