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Books > Religion & Spirituality > Myths & mythology
The definitive and comprehensive edition of Robert Graves's classic
retelling of the Greek myths 'Icarus disobeyed his father's
instructions and began soaring towards the sun, rejoiced by the
lift of his great sweeping wings. Presently, when Daedalus looked
over his shoulder, he could no longer see Icarus; but scattered
feathers floated on the waves below...' These are the greatest
stories ever told - the labours of Hercules, the voyage of the
Argonauts, Theseus and the minotaur, Midas and his golden touch,
the Trojan War and Odysseus's journey home - brought together into
one epic and unforgettable story. Ideal for the first time reader,
it can be read as a single page-turning narrative, while full
commentaries as well as a comprehensive index of names make it
equally valuable for anyone seeking an authoritative and detailed
account of the spectacular stories that make up the bedrock of
Western literature. The Greek Myths is a classic among classics, a
treasure trove of extraordinary tales and a masterful work of
literature in its own right.
Beyond its housing estates and identikit high streets there is
another Britain. This is the Britain of mist-drenched forests and
unpredictable sea-frets: of wraith-like fog banks, druidic
mistletoe and peculiar creatures that lurk, half-unseen, in the
undergrowth, tantalising and teasing just at the periphery of human
vision. How have the remarkably persistent folkloric traditions of
the British Isles formed and been formed by the identities and
psyches of those who inhabit them? In her sparkling new history,
Carolyne Larrington explores the diverse ways in which a myriad of
imaginary and fantastical beings has moulded the cultural history
of the nation. Fairies, elves and goblins here tread purposefully,
sometimes malignly, over an eerie, preternatural landscape that
also conceals brownies, selkies, trows, knockers, boggarts,
land-wights, Jack o'Lanterns, Barguests, the sinister Nuckleavee,
or water-horse, and even Black Shuck: terrifying hell-hound of the
Norfolk coast with eyes of burning coal. Focusing on liminal points
where the boundaries between this world and that of the
supernatural grow thin those marginal tide-banks, saltmarshes,
floodplains, moors and rock-pools wherein mystery lies the author
shows how mythologies of Mermen, Green men and Wild-men have helped
and continue to help human beings deal with such ubiquitous
concerns as love and lust, loss and death and continuity and
change. Evoking the Wild Hunt, the ghostly bells of Lyonesse and
the dread fenlands haunted by Grendel, and ranging the while from
Shetland to Jersey and from Ireland to East Anglia, this is a book
that will captivate all those who long for the wild places: the
mountains and chasms where Gog, Magog and their fellow giants lie
in wait."
Following in the tradition of recent work by cultural geographers
and historians of maps, this collection examines the apparently
familiar figure of Robin Hood as he can be located within spaces
that are geographical, cultural, and temporal. The volume is
divided into two sections: the first features an interrogation of
the literary and other textually transmitted spaces to uncover the
critical grounds in which the Robin Hood 'legend' has traditionally
operated. The essays in Part Two take up issues related to
performative and experiential space, demonstrating the reciprocal
relationship between page, stage, and lived experience. Throughout
the volume, the contributors contend with, among other things,
modern theories of gender, literary detective work, and the ways in
which the settings that once advanced court performances now
include digital gaming and the enactment of 'real' lives.
Originally published in 1923, the following papers contain the
results of investigations concerning religion and custom in Borneo
and the Malay Peninsula, which were carried out at intervals during
the years 1910 to 1921 by the author. It includes chapters on the
customs and beliefs of the 'Orangdusun', beliefs and customs of the
Sakai, and Malay folk-tales.
Whether hailing from the open Pennine hills or the close-knit
neighbourhoods of industrial towns, West Yorkshire folk have always
been fond of a good tale. This collection of stories from around
the county is a tribute to their narrative vitality, and
commemorates places and people who have left their mark on their
communities. Here you will find legendary rocks, Robin Hood, tragic
love affairs, thwarted villainy, witches, fairies, hidden treasure
and much more. The intriguing stories, brought to life with
illustrations from a local artist, will be enjoyed by readers time
and again.
Laurence Coupe offers students a comprehensive overview of the
development of myth, showing how mythic themes, structures and
symbols persist in literature and entertainment today. This
introductory volume: illustrates the relation between myth, culture
and literature with discussions of poetry, fiction, film and
popular song explores uses made of the term 'myth' within the
fields of literary criticism, anthropology, cultural studies,
feminism, Marxism and psychoanalysis discusses the association
between modernism, postmodernism, myth and history familiarizes the
reader with themes such as the dying god, the quest for the Grail,
the relation between 'chaos' and 'cosmos', and the vision of the
end of time demonstrates the growing importance of the green
dimension of myth. Fully updated and revised in this new edition,
Myth is both a concise introduction and a useful tool to students
first approaching the topic, while also a valuable contribution to
the study of myth.
