Myths and Symbols in Pagan Europe

Author: H. R. Ellis Davidson
Publisher: Syracuse University Press
ISBN: 9780815624417
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 292

Book Description
Most people know of Valhalla, the World-Tree and the gods of Norse mythology, or the strange hunts and voyages of the ancient lrish tales. Yet few people realise the significance of the similarities and contrasts between the religions of the pre-Christian people of north-western Europe. The Celts and Germans and Scandinavians had much in common in their religious practices and beliefs, and this is the first serious attempt that has been made to compare them. There are striking resemblances in their ideas about battle-goddesses and protective spirits, holy places, sacrificial rituals, divination and ideas about the Other World; and Myths and Symbols in Pagan Europe poses questions like: do such parallels go back to early times or are they owing to late Viking contact? Hilda Ellis Davidson has worked for many years on pre-Christian Scandinavian and Germanic religion and now compares them with the Celts from the background of previous studies, using evidence from archaeology, iconography, later literature and folklore, in a search for basic patterns which will add to our knowledge of the early peoples in Europe. Aimed at teachers and libraries but also accessible to students of history, religion and Celtic, Norse and German languages and cultures.

Myths and Symbols in Pagan Europe

Author: Thor Templar
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781571791078
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 270

Book Description

A History of Pagan Europe

Author: Prudence Jones
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1136141723
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 281

Book Description
The first comprehensive study of its kind, this fully illustrated book establishes Paganism as a persistent force in European history with a profound influence on modern thinking. From the serpent goddesses of ancient Crete to modern nature-worship and the restoration of the indigenous religions of eastern Europe, this wide-ranging book offers a rewarding new perspective of European history. In this definitive study, Prudence Jones and Nigel Pennick draw together the fragmented sources of Europe's native religions and establish the coherence and continuity of the Pagan world vision. Exploring Paganism as it developed from the ancient world through the Celtic and Germanic periods, the authors finally appraise modern Paganism and its apparent causes as well as addressing feminist spirituality, the heritage movement, nature-worship and `deep' ecology This innovative and comprehensive history of European Paganism will provide a stimulating, reliable guide to this popular dimension of religious culture for the academic and the general reader alike.

Gods and Myths of Northern Europe

Author: H. Davidson
Publisher: Penguin UK
ISBN: 0141941502
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 316

Book Description
Surveys the pre-Christian beliefs of the Scandinavian and Germanic peoples. Provides an introduction to this subject, giving basic outlines to the sagas and stories, and helps identify the charachter traits of not only the well known but also the lesser gods of the age.

Dictionary of Celtic Myth and Legend

Author: Miranda Jane Aldhouse-Green
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
ISBN: 9780500279755
Category : Celts
Languages : en
Pages : 246

Book Description
Contains entries on Celtic myth, religion, and folklore in Britain and Europe between 500 BC and 400 AD.

Myth and Religion of the North

Author: Gabriel Turville-Petre
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 340

Book Description

Gods of the Ancient Northmen

Author: Georges Dumézil
Publisher: Univ of California Press
ISBN: 9780520035072
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 212

Book Description

Magical and Mystical Sites

Author: Elizabeth Pepper
Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser
ISBN: 9780933999442
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 312

Book Description
Embark on a magical voyage to the enchanted sites of the ancient world, all associated with legends of mystery and power. From Stonehenge in England to the oracle of Apollo in Greece, Magical and Mystical Sites explores the most remarkable and significant places of antiquity -- temples, places of learning, monuments, ruins, and sacred groves -- and the legends that accompany them. Filled with details of historical data and local information, this book is a wonderful companion for both the armchair traveler and the actual visitor. Magical and Mystical Sites explores the sacred and legendary places of the British Isles, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Greece, and more -- places like Delphi, Chartres, and Glastonbury. The discussions are highly readable yet consistently thorough, focusing not only on the lore and legends, but also covering archaeological discoveries, the nature of the old divinities, the relation of the sites to ancient culture and religion, and what these places are like today. Rounded out with excellent photographs and maps, Magical and Mystical Sites is a complete historical and practical guide to the sacred sites of Europe and the British Isles. Illustrated.

Mysterious Celtic Mythology in American Folklore

Author: Bob Curran
Publisher: Pelican Publishing
ISBN: 1589809173
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 298

Book Description
Many American legends have Celtic origins. Each chapter in this fascinating book presents a Celtic myth and a similar American one. Celtic immigrants brought these legends to all regions of the U.S. Old-world mythology morphs into New World folklore. Curran recounts America's oldest legends and traces their origins to the Celtic mythology of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, presenting a similar old-world tale alongside each American version. Once transported to America, the original Celtic tales evolved to assimilate the new population's geographic, social, and religious customs, weaving their way into the fabric of American folk history.

The Lost Beliefs of Northern Europe

Author: Dr Hilda Ellis Davidson
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1134944683
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 194

Book Description
Fragments of ancient belief mingle with folklore and Christian dogma until the original tenets are lost in the myths and psychologies of the intervening years. Hilda Ellis Davidson illustrates how pagan beliefs have been represented and misinterpreted by the Christian tradition, and throws light on the nature of pre-Christian beliefs and how they have been preserved. The Lost Beliefs of Northern Europe stresses both the possibilities and the difficulties of investigating the lost religious beliefs of Northern Europe.