Society of Amateur Philosophers

By MAXWELL GREENWOOD SIMONDS

This tale is a reinterpretation of the myth of Angus, a much loved and fascinating character of Irish and Scottish Celtic mythology. Angus is at once a giver of dreams, an Eros and a symbol of youth. Its origins lie in Irish legends and ballads, but it is also encountered in Scottish Celtic tales: it is a benevolent, good-looking and full of joy, who inspired in modern times not only the poem by WB Yeats The song by Aengus the vagabond but also a Scottish lullaby entitled Dream Angus.
In the version of the myth presented here, although I allowed myself some liberties with respect to the original story, I nevertheless tried to preserve the salient moments of Angus's life as they have been handed down to us by Irish sources. The source texts, however, are not rich in details.
Therefore, the physical appearance of his mother, Boann, is the fruit of my imagination; I also gave my own interpretation of the character of his father Dagda, at the same time depriving him of the definite article that precedes his name in the tradition. In the same way I have attributed to Bodb, the brother on the part of Angus' father, rather haughty manners. These variants will make purists turn up their noses; but myths are living stories, and it is permissible to manipulate them. At the same time, it is important to remind readers that the medieval version of these legends, devoid of modern interpolations, has come down to us and is easy to consult. It should be considered, however, that even the ancient texts were the result of reinterpretations and reworkings of previous versions handed down orally, and therefore embellished and mixed together in the course of this process. The myth is a cloud suspended on a shadow cast by the breath of the breeze.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B09CRQD8V3
• ISBN13: 9798459165180
• Release Date: August 2021
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 182 Pages
• Weight: 0.41 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.0" x 8.0"