Storyteller Tony Bonning brings together stories from one of the
most enigmatic regions of Scotland: a land hemmed in by rivers and
mountains; a land that vigorously maintained its independence, and
by doing so, has many unique tales and legends. Here you will meet
strange beasts, creatures and even stranger folk; here you will
meet men and women capable of tricking even the Devil himself, and
here you will find the very tale that inspired Robert Burns's most
famous poem, Tam o'Shanter. With each Story told in an engaging
style, and illustrated with unique line drawings, these humorous,
clever and enchanting folk tales are sure to be enjoyed and shared
time and again.
Detailed research into documentary sources offers an exciting new
identification of the "real" Robin Hood. For over a century and a
half scholars have debated whether or not the legend of Robin Hood
was based on an actual outlaw and, if so, when and where he lived.
One view is that he was not a legend as such but a myth: an idea,
rather than a person who could possibly be identified in historical
records and placed in a real historical and geographical context.
Other writers have gone even further, arguing that he is a literary
concoction, with no traceable original, and that seeking to pin him
down to a particular time and location is futile and unnecessary.
This survey begins by tracing the development of the legend, and
contemporary views about it, between the thirteenth and early
twenty-first centuries, taking account both of new interpretative
literature on the subject and fresh discoveries from the author's
own research in the early records of the English royal
administration and common law. It then gives a detailed account of
the places that came to be associated with the legend, and of
evidence illustrating the importance of the outlaw's name in the
development of English surnames. The concluding chapters deal with
the administration of criminal law in medieval England, and the
evidence that points to the possible origins of the legend in the
activities of a notorious Yorkshire criminal, tracked down and
beheaded in the county in 1225.
What is the origin of the stories of the Round Table, of Excalibur
and the Holy Grail, of Sir Launcelot and Guinevere? And where was
Camelot?King Arthur's name has echoed down the centuries, conjuring
up rich images of mystery and power, chivalry and romance. But did
he exist at all? There is no evidence to prove he reigned in the
fifth and sixth centuries; no eye-witness accounts of his
coronation and no reliable manuscripts outlining his deeds. This
full-colour guide examines the facts of the legends in the
tantalising puzzle of King Arthur and his knights. Learn about the
origins of the Round Table, the cult of chivalry and conflict
between knights, and Arthur's shape-shifting half-sister Moran le
Fay. From the origins of Arthurian legend to the new phase in the
Arthurian cyce in the romantic revival of the early nineteenth
century, read about the tantalizing puzzle that is King Arthur.Look
out for more Pitkin guides on the very best of British history,
heritage and travel. This title is also available in English &
French
What secret power is hiding within you? There is an untamed
wildness within each of us. Once found and nurtured, this wild
power can lead to true and boundless freedom, creativity and
purpose. In Wild Once, internationally renowned High Wiccan
Priestess, Vivianne Crowley, reveals the secret riches to be found
on a hidden path. This is the extraordinary and inspiring guide to
a life lived magically, of adventures into the unknown and of
finding spiritual nourishment. It shows what can happen when you
have the courage to step into the unexplainable and live untamed.
It is also an evocative, intricate account of a hidden world, a
rich tour of modern magical practices, from meditation to
manifestation, shamanism to spellwork. Magic is waiting to be
discovered. It is here, just beneath the surface, if only you know
where to look... We all have wild magic within us; this book will
inspire you to find it. ___________________ PRAISE FOR WILD ONCE
'Utterly contemporary, yet drawing on ancient wisdom' - Philip
Carr-Gomm, author of The Prophecies and DruidCraft: The Magic of
Wicca & Druidry 'A memoir of beautifully told tales about her
magical and well-lived life that will awaken the magic within and
guide you to the enchanted adventure that awaits' - Phyllis Curott,
Priestess of Ara, author of The Witches' Wisdom Tarot 'The best
book on the experience of magic that I have ever read' - Ronald
Hutton, author of The Pagan Religions of the Ancient British Isles
'Heartfelt and often beautiful ... Witches, look no further! This
is the guide you need' - Diane Purkiss 'Wonderfully inspirational
and highly practical - if you have ever wondered what it's like to
be a witch in Real Life, just read this book!' - Rodney Orpheus,
author of Abrahadabra and founding member of The Cassandra Complex
'A real page-turner, one that kept me guessing, and pulling the rug
out from under me' Novel Notions 'A glorious reconfiguration of
classic fantasy' David Wragg, author of The Blackhawks From the
author of the critically-acclaimed Blackwing trilogy comes Ed
McDonald's Daughter of Redwinter, the first of a brilliant fantasy
series about how one choice can change a universe. Raine can see -
and speak - to the dead, a gift that comes with a death sentence.
