A comprehensive look at beliefs in and views of the Otherworld across Celtic, English, and modern folklore.
A comprehensive look at beliefs in and views of the Otherworld across Celtic, English, and modern folklore.
Celtic spirituality, Paganism & neo-paganism, Witchcraft
The world of Fairy has intrigued humanity across folklore and literature for as long as we have written records and into the modern period. This book seeks to detangle the convoluted history of the world of Fairy by looking at the various cultural beliefs that form the basis of the wider view and explore how those beliefs interact and impact each other. We will explore the Irish Soal Eile, Scottish Elfland, English Fairy, and Welsh Annwn before delving into modern and popcultural understandings of this Otherworld so intrinsically bound to our own.
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Morgan Daimler's Fairy: The Otherworld By Many Names is an engaging and insightful work that explores the origins of fairy folklore and traces the ways in which it has evolved over time. Drawing upon a wealth of sources -- from the oldest Irish language tales and the medieval literature of Wales, to the folklore of Scotland and England, as well as considering the perspectives of the Victorian period and the practices of the present day -- Daimler paints a comprehensive picture of Otherworldly realms as they appear in different periods and cultural contexts. What sets this book apart is Daimler's deep respect for the fairy folk and commitment to presenting these traditions and beliefs in an authentic and nuanced way. Daimler acknowledges the complexity and contradictions inherent in any examination of the Otherworld as it appears in various Celtic lands, while honoring the diversity of traditions and perspectives surrounding the Realms of Fairy. Acknowledging that there are many different names, stories, and beliefs about these beings and the places they call home, Daimler invites readers to explore these variations by engaging with primary sources and seeking out native voices of those who are the inheritors of these traditions. Daimer's research is extensive, their writing style is engaging and accessible, and their expertise and passion for the subject shines through on every page. Whether you are new to the Otherworldly realms of Fairy or a seasoned explorer, Fairy: The Otherworld By Many Names is yet another invaluable resource from Morgan Daimler that will deepen your understanding of, and enrich your practice with, these ancient and enigmatic beings. ~ Jhenah Telyndru (MA, Celtic Studies), author of Rhiannon: Divine Queen of the Celtic Britons, and Blodeuwedd: Welsh Goddess of Seasonal Sovereignty.
Fairy, The Celtic Otherworld By Many Names is the most recent title by Morgan Daimler, prolific author of nearly four dozen books, recently nominated among the first one hundred spiritually most influential people of 2022. Fairy is a fascinating study that examines beliefs in Fairy - the magical world- from across Celtic languages speaking cultures. The book is complex yet non-intimidating, with content clearly structured and accessible to a broad audience. Among other things of importance, Morgan Daimler documents how the words Fairy and fairy came into English and how they change meanings to reflect beliefs and values of the time. Throughout Fairy, the author not only analyzes but also invites thinking about the way indigenous fairy beliefs and beliefs upheld by dominant cultures influenced one another. Lore that is authentic to Celtic languages speaking cultures, scholarly research, and personal thought weave together to convey a fuller picture of Fairy, a picture that shows not just the mystery and magic but also things coming down crashing when humans act poorly because of either ignorance or disregard for rules. Fairy, The Celtic Otherworld By Many Names is a must read for anyone interested to understand fairies and the importance of balance between their world and ours. ~ Daniela Simina, author of Pagan Portals-Where Fairies Meet Parallels between Irish and Romanian Fairy Traditions, and A Fairy Path: The Memoir of a Young Fairy Seer in Training
Whether you are new to the Otherworldly realms of Fairy or a seasoned explorer, Fairy: The Otherworld By Many Names is yet another invaluable resource from Morgan Daimler that will deepen your understanding of, and enrich your practice with, these ancient and enigmatic beings. ~ Jhenah Telyndru (MA, Celtic Studies), author of Rhiannon: Divine Queen of the Celtic Britons, and Blodeuwedd: Welsh Goddess of Seasonal Sovereignty.
