Music and the Celtic Otherworld: From Ireland to Iona

Many cultures throughout history have made reference to the supernatural or spiritual dimension of music, and Scotland and Ireland are no exception. From the descriptions of the supernatural power of the 'fairy' harp in Elfland in the Scottish ballads to the sacred music of God's Heaven in the Saints' Lives, the Celtic sources provide a rich and varied selection of references to music and its perceived supernatural power and influence. With the increasing popularity of world music and Shamanism today, this important new book is an essential guide to the Celtic dimension of a universal phenomenon. Covering themes close to Irish and Scottish folklore "Music and the Celtic Otherworld" explores the universal concept of the spiritual dimension of music. It is also the first ever comprehensive collection of references from Celtic primary source material in translation, including Celtic tales, folklore, ballads, place-lore, saints' lives, poetry and proverbs.