The Religion of the Ancient Celts

By: J. A. MacCulloch

Narrated by: Ivan Busenius

Length: 11 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

In The Religion of the Ancient Celts, author J.A. MacCulloch introduces a different view of the ancient Celts as he dives into the mysterious world of the ancient Celts. Focusing on the scientific study that indulges in the wild, speculative notions of the Celts, this book touches on the sagas, worships, festivals, influencers, magic, and the transition of eras from Pagan to Christianity, and ideals.

As readers begin their journey into this ancient world and ideals, they will uncover a deep, and complex culture and society.

The book provides an enlightened understanding of the Celtic psyche in relation to how they view their place in the universe of religious beliefs. They are portrayed as being able to define the concept of God and the supernatural by their ritualized forms of worship and shamanistic (purveyors of mystical) practices. The book offers a rare perspective on how the ancient Celts found kinship with what they conceived to be spirits personified in nature. Providing a cultural investigation into why they once worshiped mountains, knolls, rivers, lakes, forests, and the stars. The druids who were the ritual providers of the time were seen as shaman, priest, and magician who officiated over sacred rites and spaces for the dead such as burial mounds, adhered to a benevolent view of the afterlife, rebirth, and the transmigration of the spirit.

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Wise words in mouths of fools do oft themselves be

In fairness this book is dated and, like much of the scholarship of the time, does show distinct Classical biases. That having been said there is valuable information and insight to be gained from the comparative mythology contained within it.
It was difficult to listen to some of the time as the audio editing is incomplete and the narrator's pronunciation of not just the Irish and Welsh, but also some of the English as well, is atrocious.

Misinformation and clearly biased

this is a terrible example of any form of scholarships even for the time in which this book was written. loaded with misinformation, support for propaganda, and a clear bias for Roman and Greek civilization. if I had a dollar for everytime the author makes a statement referring to my people as Barbarian or barbarous... A mish-mosh of information that is devoid of any relevant cultural application to the knowledge that was provided by authors at the time or to those of antiquity. An affront to scholarly endeavors.

Well written book and exceptional narration!

This audiobook really led me through the various aspects of the Celtic peoples. Well written book, exceptional narration and enjoy having it in my library.