World Mythologies found in Tolkien - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

davem · 11-11-2004, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helen

The (welsh) Mabinogion (which I am familiar with only as much as it was used in the Chronicles of Prydain, though I have good intentions and keep promising myself a more scholastic version) and that rather elusive body of Irish folklore where the Tuatha de Danaan linger.

There's a beautiful edition of The Mabinogion out, with illustrations by Alan Lee, which give the whole thing a 'Tolkienish' feel for me.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...glance&s=books

Also, as far as the Irish myths go, I'd go for Lady Gregory's translations, Gods & Fighting Men
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...glance&s=books
& & Cuchulain of Muirthemne http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...844204-6901455

Lalwendë · 11-11-2004, 02:06 PM

I've found, unfortunately, that some of these interesting books aren't always easy to find. Luckily, one day at work I was grumbling to my boss about how I couldn't get a copy of The Poetic Eddas in Waterstones (I say this like it is an everyday thing to talk about at work, but my boss is also a Tolkien fan and into esoteric literature) and he sent me this fantastic link
Sacred Texts

You will find just about anything you could want here. It's not got the tactile quality of a book, obviously, but is very good for emergencies, or for browsing to see what you might find interesting, downloading to a PDA, whatever you like.

I have to say though, Tolkien did not just make use of the written stories which are available, he clearly made use of folklore, as seen in the origins of Hobbits - they come from many sources, including Hobgoblins, Boggarts and Brownies, unwritten but very vivid stories of creatures you can find in many cultures. It's always worth listening to those old hokey tales that grandparents (and parents) tell around the fireplace on a winter's night.

11-11-2004, 02:06 PM	#2
Lalwendë A Mere Boggart Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: under the bed Posts: 4,737	I've found, unfortunately, that some of these interesting books aren't always easy to find. Luckily, one day at work I was grumbling to my boss about how I couldn't get a copy of The Poetic Eddas in Waterstones (I say this like it is an everyday thing to talk about at work, but my boss is also a Tolkien fan and into esoteric literature) and he sent me this fantastic link Sacred Texts You will find just about anything you could want here. It's not got the tactile quality of a book, obviously, but is very good for emergencies, or for browsing to see what you might find interesting, downloading to a PDA, whatever you like. I have to say though, Tolkien did not just make use of the written stories which are available, he clearly made use of folklore, as seen in the origins of Hobbits - they come from many sources, including Hobgoblins, Boggarts and Brownies, unwritten but very vivid stories of creatures you can find in many cultures. It's always worth listening to those old hokey tales that grandparents (and parents) tell around the fireplace on a winter's night. __________________ Gordon's alive!