Exploring Celtic Civilizations | An Online Celtic Studies Coursebook

Exploring Celtic Civilizations | An On-line Celtic Studies Course-Book

Exploring Celtic Civilizations is an on-line course book suitable for undergraduates introducing the field of Celtic Studies: the various kinds of evidence available about Celtic-speaking communities through over two millennia and the methods available for understanding them. This digital course book thus presents texts as well as other sorts of evidence, such as aspects of material culture (e.g., archaeological artefacts), through on-line exhibits and data visualizations.

Quotation regarding the Morrigan

“At first glance the fertility aspect of the Morrigan does not seem as evident. It is an essential part of her character, however. Celtic goddesses combine destructive characteristics with those of nurturing, sexual power, and fertility. Although the juxtaposition seems strange, there is logic in it. Since the goddess is to preserve the tuath, she must be able to protect it in war as well as to provide it with the fruits of the earth, and increase both its cattle and people.” 

 

Clark, Rosalind. “Aspects of the Morrigan in Early Irish Literature.” Irish University Review 17.2 (Autumn 1987): 228-229, JSTOR. (via diary-of-demosthenes).

"The Curse of Macha"

Big Chris Lennon of Belfast-based Digital Mist Productions will begin shooting his brainchild ‘The Curse of Macha’ this August, a feature-length production inspired by ancient Irish myths and legends including the ‘Táin Bó Cúailgne’. The film is currently in pre-production based on the screenplay Chris co-wrote with Paul Micheal.

In all seriousness though, the story is set during 4th Century Ireland and focuses on a woman named Emer who is forced to face the horror of her missing children when her village is set ablaze amid an invasion.

Source:  Bad Haven.

Dr. Anne Ross

It seems that Dr. Anne Ross, celtic scholar, and author passed away last month.

A small notice can be found at BMDS Online.

Books on the Shelf

Celtic Shelf, a photo by i-c-photos on Flickr.

A selection of books on one of my bookshelves.

Review: The Secret of Roan Inish

Just before, during and since my trip to Scotland the Selkie myth has been brought to my attention on several occasions. There was a book, mention of them by various people and while searching for a film to watch, having viewed "Ondine", I stumbled across "The Secret of Roan Inish" on Amazon.

I perused the description of the movie at Amazon, a single line that offered little in the way of what to expect. One Australian reviewer, Brian Barratt, revealed the whole movie without offering a spoiler alert, though he did proffer further information on the myths and legends associated with selkies and seals. Despite knowing the complete storyline, I ordered the DVD; it was going cheap.

Arriving home from work in the early hours of the morning, with nothing on the box, I began to watch the movie. I must say the beginning was a little confusing, but I soon caught on. The movie isn't fast paced and is probably aimed at children, nonetheless I enjoyed it. Even though I knew "the secret", I was still entranced by the tale and found myself becoming anxious as to how the story would resolve; I was glued to the screen.

The story centres on a girl called Fiona, who is sent to her grandparents' house in Donnegal to escape the city in which her father now lives. The proximity of her grandparents' house to the island of her family's origin, Roan Inish, causes the girl to ponder the fate of her infant brother, Jimmy, now mourned by his family. With the help of her sympathetic cousin, Eamon and some more distant, dark relatives, Fiona uncovers the truth about her island origins; and the truth is stranger than myth.

A fantastical, magical tale which slowly unwinds.

I recommend this DVD/film to anyone interested in selkies and celtic tales of wonder.

Rating: 4/5.

A Wishlist

I have a wishlist of things I know I will never own, but still desire and I have to add this the list.  It's currently listed on ebay, but it is beyond my means.   It still doesn't stop me from wanting it though.

Description:

Culture:	Romano European
Date:	Late 1st Century BC
Size:	Diam @ 17mm
Description:	A rare ring which has survived in excellent condition with a small elegant band with oval bezel which describes a single sheath of wheat. For the assigned date for the ring it may have had associations with the Roman God of Crop Protection "Robigus". The patina is of blackened silver and has a gloss finish. Calcite deposits are seen within the inner band and behind the bezel which attest to the great age of the ring. In very Fine Condition - Ex French Private Collection.

Jillian LaDage - Music Manifesto

Back, in July 2009, I did a review of Jillian LaDage's album, "The Ancestry" here.  If you listened to it, and enjoyed it, then please read below.

---

February 2, 2010


To Friends and Fans of Music Everywhere,

Out of the blue I woke up this morning thinking this:-

Can we make a difference? Can we tell the media what it is we want to hear? Can a virtual unknown Celtic singer (me, Jillian LaDage) garner the attention of a music industry, so commercially focused, in one year's time from the fans?

Of course we can! Why not?! I would not be here without you.

Is this insane? Possibly.

Here is my question to you; can you add 10 friends, family members, and acquaintances as Fans on the Jillian LaDage Facebook Fan Page and the free email mailing list via Join the Tarith Cote Community on my Official Website? Can you add 50?  100?  What about the newspaper boy, the mail man, the lady in line at the post office, your neighbor down the street? What if at years’ end this page goes from 38 fans to over 5,000? What could happen? Can you imagine? Would the media and music industry take notice? Would they hear our voice? Will you join me in an experiment that lets your voice be heard and is solely directed by you, the fans?

