by Geoffrey Ashe
I like to alternate my reading between fiction and non-fiction (or proto-non-fiction). This gives me an excuse to learn more about the fantastical worlds, and the one we live on. So next on the review list is Mythology of the British Isles by Geoffrey Ashe.
From the Book
Beginning with the giant Albion, after whom the country was once named, Geoffrey Ashe explores the myths whose roots lie in the different British regions. Taking in fairy-folk, druids and King Lear, and the tales of Merlin and King Arthur that continue to hold sway in the nation’s imagination, he uncovers their sources and underlying ideas as well as their handling in tradition and literature.
Review
The British Isles – or more specifically Britain – doesn’t have mythology in the same sense as the Greek world. With an oral tradition of tale telling, the Britons did not write down their tales. And much of what we know is written by Romans, or – in the case of myth – Geoffrey of Monmouth who wrote in 1136. A long time after the myths were first told.
To his credit, the author makes it very clear that this is the case and that this book will be different. But different definitely doesn’t mean uninteresting.
Starting with the ‘birth of a nation’ myths for Britain, Geoffrey Ashe relies heavily on the beliefs of British Israelism (link Wikipedia). Whilst this was historically ‘a thing’, even in 1910 it was significantly debunked and seemed strange to include in a book on mythology in such detail.
Afterwards he returns to safer ground and the stories of Rome, Giants, Fairies, and Druids. Much more like the mythology denizens of Britain would recognise today.
He ends the book with a very detailed look at the mythology of King Arthur. His early imaginings in Celtic/Briton myth. And onward to the Knights of the Round Table and chivalric tradition.
There is a very short epilogue to Beowulf, but no analysis of the story.
Verdict
An interesting book, but lost somewhat in the earlier stages with constant references to the British Israelism movement. The book does improve significantly in the other tales, but readers may struggle to get past the initial chapters.
It is also more accurately a tale of the mythology of Britain (not the British Isles). Geoffrey Ashe only brings in Irish mythology when it directly relates to the Britons, or English.
Check out the full list of Book Reviews we’ve done on Woehammer here
We always encourage people to shop at local bricks and mortar stores, but if your friendly local book store doesn’t have this available, we have a UK Amazon affiliate link & a USA Amazon affiliate link for which Woehammer receives a small commission.
— Declan & Eeyore
