Overview

From the author of the hugely successful book Legendary Ireland, The Turning of the Year explores the Celtic division of the year, from Samhain to Imbolc, to Bealtaine, to Lunasa, back to Samhain. It examines the significance of particular times of the year and features re-tellings of various legends associated with them. The book will look at the close connection of the Irish with the land and with nature, bringing us on an exhilarating journey through the Irish seasons and the customs that welcomed each one in turn. Along the way we encounter saints, scholars, kings and goddesses, whose stories, preserved in myth and folktale, counterpoint the book's exploration both of lost traditions such as keening and how other customs and rituals have been preserved in today’s celebrations and communal events. It brings to the reader a new awareness of how such ritual can still have relevance in our lives, and a deeper appreciation of the power of the natural world.

Full Product Details

Author:   Eithne Massey
Publisher:   O'Brien Press Ltd
Imprint:   O'Brien Press Ltd
Dimensions:   Width: 13.50cm , Height: 2.50cm , Length: 21.60cm
Weight:   0.511kg
ISBN:  

9781788492119

ISBN 10:   1788492110
Pages:   272
Publication Date:   11 October 2021
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
This item will be ordered in for you from one of our suppliers. Upon receipt, we will promptly dispatch it out to you. For in store availability, please contact us.

Table of Contents

The Dagda’s Harp page 9 Introduction 13 SAMHAIN 29 The Year Begins 30 The Monster’s Story: Fionn Comes to Tara 31 The Skaldcrow’s Story: Nera in the Otherworld 47 The Messenger’s Story: The Magic Mantle 71 Interval: Bog Time, Bog Lore 80 IMBOLG 89 The First Day of Spring 90 The River’s Story: Boann 92 The Fox’s Story: Brighid’s Bargain 106 The Saint’s Story: St Kevin and the Blackbird 121 Interval: Forest Time, Forest Lore 128 BEALTAINE 144 Summer Season 145 The Cat and Dog’s Story: The Horned Women 147 The Publican’s Story: The Púca 165 The Fieldmouse’s Story: Seán the Piper 174 Interval: The Time of Pastures and of Fields 194 LUGHNASA 203 Fairs, Festivals and Harvest 204 The King’s Story: How Setanta Was Named 206 The Wolfhound’s Story: The Birth of Bran 238 The Forest’s Story: Suibhne 249 Afterword 255 The Music of What Happens 261 Bibliography 263 Credits 270

Reviews

a lovely gift * WLR FM's Saturday Cafe *

a lovely gift * WLR FM’s Saturday Café *

Author Information

Eithne Massey has had a lifelong attachment to the legends and traditions of her native Ireland. Her best-selling books of Irish myths and legends for children include what is fast becoming a classic picture book, Best-Loved Irish Legends, and of a number of novels for young readers, among them the award-winning Blood Brother, Swan Sister, with its backdrop of the Battle of Clontarf, and the skilful story of the man behind the rebel leader in Michael Collins: Hero and Rebel. Her other books include Legendary Ireland: Myths and Legends of Ireland and The Turning of the Year.

Tab Content 6

Author Website:  

Countries Available

All regions