Description
Book SynopsisThe hill of Uisneach lies almost exactly at the geographical center of Ireland. Remarkably, a fraction at least of the ancient Irish population was aware of that fact. There is no doubt that the place of Uisneach in Irish mythology, and more broadly speaking the Celtic world, was of utmost importance: Uisneach was and probably still is best defined as a sacred hill at the center of Ireland, possibly the sacred hill of the center of Ireland.
Uisneach or the Center of Ireland explores the medieval documents connected with the hill and compares them with both archeological data and modern Irish folklore. In the early 21st century, a Fire Festival started being held on Uisneach in connection with the festival of Bealtaine, in early May, arguably in an attempt to echo more ancient traditions: the celebration was attended by Michael D. Higgins, the current president of Ireland, who lit the fire of Uisneach on 6 May 2017.
This book argues that the symbolic sig
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
Foreword
Introduction
1. Centrality of Uisneach
2. Uisneach in Irish Mythology
3. Uisneach and The Ancient Assemblies
4. Times and Sacredness: Bealtaine
5. Uisneach: Archaelogical Data
6. Modern and Contemporary Aspects of Uisneach
Conclusion
Annexes
Bibliography
Index
