Music and the Celtic Otherworld: From Ireland to Iona

Karen Ralls-MacLeod

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, Celtic sources provide a rich and varied selection of references to music and its perceived supernatural power and influence.

Covering themes close to Irish and Scottish folklore, Celtic Music and the Otherworld explores the universal concept of the spiritual dimension of music. It is also the first comprehensive collection of references from Celtic primary source material in translation, including Celtic tales, folklore, ballads, place-lore, saints' lives, poetry, and proverbs.

Related Subjects

• Music

About the Author

Karen Ralls-MacLeod is postdoctoral fellow in the Celtic department at the University of Edinburgh.

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