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Unique elements of Celtic tales
Elements that distinguish Celtic storytellings
There are certain unique elements that set Celtic tales apart from those of other cultures. Here are a few that I thought might be good topics for storytelling related discussion:
"Hero" tales - these are not actual historical events of real people - they are stories of mythological archetypes. Geis - a binding obligation, promise, or oath kept no matter what the circumstances. Often this is placed upon someone at birth and if they break the geis, they die. Celtic concept of Justice - this is not always black and white, or the good guy wins. In the old tales, justice is often ironic, whimsical, or plain nonsensical. In the Children of Lir, for example, they are totally innocent yet they are sentenced to 900 years of exile. Non-linear time sequences - the ancient Celtic sense of time was cyclical, going in either circles or spirals but rarely in a straight line so events often seem mixed up or take too long or short of a time. The 900 years of Children of Lir, to use it as an example again, seems impossible unless you consider reincarnation or some other time-warp factor. Eric - similar to the Geis, as it is an obligation but instead of being a lifelong oath it is an "honor debt" or fine, the extent of which depended upon the offense and the person's social status. |
Hearthstone
~ Table of Contents ~
RECENT HIGHLIGHTS FROM BARDIC COLLEGE
From the Hall of the Red Poet The Many Faces of Fionn Mac Cumhaill Sir Kay: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly What's New at Ciclipéid Éire na gCeilteach Lugh's Arrival at Tara: A Futuristic Fable The Tradition of Hospitality Origins of Celtic Knotwork A Brief History of Hurling The lore of the hazelnut CASTELL HENLLYS Caer Doward (Caer Guorthegirn) The Ceili: A New Musical Tradition The mysterious Dobhar-chú A Tour of Celtia's Cean Mor Districts Yde Girl Bealtaine in Ancient Ireland An Introduction to the Red Branch (Ulster Cycle) Pronunciation Guide - Red Branch people & places The mysterious Dobhar-chú |
