Lady Gregory's Complete Irish Mythology

This is a lively, emminently readable, comprehensive tome of Celtic mythology. This is actually two great books in one tome -- Gods and Fighting Men and Cuchulain of Muirthemne. Gods and Fighting Men comprise the tales of the early invasions of Ireland, the legends of the Tuatha de Danaan, and the Coming of the Gael (the Mythological Cycle); and also the stories of Finn MacCumhail and his warband/policing force (the Fenian Cycle). These are the great early myths of Ireland -- become acquainted with The Dagda, Brigit, Ogma, Lugh and the other Gods and Heroes of the early mythology. Even in the time of the Fenians, the Gods and Goddesses still walked the earth and travelled among mortal men. Although these legends are the foundational mythology of Ireland, this body of lore is generally under-represented in books of Irish Myth. Cuchulain of Muirthemne covers the Ulster Cycle, the great legends of northern Ireland, in the time of Cuchulain. War chariots, urban settings and cattle raids with special guest cameos by the now aloof and removed Goddesses and Gods. This is a phenomenal collection of mythology; highly recommended. Lady Gregory is definitely one of the top Bards of modern times.

Translated and edited by Lady Gregory, founder of the Abbey Theatre, this collection appears, as it claims, to be "complete". If you want a more or less exhaustive volume of Irish mythology, this book is a good choice. However, it reads like a translation: the style has traits of the original Gaelic which make it somewhat difficult to read. Even so, this style is in keeping with the subject and helps one get into an antiquated, Celtic frame of mind. It also includes pronunciation aids for the Gaelic and English translations for proper names (both very helpful), such as Slieve Mis = Co. Kerry, Teamhair = Tara, Co. Meath. The book itself is 550 pp. including notes with a lovely greenwood scene on cover and slipcover.