Hero-Myths and Legends of the British Race

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Hero-Myths and Legends of the British Race

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

Maud Isabel Ebbutt's anthology reimagines ancient British legends for the twentieth century, exploring evolving ideals of heroism through tales from the British Isles. Blending Celtic mysticism with Saxon martial virtue, the collection offers a rich tapestry of medieval life, loyalty, and devotion.

Summary up to 500 words

In 'Hero-Myths and Legends of the British Race,' Maud Isabel Ebbutt curates a collection of heroic tales spanning from the Dark Ages to the Middle Ages, illustrating the evolution of the British hero. Ebbutt argues that heroism is not static but reflects the specific virtues of each era, ranging from the physical prowess celebrated in *Beowulf* to the feudal loyalty of Roland and the spiritual devotion found in W.B. Yeats' *The Countess Cathleen*. The work posits that the modern British race is a composite of diverse influences, blending Celtic fire, Saxon force, Norman sinew, and Roman intellect. By examining these legends, readers can trace the lineage of the British nation back to prehistoric Iberian cave-dwellers, through the Iberians, Celts, Romans, and various Teutonic tribes, understanding how these distinct groups merged to form the modern Briton. The book features retellings of classic myths alongside original prose adaptations. A central narrative is the story of the Countess Cathleen, who, during a devastating famine, sells her vast wealth to buy food for her starving people. She is subsequently tempted by demon merchants who offer to purchase the souls of the desperate in exchange for their lives. Her loyal steward, Fergus, struggles against impossible odds to return with provisions, highlighting themes of sacrifice and the conflict between material survival and spiritual integrity. Another significant tale recounts the exploits of Hereward the Wake. He rescues a Cornish princess from a Pictish giant and aids Prince Sigtryg in a daring ambush against a treacherous Cornish leader. Through these varied narratives, Ebbutt preserves the medieval conceptions of honour, loyalty, devotion, and duty while making them accessible to modern readers. The text serves as a testament to the enduring nature of hero-worship, suggesting that such admiration remains a sure token of a people's character. Ultimately, the collection offers a glimpse into the social life, virtues, and beliefs of earlier ages, presenting the ideal hero as the mind of Britain imagined him across centuries.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/ebooks/maud-isabel-ebbutt_hero-myths-and-legends-of-the-british-race.epub

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Categories

• Folklore
• Mythology
• British History
• Celtic Culture