Scottish folk literature is characterised by a wide range of creative expression: story, song, play and proverb. This anthology, first published in 1984, provides an authoritative introduction to Scottish folk literature, and is unique in that it deals with all the genres intrinsic to Scottish tradition. Its selected texts offer an unusual and diverse enjoyment to the reader, including such forms as wonder tales or Märhcen, classical ballads, riddles, jocular tales, lyric and comic and occupational folksongs, rhymes, historical and supernatural legends, and guisers’ plays. The texts chosen cover the main regional traditions of Lowland Scotland, from Galloway to the Shetlands, and span a number of centuries, through both pre- and post-industrial periods, from a sailor’s worksong of the sixteenth century to modern urban legends just recently recorded. The book is arranged in four sections, on Folk Narrative, Folksong, Folksay, and Folk Drama, each with an introduction and a bibliographical essay setting the material in context and indicating some of its international links. Folk literature itself is brought into firm focus by discussion and generic example, and the anthology as a whole illuminates substantial areas of Scottish social and cultural life.

This book, first published in 1994, sets ‘repertoire against raconteur’ in order to explore one of the world’s largest collections of folk literature. The author’s findings, and his creative and synthetic methodologies, enhance greatly our understanding of the world of the legend, and especially the basic question of ‘Who tells what to whom in the form of a legend and why?’ This work is an in-depth exploration of rural Denmark, and provides us with an excellent vantage point from which to understand legends in their cultural contexts and within the lives of their tellers.

This collection of Newfoundland folk narratives, first published in 1996, grew out of extensive fieldwork in folk culture in the province. The intention was to collect as broad a spectrum of traditional material as possible, and Folktales of Newfoundland is notable not only for the number and quality of its narratives, but also for the format in which they are presented. A special transcription system conveys to the reader the accents and rhythms of each performance, and the endnote to each tale features an analysis of the narrator’s language. In addition, Newfoundland has preserved many aspects of English and Irish folk tradition, some of which are no longer active in the countries of their origin. Working from the premise that traditions virtually unknown in England might still survive in active form in Newfoundland, the researchers set out to discover if this was in fact the case.

This study draws on a wide range of texts — early Irish, pre-modern Scottish Gaelic, early Welsh, Early Norse, Old English —to illustrate the role of the poet as a tool of power, as seer, and as ceremonial figure.

Step into the Enchanted World of Scotland’s Most Cherished Folk Tales Journey through mist-covered glens, explore the depths of ancient lochs, and encounter the magic and mystery that lies at the heart of Scotland’s rich storytelling tradition. Folk Tales from Scotland: Legends of Scottish Magic, Mythical Beasts, and Supernatural Heroes is a captivating collection that brings together the most beloved tales of Scotland in a single, beautifully crafted volume. In this first installment of our Folk Tales from Scotland series, readers of all ages are invited to embark on adventures that are as timeless as they are thrilling. Meet Tam Lin, the brave young woman who defies the Queen of the Fairies to rescue her true love; face the terrifying Kelpie of Loch Garve, a shape-shifting water spirit that lures the unwary to their doom; and outwit the Devil himself in the cunning tale of "The Deil’s Ain." Each story in this collection is a portal to a world where magic and reality intertwine, where heroes and villains come to life, and where the ancient myths of Scotland reveal their profound wisdom and timeless lessons. These tales, steeped in the misty landscapes of the Highlands, offer readers a deeper connection to the cultural soul of Scotland—a connection that spans generations and continues to inspire today. A Treasure Trove of Timeless Wisdom More than just stories, these folk tales are the distilled essence of Scotland’s cultural heritage, brimming with profound knowledge and timeless teachings. They are a pleasure to read, filled with universal themes of bravery, cleverness, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. Perfect for readers of all ages, these tales are not only entertaining but also serve as a gateway to understanding the values, fears, and hopes that have shaped Scotland’s identity for centuries. At the heart of this collection is our mission to preserve the invaluable cultural inheritance that these stories represent. Folk tales are the foundation of human storytelling, offering a unique window into the soul of a culture. To understand Scotland is to understand the stories it tells, and in this volume, you’ll find a rich tapestry of Scottish tradition, ready to be passed down and cherished for generations to come. A Must-Have for Any Library or Bookshelf We envision this collection as a treasure that any library or bookshelf can hold and pass on to future generations—so they too can be inspired and draw wisdom from the tales of our ancestors. Whether you’re a lover of mythology, a seeker of adventure, or a parent wanting to introduce your children to the wonders of storytelling, this book is an essential addition to your collection. Key Features: Legends of Scottish Magic: Immerse yourself in the enchanting folklore of Scotland, with tales that capture the mystique and magic of the country’s mythological heritage. Perfect for All Ages: These stories are as entertaining as they are educational, offering something for readers young and old alike. Cultural Insight: Gain a deeper understanding of Scottish culture and values through interpretations and analyses of the folk tales that have shaped the nation’s identity for centuries. Beautifully Crafted: Designed as a timeless keepsake, this book is a treasure that will enhance any personal library or bookshelf. Folk Tales from Scotland is more than just a book; it’s a journey into the heart of Scotland’s cultural legacy, a celebration of the art of storytelling, and a preservation of priceless cultural heritage. Add this volume to your collection today and become a part of the timeless tradition of folk tales that continue to inspire and teach us about the world and ourselves.

