Myths and Folk-lore of Ireland (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781397668257)

Drawing from extensive firsthand collection efforts in 19th-century Ireland, this volume offers a rich tapestry of the island's enduring oral traditions. It presents a vivid array of myths, legends, and folk tales, capturing the spiritual and supernatural worldview that shaped rural Irish life.

Set against a backdrop of ancient Celtic beliefs and Christian influences, these stories illuminate a culture where heroes, fairies, and mysterious otherworldly forces intertwine with daily existence.

Curtin's work not only preserves the narrative structure and language of the tellers but also provides insight into the moral and metaphysical themes at the heart of Irish folklore. This compelling anthology stands as a vital record of Ireland's mythic imagination, offering readers a gateway into a world both enchanted and profoundly human.