Bird symbolism in pagan Celtic religion

Abstract

In these five chapters, an attempt has been made to assemble and examine the occurrence of birds in 'supernatural' contexts within the entire Celtic tradition, and to estimate their relative and changing significance within that tradition. It must be emphasised that no clear -cut line of demarcation can be found between 'belief' traits and 'wonder' traits, although an attempt has been made wherever possible to give some indication of the significance of any single piece of evidence. The work has had of necessity to be compressed on account of the overwhelming amount of material, and most of the major sections are thus capable of expansion and development. The introduction of wider comparative study could well be beneficial at this stage.