A series of eight broadcasts
Introduced by DR. ANNE Ross
7: The Literatures of the Celtic World
The oral tradition was deliberately fostered in the Celtic societies. When this ancient tradition was finally committed to writing under the patronage of the Church, a whole way of life was preserved. The vernacular literatures of the British Isles are the oldest in Furope, apart from the Greek and Roman writings. They contain heroic legends, mythological traditions. stories of saints and accounts of the voyages and adventures of pagans and Christians alike. Poetic expression in the form of sung or performed verse played a leading role in early Celtic societies, and bards were often attached to noble houses to eulogise the chieftains and their families.
Produced by Adrian Johnson
Study notes are available
Second broadcast