
The Old Grey Magician
A Scottish Fionn Cycle
George Macpherson(Author)
Luath Press Ltd
Published on 30. April 2016
Book
Paperback/Softback
192 pages
978-1-910745-41-0 (ISBN)
Description
Fionn Cycle: A loose collection of tales originating in Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man which surround hunter-warrior leader Fionn, his band of men and his poet son, Ossian.
Old Grey Magician: A mystical, morally ambivalent figure who appears throughout Celtic mythology; in Ireland he is the Dark Druid, and often he appears as a seabird. The shapeshifting sorcerer is a thorn in Fionn's side, solving impossible problems but always asking too much in return.
George W Macpherson has been telling the traditional tales of Fionn and the Fianna for years, artfully drawing in audiences with his storytelling talent. Gathered from sources all over the country and occasionally beyond, and collected here for the first time, the Old Grey Magician's exploits offer a fascinating insight into the traditions of Scotland and the development of oral storytelling. Introduced and situated in physical and literary history by Donald Smith, this collection reminds us of the importance of retaining the stories that shaped us.
Old Grey Magician: A mystical, morally ambivalent figure who appears throughout Celtic mythology; in Ireland he is the Dark Druid, and often he appears as a seabird. The shapeshifting sorcerer is a thorn in Fionn's side, solving impossible problems but always asking too much in return.
George W Macpherson has been telling the traditional tales of Fionn and the Fianna for years, artfully drawing in audiences with his storytelling talent. Gathered from sources all over the country and occasionally beyond, and collected here for the first time, the Old Grey Magician's exploits offer a fascinating insight into the traditions of Scotland and the development of oral storytelling. Introduced and situated in physical and literary history by Donald Smith, this collection reminds us of the importance of retaining the stories that shaped us.
Reviews / Votes
PRAISE FOR HIGHLAND MYTHS AND LEGENDS:The mythical and the legendary - this is the stuff of stories and storytellers, an age-old tradition. Celtic heroes, fairies, Druids, Silkies, sea horses, giants, magicians, Vikings... all feature in this collection of Scottish tales, the like of which were told round camp fires centuries ago. - Scots Magazine, July 2002
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Edinburgh
United Kingdom
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 131 mm
Width: 199 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Weight
188 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-910745-41-0 (9781910745410)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
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Other editions
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E-Book
12/2020
Luath Press
€7.19
Available for download
Persons
Author of Highland Myths and Legends, George W. MacPherson has followed the oral traditions handed down through generations of his family, and has become one of the best known traditional storytellers in Scotland. George's storytelling technique is both memorable and distinctive, capable of captivating any audience, young or old, all over the world.
George has also published a historical account of John MacPherson, Skye Martyr, and a book of traditional stories North West Skye. He has also had published many articles in papers and magazines, both prose and poetry, on a variety of subjects. A participant in the Edinburgh Storytelling Festival for ten years, he also organises the annual Skye and Lochalsh Storytelling Festival and opened the Commonwealth Heads of State Convention in Edinburgh with one of his stories. George lives in Glendale on the Isle of Skye.
George has also published a historical account of John MacPherson, Skye Martyr, and a book of traditional stories North West Skye. He has also had published many articles in papers and magazines, both prose and poetry, on a variety of subjects. A participant in the Edinburgh Storytelling Festival for ten years, he also organises the annual Skye and Lochalsh Storytelling Festival and opened the Commonwealth Heads of State Convention in Edinburgh with one of his stories. George lives in Glendale on the Isle of Skye.
Content
Introduction: A Search for a Story
Sgiath's Sea Battle
Donnran (The Brown Searcher)
The Feeling of Fear
The Daughter of the King of Spain
The Tribe of Fife
The Cup of Healing: Cupan Beatha
The Rescue of Fionn's Son
The Death of Diarmid
Fionn and Grainnhe
Lochlannaich
Spirits of Former Days
Afterword: Ossian Reclaimed
Sgiath's Sea Battle
Donnran (The Brown Searcher)
The Feeling of Fear
The Daughter of the King of Spain
The Tribe of Fife
The Cup of Healing: Cupan Beatha
The Rescue of Fionn's Son
The Death of Diarmid
Fionn and Grainnhe
Lochlannaich
Spirits of Former Days
Afterword: Ossian Reclaimed