All her life she has hidden, lied, and run to save her skin, and
she's made some spectacularly bad choices along the way. But it is
a rare act of kindness - rescuing an injured woman in the snow-that
becomes the most dangerous decision Raine has ever made. Because
the woman is fleeing from Redwinter, the fortress-monastery of the
Draoihn, warrior magicians who answer to no king, and who will stop
at nothing to reclaim what she's stolen. A battle, a betrayal, and
a horrific revelation force Raine to enter the citadel and live
among the Draoihn. She soon finds that her secret ability could be
the key to saving an entire nation. Though she might have to die to
make it happen . . . Readers absolutely love Daughter of Redwinter:
'This book builds along solidly, painting in a complex backdrop of
culture, magic and characters . . . the final six chapters are a
rocket ride' Robin Hobb, bestselling author of The Realm of the
Elderlings series 'The work of an author bursting with confidence,
weaving a tale full of magic, mystery and intrigue' Mike Shackle,
author of The Last War series 'This book is a page-turner that kept
me hooked the whole time and pulled the rug out from under me!'
Goodreads reviewer, 'In the end I was left breathless with where
this story ended up . . . McDonald has outdone himself with this
suspenseful and captivating new book' Goodreads reviewer, 'A girl
who can see ghosts, betrayal, intrigue, magic . . . The
worldbuilding in this book was fascinating' Netgalley reviewer,
'This fantasy world was beautiful and deadly . . . [I] adored this
and will be recommending it to everyone' Netgalley reviewer, 'A
stunningly good start to a new series' Goodreads reviewer, 'A
fascinating magic system, thoughtful prose, and a truly compelling
main character make Daughter of Redwinter a really incredible read'
M.J. Kuhn, author of Among Thieves 'An amazingly unique magic
system, realistically complex characters, and plot twists that
literally had my mouth hanging open in shock. Also bisexual main
character!' Goodreads reviewer,
Prepare to be spellbound by Chris Riddell's dazzling full-colour
illustrations in this stunning new collector's edition of The Tales
of Beedle the Bard, J.K. Rowling's glorious fairytale classic. This
beautiful, deluxe edition features an opulent page size and a
pull-out double gatefold; intricate foiled artwork by Chris Riddell
on the real cloth cover and slipcase; an exclusive print of Albus
Dumbledore; and a luxurious ribbon marker and head and tail band.
The ultimate must-have edition for any Potter fan, collector or
bibliophile, it is set to become a firm favourite at bedtime in
non-magical households the world over. Much loved by generations of
witches and wizards since they first appeared in the fifteenth
century, these five rollicking and mischievous tales are a deeply
satisfying read in the tradition of all great fables and
fairytales. Kindnesses are rewarded and selfishness shown to be the
ruin of many a wizard. Burping cauldrons, hairy hearts and cackling
stumps are met along the way. Translated from the runes by Hermione
Granger, each of the tales is accompanied by a deliciously
subversive and insightful commentary by Professor Albus Dumbledore,
all brought vividly to life with Riddell's trademark wit and
elegance. Former Waterstones Children's Laureate Chris Riddell is
the only illustrator to have won the Kate Greenaway Medal three
times, and is brought together here for the first time with one of
the world's best loved storytellers in this magical new edition.The
Tales of Beedle the Bard is published in aid of Lumos, an
international children's charity founded in 2005 by J.K. Rowling.
After a terrible storm, the Kingdom of Birds is looking for a
leader. Will it be the bird with the loveliest song, or the
brightest plumage? The fastest in the air, or underwater? The bird
who flies highest, or those who stick together and work as a team?
All across the sky, birds are flocking together. Nightingales and
robins, barn owls and blackbirds. The eagle, the flamingo, the
birds of the moor. Curlews and cuckoos and herons and hoopoes. And
Wee Jenny Wren. Let the contest begin!
Hidden in the margins of history books, classical literature, and
thousands of years of stories, myths and legends, through to
contemporary literature, TV and film, there is a diverse and
other-worldly super community of queer heroes to discover, learn
from, and celebrate. Be captivated by stories of forbidden love
like Patroclus & Achilles (explored in Madeleine Miller's
bestseller Song of Achilles), join the cult of Antinous
(inspiration for Oscar Wilde), get down with pansexual god Set in
Egyptian myth, and fall for Zimbabwe's trans God Mawi. And from
modern pop-culture, through Dan Jones's witty, upbeat style, learn
more about 90s fan obsessions Xena: Warrior Princess and Buffy the
Vampire Slayer, Neil Gaiman's American Gods and the BBC's Doctor
Who. Queer Heroes of Myth & Legend brings to life characters
who are romantic, brave, mysterious, and always fantastical. It is
a magnificent celebration of queerness through the ages in all its
legendary glory.
