Gods and Fighting Men By: Lady Gregory (1852-1932)
Gods and Fighting Men by Lady Gregory is a remarkable work that delves deep into the rich mythological landscape of Ireland. The book offers readers a captivating collection of ancient Irish tales and legends, woven together with Lady Gregory's masterful storytelling. Through her meticulous research and dedication, Lady Gregory brings to life the enchanting world of Celtic mythology. She skillfully recounts the stories of gods, heroes, and epic battles, transporting readers back to a time when the supernatural and mortal realms intermingled. One of the commendable aspects of Lady Gregory's work is her faithful preservation of the oral traditions passed down through generations. She captures the essence of old Irish folklore, presenting it in a way that retains its authenticity while still being accessible to a modern audience. The characters that populate Gods and Fighting Men are larger than life and full of complexity. From the mighty warrior Cú Chulainn to the wise and mischievous god Lugh, each protagonist is imbued with distinctive traits that make them unforgettable. Lady Gregory pays meticulous attention to the details of their personalities, allowing readers to form a deep connection with these mythical beings. What sets this book apart from others in the genre is Lady Gregory's ability to demonstrate the profound influence of mythology on the Irish culture. She adeptly conveys the significance of these tales in shaping the Irish identity and offers readers a glimpse into the beliefs and values of the ancient Celts. The stories not only entertain but also serve as a testament to the enduring power of mythology in human history. Despite its undeniable impact, Gods and Fighting Men is not a light read. The language can be dense at times, reflecting the complexity of the source material. However, Lady Gregory's talent for storytelling shines through, ensuring that readers remain deeply engrossed in the narrative. Overall, Gods and Fighting Men by Lady Gregory is a must-read for anyone fascinated by mythology, particularly the rich tapestry of Irish lore. Lady Gregory's passion for the subject matter is evident on every page, and her masterful storytelling makes this ancient world come alive once again. This poignant collection is a testament to the enduring power of myths and their ability to captivate and inspire readers for generations to come. First Page: GODS AND FIGHTING MEN: THE STORY OF THE TUATHA DE DANAAN AND OF THE FIANNA OF IRELAND, ARRANGED AND PUT INTO ENGLISH BY LADY GREGORY. WITH A PREFACE BY W.B. YEATS 1905 DEDICATION TO THE MEMBERS OF THE IRISH LITERARY SOCIETY OF NEW YORK My Friends, those I know and those I do not know, I am glad in the year of the birth of your Society to have this book to offer you. It has given great courage to many workers here working to build up broken walls to know you have such friendly thoughts of them in your minds. A few of you have already come to see us, and we begin to hope that one day the steamers across the Atlantic will not go out full, but come back full, until some of you find your real home is here, and say as some of us say, like Finn to the woman of enchantments [Illustration: Irish Gaelic] "We would not give up our own country Ireland if we were to get the whole world as an estate, and the Country of the Young along with it." AUGUSTA GREGORY. PREFACE I A few months ago I was on the bare Hill of Allen, "wide Almhuin of Leinster," where Finn and the Fianna lived, according to the stories, although there are no earthen mounds there like those that mark the sites of old buildings on so many hills. A hot sun beat down upon flowering gorse and flowerless heather; and on every side except the east, where there were green trees and distant hills, one saw a level horizon and brown boglands with a few green places and here and there the glitter of water... Continue reading book >>

Gods and Fighting Men By: Lady Gregory (1852-1932)

Gods and Fighting Men by Lady Gregory is a remarkable work that delves deep into the rich mythological landscape of Ireland. The book offers readers a captivating collection of ancient Irish tales and legends, woven together with Lady Gregory's masterful storytelling.

Through her meticulous research and dedication, Lady Gregory brings to life the enchanting world of Celtic mythology. She skillfully recounts the stories of gods, heroes, and epic battles, transporting readers back to a time when the supernatural and mortal realms intermingled.

One of the commendable aspects of Lady Gregory's work is her faithful preservation of the oral traditions passed down through generations. She captures the essence of old Irish folklore, presenting it in a way that retains its authenticity while still being accessible to a modern audience.

The characters that populate Gods and Fighting Men are larger than life and full of complexity. From the mighty warrior Cú Chulainn to the wise and mischievous god Lugh, each protagonist is imbued with distinctive traits that make them unforgettable. Lady Gregory pays meticulous attention to the details of their personalities, allowing readers to form a deep connection with these mythical beings.

What sets this book apart from others in the genre is Lady Gregory's ability to demonstrate the profound influence of mythology on the Irish culture. She adeptly conveys the significance of these tales in shaping the Irish identity and offers readers a glimpse into the beliefs and values of the ancient Celts. The stories not only entertain but also serve as a testament to the enduring power of mythology in human history.

Despite its undeniable impact, Gods and Fighting Men is not a light read. The language can be dense at times, reflecting the complexity of the source material. However, Lady Gregory's talent for storytelling shines through, ensuring that readers remain deeply engrossed in the narrative.

Overall, Gods and Fighting Men by Lady Gregory is a must-read for anyone fascinated by mythology, particularly the rich tapestry of Irish lore. Lady Gregory's passion for the subject matter is evident on every page, and her masterful storytelling makes this ancient world come alive once again. This poignant collection is a testament to the enduring power of myths and their ability to captivate and inspire readers for generations to come.

First Page:

GODS AND FIGHTING MEN:

THE STORY OF THE TUATHA DE DANAAN AND OF THE FIANNA OF IRELAND,

ARRANGED AND PUT INTO ENGLISH BY LADY GREGORY.

WITH A PREFACE BY W.B. YEATS

1905

DEDICATION TO THE MEMBERS OF THE IRISH LITERARY SOCIETY OF NEW YORK

My Friends, those I know and those I do not know, I am glad in the year of the birth of your Society to have this book to offer you.

It has given great courage to many workers here working to build up broken walls to know you have such friendly thoughts of them in your minds. A few of you have already come to see us, and we begin to hope that one day the steamers across the Atlantic will not go out full, but come back full, until some of you find your real home is here, and say as some of us say, like Finn to the woman of enchantments

[Illustration: Irish Gaelic]

"We would not give up our own country Ireland if we were to get the whole world as an estate, and the Country of the Young along with it."

AUGUSTA GREGORY.

PREFACE

A few months ago I was on the bare Hill of Allen, "wide Almhuin of Leinster," where Finn and the Fianna lived, according to the stories, although there are no earthen mounds there like those that mark the sites of old buildings on so many hills. A hot sun beat down upon flowering gorse and flowerless heather; and on every side except the east, where there were green trees and distant hills, one saw a level horizon and brown boglands with a few green places and here and there the glitter of water... Continue reading book >>

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