The Mammoth Book of Celtic Myths and Legends

This book gets a lot of stick for not being an “accurate” record of Celtic mythology. But honestly, I don’t think there’s such a thing. Most myths started out as oral stories, passed down and reshaped over generations. So it really comes down to the storyteller—and this book is a great example of that.

Peter Berresford Ellis tells these stories in a way that’s easy to follow but still full of heart. What I liked most is that it doesn’t try too hard to sound clever or academic. It just tells the myths like they’re meant to be told—simply, clearly, and with a real sense of wonder.

The introduction alone is worth reading. It gives some background on the Indo-European roots of the Celts, which helps put the stories in context. And what really caught my attention was the connection between Celtic and Hindu mythology. That was something I didn’t expect, and it made me see these stories in a new light.

That said, it can be tricky to keep track of all the names—at times I felt like making character cards just to remember who’s who. But if you’re into mythology and want something that’s both enjoyable and informative, this one’s well worth a read.