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Night Sky
(Hardcover)
Rola Shaw; Illustrated by Lara Hawthorne
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R268
Discovery Miles 2 680
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Ships in 12 - 17 working days
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What stories, mysteries and secrets can you find in the stars? A
wonderful illustrated tour of the night sky for children aged 5+
years. Lara Hawthorne's beautiful illustrations take the reader on
one of the most fascinating journeys that humankind has ever made
and one that is common to us all. From ancient Egyptians building
the pyramids, to early Polynesian sailors criss-crossing the
Pacific Ocean, and astronauts travelling into space, the night sky
has guided and inspired people across the world, and throughout
time. Now it's your turn to look to the skies and discover the
mysteries they hide. For fans of Usborne's Big Books of Stars and
Planets and Dr Emily Grossman's World-Whizzing Facts!
'Terrifically strange and thrilling. One for all you storytellers.'
-Melissa Harrison, author of All Among the Barley The business of
stories is not enchantment. The business of stories is not escape.
The business of stories is waking up. Courting the Wild Twin is a
book of literary activism-an antidote to the shallow thinking that
typifies our age. It challenges us to wake up, to revive our
'condition of wondering' and examine our broken relationship with
the world. We need to think boldly, wildly and in new ways about
ourselves, as individuals and as a collective, to confront modern
challenges with purpose, courage and creativity. After all, stories
are our secret weapons-and they might just save us. In Courting the
Wild Twin, acclaimed scholar and mythologist Martin Shaw unravels
two ancient European fairy tales concerning the mysterious 'wild
twin' located deep inside all of us. By reading these tales and
becoming storytellers ourselves, he challenges us to confront
modern life with purpose, courage, and creativity. Shaw summons the
reader to the 'ragged edge of the dark wood' to seek out this
estranged, exiled self-the part we generally shun or ignore to
conform to societal norms-and invite it back into our
consciousness. If there was something we were meant to do with our
few, brief years on Earth, we can be sure that our wild twin is
holding the key.
This book, first published in 1990, studies the oral fiction
entertainments of Afghanistan by focusing on aspects of the oral
narrative process which can be observed in individual performances.
A delightful translation of one of the finest, and most beautiful,
examples of a medieval Bestiary. Bestiaries are a particularly
characteristic product of medieval England, and give a unique
insight into the medieval mind. Richly illuminated and lavishly
produced, they were luxury objects for noble families. Their
three-fold purpose was to provide a natural history of birds,
beasts and fishes, to draw moral examples from animal behaviour
(the industrious bee, the stubborn ass), and to reveal a mystical
meaning - the phoenix, for instance, as a symbol ofChrist's
resurrection. This Bestiary, MS Bodley 764, was produced around the
middle of the thirteenth century and is of singular beauty and
interest. The lively illustrations have the freedom and
naturalistic quality ofthe later Gothic style, and make dazzling
use of colour. This book reproduces the 136 illuminations to the
same size and in the same place as the original manuscript, fitting
the text around them. Richard Barber's translation from the
original Latin is a delight to read, capturing both the serious
intent of the manuscript and its charm. RICHARD BARBER has written
many books on the history of and life in the middle ages, from his
Somerset MaughamAward-winning The Knight and Chivalry, by way of
biographies of Henry II and the Black Prince, to an anthology of
Arthurian literature from England, France and Germany, Arthurian
Legends, and an account of the historical Arthur, King Arthur: Hero
and Legend.
The hill of Uisneach lies almost exactly at the geographical center
of Ireland. Remarkably, a fraction at least of the ancient Irish
population was aware of that fact. There is no doubt that the place
of Uisneach in Irish mythology, and more broadly speaking the
Celtic world, was of utmost importance: Uisneach was - and probably
still is - best defined as a sacred hill at the center of Ireland,
possibly the sacred hill of the center of Ireland. Uisneach or the
Center of Ireland explores the medieval documents connected with
the hill and compares them with both archeological data and modern
Irish folklore. In the early 21st century, a Fire Festival started
being held on Uisneach in connection with the festival of
Bealtaine, in early May, arguably in an attempt to echo more
ancient traditions: the celebration was attended by Michael D.
Higgins, the current president of Ireland, who lit the fire of
Uisneach on 6 May 2017. This book argues that the symbolic
significance of the hill has echoed the evolution of Irish society
through time, be it in political, spiritual and religious terms or,
perhaps more accurately, in terms of identity and Irishness. It is
relevant for scholars and advanced students in the fields of
cultural history, Irish history and cultural studies.
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