Norah Montgomerie

Over two hundred rhymes from all parts of Scotland, including many old favorites.

337p. : 23cm

This collection of mystical folk tales about the Celtic hero Finn MacCoul is magical and bloodthirsty compendium full of humour, love and heroism. The legend of Finn exists in several cultures, but most notably in Scotland and Ireland, where he and the Fian, his band of loyal followers, are still important cultural figures. Many place names that grace the Celtic lands have their basis in these tales. Kyle Rhea, for example, between the Isle of Skye and the mainland is so called because of the terrible fate that befell one of the Fian while trying to save his wife - these warriors valued honour above all else. Justice was dispensed decisively to evil-doers and members of the Fian alike. Finn himself was more of a king than the kings he often met, for he alone was the arbiter of all conflicts. His was a life of constant risk combined with a simple belief in the power of good over evil. Finn travelled and fought wherever he was most needed. His dealings with the Lochlanners (Scandinavians) give us a stirring insight into a time where men risked their lives in pursuit of something more than mere wealth.This fabulous and evoking collection of heroic tales conjures a time and place where giants and magic were commonplace and danger was everywhere, where kings ruled over kingdoms, not countries.

A counting book featuring animals from one to ten. On board pages with a die-cut cover.