For the Celts, a rural people whose survival depended so greatly upon their environment, the sanctity of natural phenomenon and of the elements led to extreme respect and veneration of animals. Both wild and domesticated species became the subject of elaborate rituals and formed the basis of profound religious beliefs.
For the Celts, a rural people whose survival depended so greatly upon their environment, the sanctity of natural phenomenon and of the elements led to...
In Symbol and Image in Celtic Religious Art, Miranda Green argues that only by deciphering their complex systems of images and symbols can we uncover the realities of Celtic life and belief in Europe before and during the Roman period. She explores a number of iconographic themes in depth and examines the tribal and regional differences in artistic cult expression to reveal the very varied concepts embraced by anthropomorphic imagery. Discussion ranges from the artistic expression of animal cults and that of natural forces to the effect of religious belief on artistic style, and Miranda Green...
In Symbol and Image in Celtic Religious Art, Miranda Green argues that only by deciphering their complex systems of images and symbols can we uncover ...
This volume is a study of the female aspect of religion both in past and present mythologies. It explores the function and nature of goddesses and their cults in many cultures, including Celtic, Roman, Norse, Caucasian and Japanese traditions. The contributors explore the reasons for the existence of so many goddesses in the mythological traditions of largely patriarchal societies. They demonstrate how, in many myths, the female deity is seen as more ambivalent than her male counterparts, curing and cursing at whim. They show goddesses do not play primarily feminine roles in myths; war,...
This volume is a study of the female aspect of religion both in past and present mythologies. It explores the function and nature of goddesses and the...
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,...
Animals played a crucial role in many aspects of Celtic life: in the economy, hunting, warfare, art, literature and religion. Such was their importanc...