“Often what we think we know about faeries could fill a thimble, so buckle in for an in-depth look with ‘Fairy: The Otherworld By Many Names’ by Morgan Daimler. This look at Fairy dispels popular myths, looks at modern understanding of the Fae and does it with scholarship as well as a practiced knowledge not easily matched. A must-read for anyone looking to understand these incredible but non-human Beings.” ~ Amy Blackthorn, author of Blackthorn’s Protection Magic and owner of Blackthorn’s Botanicals
Morgan has done the impossible in this book, which is to make some sense of the vastness of the Otherworlds. This is a comprehensive source that pulls from various separate, but connected, cultures to form a picture of the Otherworld that is clear enough to understand how we can never fully grasp it. I wish I had had this resource when I was in graduate school. ~ Blythe Rymer, author of The Raven and The Lotus blog
Drawing on Insular Celts and related cultures, Daimler offers a scholarly but accessible view on what people thought, and think, about the Otherworld, access to it, and its denizens. They are careful not to privilege some ideas over others, nor to confuse human beliefs and opinions about the Otherworld with the Otherworld itself. They also reveal how cultural ideas get informed by Christian ideas and the role of later literature particularly in the English material. Brief but full of food for thought, this book brings together rich original source material and contradictory conceptions to give a fulsome view of how we have understood the Otherworld and perhaps an oblique view of that place itself. I was delighted by the whole book, but especially the last chapter concerning beliefs regarding how to get in and, perhaps more importantly, how to get out of Fariy. This is an excellent overview for anyone interested in fairies and their realm and I highly recommend it. ~ Brian Walsh, The Secret Commonwealth and the Fairy Belief Complex
A concise exploration of the Celtic fairy realms, based on the most reliable extant sources from Ireland and Britain. It goes a long way to clearing up the immense confusion and inaccuracy on this subject - one that has rapidly regained popularity in the last few decades. The final section on contact with fairy wisely urges caution and respect, and rightly so, something that many lesser books gloss over, or omit entirely. This book may prove an invaluable guide to those interested in fairies, but who lack the knowledge or experience to engage with the subject in a meaningful way – Morgan Daimler has done all the hard work for you, all one need do is read and absorb the lessons herein. ~ Luke Eastwood, author of The Druid’s Prime, Samhain: The Roots of Halloween, and Kerry Folk Tales
Finally! I have been waiting for a book like this for years. Morgan Daimler has done it again, taking an often difficult to approach subject matter and making it both accessible and enticing. In Fairy: The Otherworld by Many Names we are essentially taken on a whistlestop tour of various Otherworldly lands found throughout lore from the Celtic nations. Providing the reader with essential foundational information in a clear and concise manner, this book is the perfect primer or spring board for building a deeper understanding of the land of Fairy. Part the mists, come under the mound, and find yourself lost in the enchantment of this book! A must read for anyone with an interest in fairy lore, Celtic myths, or all things unearthly! ~ Mhara Starling, author of Welsh Witchcraft: A Guide to the Spirits, Lore, and Magic of Wales
The Otherworld is an elusive place of magick and mysterious beings. There have been many strange tales of this place where the fairies call home. In her new book, Fairy, Morgan Daimler helps us peer through the mists of the Otherworld so that we may better connect to this magical place. Using folklore, story, and even pop culture, Daimler teaches us the many ways the world of Fairy has been seen over hundreds of years. This book is a wonderful guide for those who wish to dare tread into the world of the fairies. ~ Chris Allaun, author of Otherworld: Ecstatic Witchcraft for the Spirits of the Land
Morgan Daimler invites us on a spectacular journey to the Otherworld. She vividly presents a host of helpful information that both allow the reader to understand what can be a contradictory subject and to come to their own conclusions as well. This is a marvelous work of scholarship that should be primary for anyone looking to explore the realm of Fairy and know its inhabitants. Morgan’s work once again shows us why she is the preeminent expert on all things Fairy related in the modern era. ~ Mark NeCamp, Jr., author of Energy Magick
Fairy is a fascinating study that examines beliefs in Fairy - the magical world- from across Celtic languages speaking cultures. The book is complex yet non-intimidating, with content clearly structured and accessible to a broad audience. Lore that is authentic to Celtic languages speaking cultures, scholarly research, and personal thought weave together to convey a fuller picture of Fairy, a picture that shows not just the mystery and magic but also things coming down crashing when humans act poorly because of either ignorance or disregard for rules. Fairy, The Celtic Otherworld By Many Names is a must read for anyone interested to understand fairies and the importance of balance between their world and ours. ~ Daniela Simina, author of Pagan Portals-Where Fairies Meet Parallels between Irish and Romanian Fairy Traditions, and A Fairy Path: The Memoir of a Young Fairy Seer in Training
