Celtic Fairy Tales. By Joseph Jacobs. Full Audiobook
First published in 1892, Joseph Jacobs' "Celtic Fairy Tales" is a captivating collection of twenty-six timeless tales from the rich folklore of Celtic cultures. These enchanting stories, spanning Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Cornwall, transport readers to a realm of fairies, shapeshifters, giants, enchanted objects, and magical transformations, where the boundaries between the human and the otherworldly blur.
The collection opens with the tragic tale of "Connla and the Fairy Maiden," a young hero who chooses to follow his love for a beautiful fairy maiden over his duty to his kingdom, leading to his untimely demise. This sets the stage for a series of enchanting narratives that delve into the complexities of human relationships, the power of magic, and the allure of the unknown.
In "Guleesh," a humble peasant is transformed into a handsome goat by a fairy kiss, leading to a series of comical and heartwarming adventures in the fairy realm. "The Field of Boliauns" follows a group of mischievous children who stumble upon a magical field where everything they touch turns to gold, but their greed soon leads to their downfall.
"The Horned Women" paints a chilling picture of three supernatural figures who seek to steal the life force of a sleeping woman, while "Conall Yellowclaw" narrates the epic battle between a hero and a giant, showcasing the bravery and determination of the human spirit.
Jacobs' collection also features humorous tales such as "Hudden and Dudden and Donald O'Neary," a story of three farmers who outsmart a cunning giant, and "The Sprightly Tailor," a clever tailor who outwits and outsmarts a group of mischievous fairies.
"The Story of Deirdre" recounts the tragic love story of Deirdre, a beautiful young woman destined for tragedy, while "Munachar and Manachar" tells the tale of two brothers who constantly outsmart each other, bringing humor and mischief to the collection.
The magical tales of "Gold-tree and Silver-tree" and "King O'Toole and His Goose" transport readers to enchanted forests and introduce benevolent fairies who help those in need, while "The Wooing of Olwen" narrates a hero's quest to win the hand of a beautiful princess, filled with challenges and obstacles.
The collection concludes with tales of shapeshifting fairies, enchanted objects, and the power of love, such as "Jack and His Comrades," "The Shee an Gannon and the Gruagach Gaire," and "The Sea-Maiden."
Throughout the collection, Jacobs masterfully weaves together the rich tapestry of Celtic folklore, preserving the essence of these timeless tales while adapting them for a modern audience. His meticulous attention to detail, vivid descriptions, and authentic storytelling bring these magical stories to life, captivating readers of all ages with their enduring charm and enchantment.
More: Celtic Fairy Tales, Joseph Jacobs, Audiobook
Irish mythology, Welsh mythology, Scottish mythology
Cornwall mythology, Leprechauns, Giants
Witches, Princesses, Castles
Sea monsters, Traditional folklore, Fairy tales
Children's stories, Literary classics, Audiobook narration
Voice acting, Educational content, Engrossing storytelling
Immersive listening experience
00:00:00 Preface
00:08:35 Connla and the Fairy Maiden
00:13:23 Guleesh
00:43:31 The Field of Boliauns
00:49:02 The Horned Women
00:53:48 Conall Yellowclaw
01:15:32 Hudden and Dudden and Donald O'Neary
01:28:20 The Shepherd of Myddvai
01:32:26 The Sprightly Tailor
01:36:37 The Story of Deidre
02:03:12 Munachar and Manachar
02:10:00 Gold-Tree and Silver-Tree
02:16:17 King O'Toole and His Goose
02:24:12 The Wooing of Olwen
02:43:37 Jack and His Comrades
02:56:45 The Shee an Gannon and the Gruagach Gaire
03:09:33 The Story-Teller at Fault
03:26:58 The Sea-Maiden
03:44:12 A Legend of Knockmany
04:02:49 Fair, Brown, and Trembling
04:21:00 Jack and His Master
04:35:22 Beth Gellert
04:37:57 The Tale of Ivan
04:44:34 Andrew Coffey
04:52:06 The Battle of the Birds
05:17:09 Brewery of Eggshells
05:19:32 The Lad with the Goat-skin
05:34:50 Notes and References
