Boye, Anette G. From the Celts to the Vikings

History, Mystery and Myth

To understand the folklore and myths of the last millennium and beyond, we must examine the ancient beliefs of the pre-Christian era. This book guides the reader through the history and myths of Germanic and Celtic tribes, exploring how these beliefs shaped folklore over time. Through various examples, it sheds light on different types of beliefsboth within and outside institutionalized religionfor folk beliefs often existed independently alongside official religion, yet were just as integral to human life as any established faith. Today, we often encounter the notion that everyday life is separate from the religious sphere: we attend church on Sundays and then return to our routine lives. In the context of folklore and religious life in the past, however, the boundaries were far more fluid. People had to win the favor of various beings and protect themselves against malevolent magic. Belief in creatures such as fairies was widespread; they appeared in a vast array of shapes and sizes, and their magicdepending on ones own actionscould bring either harm or benefit. Immerse yourself, then, in the world of Northern European history, mysteries, and myths, and discover something that is at once ancient and new.