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Mythology of the British Isles

The Geoffrey Ashe Histories

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Mythology of the British Isles

By: Geoffrey Ashe
Narrated by: Jeremy Nichols
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About this listen

A brilliant exploration of the legends of the British Isles.

From the dark centuries of British prehistory to the ninth century AD, comes tales of giants and fairy-folk of druids and saints. From King Lear and King Arthur, to Fingal, Beowulf, Gwendolen, and Guinevere legendary characters have shaped the making of the nation.

But who were they? In Mythology of the British Isles, Geoffrey Ashe explores how each of these stories are inter-connected, and how they have taken on fresh significance and meaning as historical and archaeological research has uncovered the truth behind each legend.

He demonstrates, too, how legends from Ireland, such as The Voyages of Bran and Saint Brendan, shed unexpected light on British stories like Arthur’s voyage to Avalon. And modern myths and beliefs are examined and placed in context, from the Glastonbury Zodiac and the interpretation of ley lines, to the possible biblical pedigree of modern royalty.

In Mythology of the British Isles, Geoffrey Ashe uncovers a British mythology, which is comparable to the Greek in its richness and cohesiveness, and which possesses a national genius all of its own.

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Critic reviews

"A 'must-have' for anyone interested in the history and mythology of the British Isles." (Medieval History)
All stars
Most relevant
Really interesting overview of the stories that make a people.
I was surprised by how much of this book was new to me, and will definitely return to it.
The chapters are logical in their order, both well written and well read, and leave you satisfied with the depth of subject coverage.
The only downside of my experience listening was my frequent question as to how I had reached my mid 40s knowing so little of my native country's mythology.

I feel failed by my schooling

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Really enjoyable content, outlining the myths and legends of Britain that we English have overlooked (not always through the fault of our own).

It provides us with a fuller picture of the origins of Britain (so, not just sub-Roman Britain and the Germanic migrations of the 5th Century), explains our indigenous mythology, and generally deepens your enjoyment of the folklore of these islands.

Expect the Arthurian cycle, and much more!

Fascinating insight into our forgotten heritage

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It was comprehensive treatment of the subject. It made me buy the actual book so I could underline sections. It gave me a better sense of the myths that attend the landscapes we live in and insights into the imagery used at the Lord Mayors Procession. It also introduced me to a host of sacred standing stones I hadn’t heard of like the Brutus stone at Totnes. It was read adequately and not by a horrible American voice however I knew that when I bought it

Comprehensive account of our myths

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While I probably don’t have the contextual knowledge to challenge or scrutinise what Ashe offers here, what I did find was a really enjoyable journey through what seems to be the majority of the myth-building of Britain and Ireland. Lots of interesting information and definitely gave me a little more grounding on characters like King Arthur, Tristan and Isolde, Beowulf, etc.

Ashe spends a lot of the book referring back to Geoffrey of Monmouth’s works, so if that’s a particular interest of yours then this would like be even more fascinating to you.

Interesting and thorough

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I love this audiobook. It covers myth, legend and history together showing its similarities and difference and drawing from writers of ancient history and various stories of the British isles. It was fascinating to me and just what I was looking for. Some have said the narration was dull but I didn’t find this. I preferred this down to Earth, easy to follow narration to some on audible that are American and read as though they are reading a highly dramatised Hollywood movie trailer!

Brilliant

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