A book that weaves together science with Irish myth and folklore, presenting trees as collaborators and not just utilities. The book documents the (native) trees of Ireland and their status in relation to the Ogham alphabet and to the calendar used in pre-history in Ireland. All of this is accompanied by brilliant illustrations by Grania Langrishe.

Some of the sections on individual trees are repetitive. As a result of the similarities in many of the myths or associated folklore, the trees become confused with one another (and with different times, where one might have changed meaning after Christianity, for example). Still, this is thoroughly researched and includes Mac Coitir's theories on the tree link to the Ogham alphabet, a thorough and well justified series of statements. ( )

Few symbols have had such an important part to play in the stories and traditions of our world. Think about it: the tree in Eden, the Yggdrasil of the Vikings,the Bodhi tree in Buddhism, Krishna’s banyan tree in Hinduism, the belief that the trees are the homes of the dryads in Greek Mythology, the tree that provided the wood for the Cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified, the list is endless. It goes without saying that in a country with such a great history, such a wealthy universe of folk tales, myths and legends, the trees would have a pretty significant place. I’m obviously talking about Ireland.

This book provides extensive information about each tree and its significance and influence not only on the myths and legends of the country, but also on the daily life of the past and the present. What I really enjoyed was the fact that Niall Mac Coitir doesn’t limit the content only to the Irish traditions, but grasps the chance to refer to similar customs in other European countries. This is an indicant of a good research on the part of the author. Furthermore, he analyzes Ogham, the Celtic Tree Alphabet and the Celtic Calendar in a satisfying way. I’ve got two reservations, though. First, I don’t think that this is a book for someone who has no relation to Celtic dialects whatsoever, it is quite difficult to understand a few parts which are not explained to the fullest. My second reservation has to do with references. The author constantly cites two sources -the names don’t matter- and this seemed a little redundant and suspicious, to be honest. Why are these two people experts in the subject? Mac Coitir doesn’t explain this either, so I was left wondering a bit.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in Ireland and Folk tales in general. You just have to be patient and read it with a relaxed and clear mind, because some parts are too difficult for the common reader.

P.S. Bonus points because he often refers to Mad Sweeney stories and poems.
(Don’t judge me, the tallest leprechaun from Gaiman’s universe has infected my mind and I cannot lie…) ( )

Few symbols have had such an important part to play in the stories and traditions of our world. Think about it: the tree in Eden, the Yggdrasil of the Vikings,the Bodhi tree in Buddhism, Krishna’s banyan tree in Hinduism, the belief that the trees are the homes of the dryads in Greek Mythology, the tree that provided the wood for the Cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified, the list is endless. It goes without saying that in a country with such a great history, such a wealthy universe of folk tales, myths and legends, the trees would have a pretty significant place. I’m obviously talking about Ireland.

This book provides extensive information about each tree and its significance and influence not only on the myths and legends of the country, but also on the daily life of the past and the present. What I really enjoyed was the fact that Niall Mac Coitir doesn’t limit the content only to the Irish traditions, but grasps the chance to refer to similar customs in other European countries. This is an indicant of a good research on the part of the author. Furthermore, he analyzes Ogham, the Celtic Tree Alphabet and the Celtic Calendar in a satisfying way. I’ve got two reservations, though. First, I don’t think that this is a book for someone who has no relation to Celtic dialects whatsoever, it is quite difficult to understand a few parts which are not explained to the fullest. My second reservation has to do with references. The author constantly cites two sources -the names don’t matter- and this seemed a little redundant and suspicious, to be honest. Why are these two people experts in the subject? Mac Coitir doesn’t explain this either, so I was left wondering a bit.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in Ireland and Folk tales in general. You just have to be patient and read it with a relaxed and clear mind, because some parts are too difficult for the common reader.

P.S. Bonus points because he often refers to Mad Sweeney stories and poems.
(Don’t judge me, the tallest leprechaun from Gaiman’s universe has infected my mind and I cannot lie…) ( )