This book collects together the academic and popular articles which have been published on the author's 'Arthurian Resources' website -- www.arthuriana.co.uk -- between 1998 and 2009.Praise for Thomas Green's 'Concepts of Arthur' (Tempus, 2007)'Valuable to anyone studying the Arthurian legend... vigorous and comprehensive' [Speculum, the Journal of the Medieval Academy of America]'Concepts of Arthur is that rare thing: a book that offers an original and refocused view of the nature of Arthur... I cannot fault or praise highly enough his respectful handling of British myth' [Arthuriana, the Journal of Arthurian Studies]'Demanding but very important' [Simon Young, author of 'AD 500']

Romany culture is perhaps the most Indo-European of all. The ancestors of the Gypsies left India around 1000 years ago and mixed with every culture on the way to produce a variety of Romany dialects and well-known cultural achievements from Hungarian Gypsy music to the English Gypsy caravan. Such images somehow co-exist, however, with continuous persecution.

The Oxford Handbook of the Archaeology of Ritual and Religion provides a comprehensive overview by period and region of the relevant archaeological material in relation to theory, methodology, definition, and practice. Although, as the title indicates, the focus is upon archaeological investigations of ritual and religion, by necessity ideas and evidence from other disciplines are also included, among them anthropology, ethnography, religious studies, and history. The Handbook covers a global span - Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, and the Americas - and reaches from the earliest prehistory (the Lower and Middle Palaeolithic) to modern times. In addition, chapters focus upon relevant themes, ranging from landscape to death, from taboo to water, from gender to rites of passage, from ritual to fasting and feasting. Written by over sixty specialists, renowned in their respective fields, the Handbook presents the very best in current scholarship, and will serve both as a comprehensive introduction to its subject and as a stimulus to further research.

A Companion to Scottish Literature offers fresh readings of major authors and periods of Scottish literary production from the first millennium to the present. Bringing together contributions by many of the world’s leading experts in the field, this comprehensive resource provides the historical background of Scottish literature, highlights new critical approaches, and explores wider cultural and institutional contexts. Dealing with texts in the languages of Scots, English, and Gaelic, the Companion offers modern perspectives on the historical milieux, thematic contexts and canonical writers of Scottish literature. Original essays apply the most up-to-date critical and scholarly analyses to a uniquely wide range of topics, such as Gaelic literature, national and diasporic writing, children’s literature, Scottish drama and theatre, gender and sexuality, and women’s writing. Critical readings examine William Dunbar, Robert Burns, Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, Muriel Spark and Carol Ann Duffy, amongst others. With full references and guidance for further reading, as well as numerous links to online resources, A Companion to Scottish Literature is essential reading for advanced students and scholars of Scottish literature, as well as academic and non-academic readers with an interest in the subject.

Culture Smart! provides essential information on attitudes, beliefs and behavior in different countries, ensuring that you arrive at your destination aware of basic manners, common courtesies, and sensitive issues. These concise guides tell you what to expect, how to behave, and how to establish a rapport with your hosts. This inside knowledge will enable you to steer clear of embarrassing gaffes and mistakes, feel confident in unfamiliar situations, and develop trust, friendships, and successful business relationships. Culture Smart! offers illuminating insights into the culture and society of a particular country. It will help you to turn your visit-whether on business or for pleasure-into a memorable and enriching experience. Contents include: * customs, values, and traditions * historical, religious, and political background * life at home * leisure, social, and cultural life * eating and drinking * do's, don'ts, and taboos * business practices * communication, spoken and unspoken