The Turning of the Year

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.

Auteur

EITHNE MASSEY has a lifelong attachment to the lore, traditions, nature, legends and stories of her native Ireland. Her book Legendary Ireland: Myths and Legends of Ireland has remained a firm favourite since its publication in 2003, and has been published in many countries worldwide. She is also the author of best-selling books of Irish myths and legends for children, including what is fast-becoming a classic picture book, Best-Loved Irish Legends, and of a number of novels for young readers.

Contenu

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