Mythology of the British Isles

The Geoffrey Ashe Histories

By: Geoffrey Ashe

Narrated by: Jeremy Nichols

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)

This book is mostly this authors opinion and authors of antiquity are heavily criticized.

This was dry: sometimes books like this are dry and that is forgiveable but this one had other things about it that were bad. The author talks about the British Israelites so much in the beginning and the way he says it like it is historical fact I found unforgivable. Another issue with this book was that the stories would be talked about and then the author would look for inaccuracies in the story, half this book is actually this authors opinion. To those interested just read the Mabinogion, Le morte de arthur, and histories of the kings of Britain by Geoffrey of Monmouth. These three books are far more interesting without having to wade through someones critical opinion about authors of antiquity. In regards to Geoffrey of Monmouth most of the book is a critical take on his short book. The narrators voice was occasionally hoarse and the reading could have been better.