The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

W. Y. Evans-Wentz explores the enduring Celtic belief in fairies, blending first-hand accounts with myth, legend, and cultural history. This influential work examines the 'Fairy-Faith' as a specialized form of religion, analyzing the Tuatha Dé Danann, the Otherworld, and the intersection of ancient pagan traditions with modern science and anthropology.

Summary up to 500 words

In 'The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries,' W. Y. Evans-Wentz presents a comprehensive anthropological and psychological study of Celtic folklore, arguing that belief in fairies is a natural, religious phenomenon rather than a supernatural one. The book distinguishes between the 'Living Fairy-Faith' of the people and recorded literary traditions, investigating the Sidhe (Tuatha Dé Danann). Evans-Wentz describes the Sidhe as an immortal, divine race who rule underground palaces in the Otherworld, particularly active during Samain (Halloween). Their attributes include eternal youth, control over agriculture, and the power to steal mortals. The text integrates archaeological evidence, pagan testimonies, and Christian accounts to illustrate the evolution of these beliefs. Evans-Wentz explores the Celtic doctrine of rebirth, comparing it with contemporary psychical research and the theories of William James and Freud. He posits that the human personality is temporary, while a deeper individuality persists, suggesting that fairies represent a higher consciousness or the subconscious. Through extensive citations from Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Manx, and Breton sources, the book offers a scholarly yet mystical examination of how ancient Celtic intuitions about the unseen world continue to resonate, challenging materialist views of reality. The author utilizes an anthropo-psychological method, combining philology with evidence from mythologies and physical sciences. He notes that while modern science often limits itself to the material, the Fairy-Faith addresses rare psychical experiences that require a broader vocabulary. Evans-Wentz highlights the distinction between the perishable personality and the unifying principle of individuality, drawing parallels between Celtic esoteric doctrines and modern psychological findings regarding the subconscious and the continuity of consciousness beyond the physical body.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/ebooks/w-y-evans-wentz_fairy-faith-in-celtic-countries.epub

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Categories

• Classics
• Folklore