An Irish folklorist presents a collection of little-known ancient myths, fireside tales, and modern fictions to celebrate the Celtic art of storytelling. Steeped in the oral traditions of rural Northern Ireland, Bob Curran celebrates the lore and legends of his people. This volume includes some of the oldest tales to be passed down across the centuries, as well as newer stories inspired by these Celtic roots. Celtic Lore & Legend  includes tales of the heroes and gods from the Great Myth Cycles as well as stories of witches, ghosts, and fairies. This is the first anthology to seek out and record the traditions from many parts of the Western Celtic world—Ireland, Cornwall, Scotland, Wales, and Brittany—from as early as the seventeenth century. Dr. Bob Curran is a native of Northern Ireland, born and raised in the Mourne Mountains area of County Down, a region steeped in folklore and legend. Throughout a varied life, he has worked in many fields--as a gravedigger, professional musician, journalist, and civil servant. He is now a history teacher and well known throughout Ireland and beyond as a writer and broadcaster. He has written extensively, in English and several other languages, on various aspects of history and folklore and acted as advisor to the Cultural Committee of the Northern Ireland Legislative Assembly. He currently lives in Coleraine, County Derry, with his wife and family.