Chapter I. Brief information about celtic fairy-tales

The actuality of the theme lies in the fact that Celtic fairy tales have been passed down through generations and continue to captivate audiences today. They offer a glimpse into the beliefs, values, and traditions of the Celtic people, and serve as a reminder of the importance of storytelling in preserving cultural heritage.
The aim of the course work is to explore the world of Celtic fairy tales and their significance in Celtic culture.
The tasks of the course work include:
-to study the background of the Celtic fairy-tales;
-to analyze various Celtic fairy tales;
-to examine their themes and motifs;
-to exploring their historical and cultural context.
The theoretical value of the course work lies in its contribution to the field of folklore studies. By examining the symbolism and meaning behind Celtic fairy tales, we can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of storytelling.
The practical value of this course work lies in its relevance to contemporary literature, film, and media. By studying the themes and motifs present in Celtic fairy tales, we can identify their influence on modern storytelling and appreciate their continued relevance in popular culture.
The subject of this course work is Celtic fairy tales, which are stories that originated from the Celtic regions of Europe, including Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Brittany.
The object of this course work is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the cultural significance of Celtic fairy tales and their impact on contemporary literature and media.
The structure of the course work contains, introduction, two chapters, conclusion, the list of used literature.


CHAPTER I. BRIEF INFORMATION ABOUT CELTIC FAIRY-TALES

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   Origins of the Celtic fairy tales
   

The Celtic people are one of the oldest groups of people in the world, and they lived in what is now Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, and Wales. The Celts are famous for their rich mythology, which includes tales of gods and goddesses, heroes, and magical creatures.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Celtic mythology is the fairy tales that have survived through the ages. These tales are rich in magic and wonder, featuring fairies, goblins, giants, witches, and other supernatural beings. In the early hundreds of years, Celtic folklore made due as a fundamentally oral custom, impacted essentially by the topography of its properties. Through storytelling, sagas and legends were handed down from one generation to the next. Some of these myths weren't written down until after the Romans took over. Despite this, Christian monks did this a lot closer to the 11th century, recording the stories themselves while removing the original beliefs and religious undertones[3,14].
Celtic fairy-tales is derived from various tribes and regions. The majority of them are from Ireland and furthermore Ribs. Cornwall, Scotland, and the Brittany region in France are additional sources. Celtic folklore is partitioned into four cycles or gatherings. The first is the Mythological Cycle, which primarily describes a number of deities or supernatural beings' invasions of Ireland. The second cycle, the Fenian Cycle, is about hunting. In the Fenian cycle, the Irish and Scottish lands are safeguarded by a gallant group led by Fionn mac Cumhaill. The Ultonian Cycle follows the Ulaidh tribe's journey through conflict and victory. Last but not least, the Kings Cycle is a collection of inspiring tales about actual kings[3,23].
Celtic fairy-tales today
At the point when we take a gander at Celtic folklore today, there are various checked similitudes between their old stories and Christian stories in the Holy book. The male and female deities, kings and queens, druids or other religious figures, warriors, and animals are all common characters in Irish mythology. The Dagda, chief of other deities, and the Morrgan, goddess of war, are among the most well-known. These myths were frequently used to illustrate certain life lessons and to uphold the characteristics and traits that the Celts valued most.
Unfortunately, as people in the region converted to Christianity, the long tradition of oral transmission of Celtic mythology largely ended. Despite this, we can still learn about their amazing stories from basic versions of the myths that were written down after the Romans conquered them. To be sure, Celtic folklore encountered a restoration during the previous 100 years. It has even had an impact on a number of movies, video games, and contemporary narratives like J. R. R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings series.
What makes Celtic fairy tales so unique is the way they blend elements of ancient Celtic religion and beliefs with Christian influences. Many of the tales incorporate Christian themes and beliefs, such as the fight between good and evil, and the triumph of the righteous over the wicked.
Origins of Celtic Fairy Tales
Celtic fairy tales have their roots in the ancient oral tradition of storytelling. The Celtic people did not have a written language until the introduction of the Roman alphabet in the 4th century AD, and so stories were passed down through generations by word of mouth.
The tales of the Celts were told to entertain, teach, and inspire. They were an integral part of Celtic culture, helping to preserve the stories, beliefs, and customs of this ancient people[3,43].
Many of the stories were also told as a way of explaining the natural world. The Celts were deeply connected to nature and believed that every aspect of the natural world was infused with magic and energy.
As such, many of the stories dealt with the supernatural forces that governed the cycles of the sun, moon, and seasons. These tales were lovingly and creatively passed down through the generations of a people who continued to deeply revere their history, even as they branched out across the world.
The Fairy-Folk of Celtic Mythology
The fairy-folk were central characters in Celtic mythology and are featured in many of the tales. In Celtic folklore, the fairies are not the sweet, winged creatures that we often imagine today. Instead, the fairies were seen as powerful, mischievous creatures who could be both helpful and harmful to humans.
The fairies of Celtic mythology are often portrayed as supernatural beings who live in a realm that lies just beyond the boundaries of our own world. This realm is said to be filled with magic and wonder, and many of the stories reflect the enchanting qualities of this otherworldly realm.
In Celtic mythology, the fairies are often associated with specific places in nature, such as lakes, forests, and hills. These places were believed to be portals between the mortal world and the fairy realm, and many tales involve humans who accidentally stumble into these places and become involved in the magical adventures that ensue.
The fairies in Celtic mythology were believed to have the power to bestow blessings or curses on humans, to bring good luck or misfortune, and to control the forces of the natural world. As such, they were often treated with a mixture of fear and reverence[3,65].
The Role of the Trickster
One of the most fascinating aspects of Celtic fairy tales is the role of the trickster. In Celtic mythology, the trickster is often portrayed as a mischievous character who uses his wits and cunning to outsmart his opponents.
The trickster figure is featured in many Celtic stories, where he is often pitted against heroes and other powerful characters. The trickster is often able to gain the upper hand by using his quick wit and by exploiting the weaknesses of his opponents.
The trickster is an important figure in many cultures, and he has been featured in myths and stories throughout human history. However, the trickster figure in Celtic mythology is unique in that he is often portrayed as having a deeper connection to the natural world.
In Celtic mythology, the trickster is often associated with the forces of nature, and he is seen as having the power to influence the weather, as well as other natural phenomena. This connection to nature is a central aspect of the Celtic worldview and is reflected in many of the tales.
The Importance of Community
Another important theme in Celtic mythology is the importance of community. Many of the tales focus on the relationships between members of a community and emphasize the need for cooperation, support, and mutual respect.
The importance of community in Celtic mythology reflects the cultural values of the Celtic people, who placed a high value on family, friendship, and social solidarity. The Celts were known for their strong sense of community and their willingness to band together in times of need.
This spirit of community is reflected in many of the tales, where the heroes and heroines often rely on the support of their friends and allies to achieve their goals. The importance of communal support is a powerful message that is still relevant today, as we strive to build stronger and more compassionate communities in a rapidly changing world.
Celtic fairy tales are a fascinating and rich body of folklore that offer a glimpse into the culture, beliefs, and values of the Celtic people. These tales are filled with magic, adventure, and wonder, and they provide a window into a world that was deeply connected to the natural world and to the forces of the supernatural[3,79].
At the heart of Celtic fairy tales lies the enduring power of myth and storytelling. The Celts were a people who treasured their history and who placed a high value on the preservation of their cultural heritage. The tales they created reflect this love of storytelling, while offering a glimpse into a magical world that has captivated imaginations for generations.

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