Myths of Britain

The narrative begins with the legendary history of the British Isles and gradually turns to various layers of local mythology. At the center of attention is — Dagda, one of the most important gods of the Irish tradition, attributed with a magical inexhaustible cauldron; Brigid, the Celtic patroness of poetry and crafts; Taranis, the god of thunder; and Cernunnos, the mysterious horned deity known from ancient depictions. Here also appear the Tuatha Dé Danann — the supernatural people of Irish legends, as well as Beltane, Lughnasadh, and Samhain — ancient calendar festivals associated with the seasonal cycle. A separate section is dedicated to Cú Chulainn, the famous hero of the Irish Ulster Cycle. Another significant layer is connected with British legends and their development. How did King Arthur from early Welsh legends transform into a ruler surrounded by the Knights of the Round Table? At what point did Avalon, the magical sword Excalibur, and the Holy Grail appear beside him? The book also addresses the origins of the legends of Robin Hood and the mysterious beings of British folklore. There is even a story about how a ghostly figure from the marshy wastelands became one of the sources of the literary Hound of the Baskervilles.