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Animals played a crucial role in many aspects of Celtic life: in the economy, hunting, warfare, art, literature and religion. Such was their importance to this society, that an intimate relationship between humans and animals developed, in which the Celts believed many animals to have divine powers. In Animals in Celtic Life and Myth, Miranda Green draws on evidence from early Celtic documents, archaeology and iconography to consider the manner in which animals formed the basis of elaborate rituals and beliefs. She reveals that animals were endowed with an extremely high status, considered by the Celts as worthy of respect and admiration.
This work investigates the multifaceted role of animals within Celtic society, questioning how these creatures functioned simultaneously as economic assets and divine entities. Miranda J. Green, a scholar specializing in Celtic religion and iconography, synthesizes archaeological findings with early literary evidence to construct a comprehensive framework. She argues that the Celtic worldview integrated animals into a sacred hierarchy, where their presence in art and ritual reflected a profound spiritual connection rather than mere utility.
What You Will Find
Experts recognize this text as a foundational resource for understanding the intersection of nature and spirituality in Iron Age Europe. Readers frequently note the accessible yet rigorous academic approach, which effectively bridges the gap between archaeological data and mythological interpretation.
Page Count:
304
Publication Date:
2002-01-01
Publisher:
Routledge
ISBN-10:
0203023560
ISBN-13:
9780203023563
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