Tell anyone and everyone from now through December 31, 2010. Let’s show the music industry what we as consumers can do. Add your friends through Facebook with a post on my fan wall saying, "(Insert name of the friend, who referred you, here) and I am in!" Copy and paste this message to your wall, emails, letters, flyers, posters, etc.  Whatever you have your hands on, use it. Got free advertising space?  Use it! Add it to your signature. The ways are endless and let’s create our own phenomenon. One powered by friends and fans of music!

Truly Yours,
Jillian LaDage
Jillian LaDage on Facebook
The Official Website

Look What I've Got

I am at a loss as to know why, but a talented poet sent me this gorgeous, hand made calendar. I am so chuffed. I knew that this particular poet had sent similar (though each one is individual) items to others, I was unaware of just how beautiful they truly are until I had mine delivered to me today. It will be a family heirloom and I shall always treasure it, even if I have no idea what I did to deserve such an honour.

Scots Gaelic: An Introduction to the Basics

Author: George McLennan
ISBN: 1902831888

If only every language had a book like this you could read before undertaking a course in said language.

This is a slim volume, but packed full of useful information, including a brief history of the development of the Gaelic language, pronunciation, why letters are pronounced a certain way, and why it appears this language using more letters than others. Accents are explained as are long and short vowels, the changes for past/present/future tense, prepositions, counting (the old fashioned way) and differences in dialect and a likely explanation as to why they might occur. There is also explanations for words imported from other languages and their spelling and pronunciation.

All of which information gives you a head start when trying to read what's being spoken by your tutor, or sounded from your CD/computer. It all makes much more sense now and I don't feel so lost wondering where the sound originates.

Although this book is only 80 pages long, its a great reference and I will keep it close by whilst I learn Gaelic until I have its contents memorized and can fumble my way through written text, confidently sounding out the words using McLennan's explanations as a guide.

Rating: 5/5.

Celtic Tales of Birds & Beasts

Told by Mara Freeman

Music by Gerry Smida

ASIN: 1890851043

I found this CD in a shop, where it was hidden amongst the new age music CDS. I bought it and forgot about it for a few days. I finally remembered to put it in my handbag so I could listen to it in the car and was pleasantly surprised.

Mara Freeman tells the tales of:

"The Prince, the Fox and the Sword of Light"

"The Selkie"

"The Legend of the Oldest Animals"

"The Black Wolf"

"The Children of Lir"

They are told with a minimum of background music and the odd sound effect. Ms Freeman also takes the time to add light accents to the speeches within the tales. Each tale is told rather simply, making them accessible for children and adults alike. I enjoyed the CD and will probably listen to it every now and then.

I have not looked at the texts of any of these stories, but I don't believe Ms Freeman was going for accuracy, rather atmosphere which is beautifully achieved on this CD.

Information on Mara Freeman can be found at the Chalice Center website.

Historical Atlas of the Celtic World

I don’t know how long this will be available but you just have to go and have a look now! This PDF book is available for download from Eso Ursi Garden and it’s a beautiful book.

The remarkable Celtic culture once encompassed most of western Europe; even after centuries of invasion and conquest it flourished in remote corners of the continent. This book is a beautifully illustrated survey of Celtic society, its history and belief, from its origins to the present day.

This book traces the development of Celtic religion and mythology, and describes the flowering of their unique metalwork, sculpture, and illumination. An expertly crafted view into the Celtic past, while emphasising the relevance of Celtic culture and identity today.

Go to the Eso Ursi Garden now and download this book, whilst you still can.

Celtic Myth Podshow

I was searching randomly through google groups tonight, having checked my messages from the Northern Earth group and feeling like a bit of wander. It was on a druid list that I found an advertisement for the Celtic Myth Podshow - "bringing tales of the tales and stories of the ancient celts to your fireside".

In their introductory podshow, the hosts explain they are reading various tales and stories from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall and Britanny, and they are quick to make apologies for any mispronunciations of names, characters and places, admitting they are not native speakers of any of the languages. They do ask that anyone who has suggestions about pronunciation may leave messages on their forums, or by sending a .mp3 sound file.

The shows are hosted by Gary and Ruth, and I have to admit I find their voices quite soothing and this lends atmosphere when they are telling the tales. I have yet to read most of the stories they relate for myself; but I am enjoying what has been produced by this couple from Southern England so far.

Each episode is just over 20 minutes long, and the tales are told so that they can be enjoyed fireside, with music and sound effects to add to the atmosphere and notes are published for each episode, allowing the listener to keep track of goings on. The site is marked "child friendly" so they could be listened to by the whole family. Personally, I think they would be ideal to upload onto an iPod to by a camp fire.

I have to say, I was disappointed to find only two full episodes, though I the site is very new and I imagine it takes quite a bit of work to make each episode. I am looking forward to more appearing soon.