Irish Folktales [Paperback]

Here are 125 magnificent folktales collected from anthologies and journals published from the mid-nineteenth century to the present day. Beginning with tales of the ancient times and continuing through the arrival of the saints in Ireland in the fifth century, the periods of war and family, the Literary Revival championed by William Butler Yeats, and the contemporary era, these robust and funny, sorrowful and heroic stories of kings, ghosts, fairies, treasures, enchanted nature, and witchcraft are set in cities, villages, fields, and forests from the wild western coast to the modern streets of Dublin and Belfast.

Edited by Henry Glassie
With black-and-white illustrations throughout
Part of the Pantheon Fairy Tale and Folklore LibraryPREFACE // xiii
 
INTRODUCTION
At the End of a Short Winter’s Day // 5
Connections // 10
Tradition // 11
Communication // 21
A Last Word // 26
 
THE TALES
 
THE OLD STORY
The Legend of Knockfierna // 35
Finn and His Men Bewitched // 37
The King of Ireland’s Son // 39
 
FAITH
SAINTS
1. The Baptism of Conor MacNessa // 51
2. Saint Patrick // 52
3. Saint Patrick on Inishmore // 52
4. Saint Patrick and Crom Dubh // 53
5. Saint Brigit // 58
6. Saint Columcille // 61
7. Columcille’s Coffin // 63
8. Saint Kevin // 64
9. Saint Finbar // 65
 
THE PRIEST AND HIS PEOPLE
10. James Murray and Saint Martin // 66
11. The Best Road to Heaven // 67
12. l#B