Welcome to Tursan Tuesdays, where I take you on a journey through the Celtic world.
“…the Otherworld is a beautiful and happy land of feasting, hunting, and lovemaking, similar to this world, but perfect…It is beautiful, but with a hint of danger, since its delights may lure mortals away from friends, family and responsibilities.”
~ Decoding The Celts
There are countless tales of the Celtic Otherworld, many of its legends have even been adapted in stories from other religions and traditions.
The Otherworld is the realm of the faeries, the gods and goddesses, and the place where the soul travels to rest its weary tuckus after yet another reckless and wild ride (hopefully!) on this side of the mist.
Some say you can find the Otherworld in one of the myriad Sídhe mounds located around the world. Some say the Otherworld is a realm that exists alongside our own and can only be reached by either dying (an extreme approach), or by kidnapping invitation by the fae. Still others believe the Otherworld can be found beneath the ocean.
To my mind, where ever it is, the Otherworld is a place of savage beauty, endless magic and timeless dreams.
So talk to me. What do you know of the Otherworld? Have you read stories of it? What would be the first thing you did once you got there? 🙂
Kate Wood 
I like your idea of the Otherworld. I’ll never look at a Sídhe mound the same way again. At least, not without thinking I’d like to see if the Otherworld is there.
I’m not sure I’d be able to resist the temptation to take a quick look!
I’ve done extensive research on the Otherworld for my novels. I love the allure and intrigue surrounding it. Two books on my shelf I used for research are “Fantastical Imaginations” by Lizanne Henderson and “The Fairy Faith in Celtic Countries” by Y.W. Evans Wentz. As far as fiction – I write YA so read mostly in YA. I love love love Melissa Marr’s Wicked Lovely series, Maggie Stiefvater’s “Lament” and “Ballad.” I just started Julie Kagawa’s “The Iron King” – so far so good.
I love this feature of your blog by the way. 🙂
Thanks for the book info, T.L.! Those are now at the top of the “to get” list 😉 And thank you for your praise, I’m honored.
Great subject, Kate. I think I’ve been looking for the Otherworld all my life. I read Julie Kagawa’s “The Iron King,” by the way, and loved it.
You and me both, Miriam! The Iron King…thanks for the tip, I’ll check it out 🙂
I must be reading the wrong things…I’m not sure what the Otherworld is!
Tess! Click the link in the post, my friend, and discover a whole Otherworld! I would also recommend checking out the book noted in the post Decoding The Celts, it’s a really great book with beautiful artwork. And…stick around this little blog and you’ll pick up all kinds of wonderful info! 😛
sounds like Lothlórien of Middle Earth. Sigh. lovely post.
Thank you, Angelyn!
The first thing I would do when I got there is partake of the feasting. Since it’s perfect, I assume I would never gain any weight.
Absolutely! And great point Ally…that adds a whole new aspect…
I have my on Otherworld in my back yard. I took a photo of my bottle brush plant and I found faries. So everyday I go outside and smile. What a wonderful imaganation, I have. Now if they start talking to me. I may faint. (smile)
LOL
Good post, Kate. I’m afraid I’m not as familiar with this Otherworld as other mysterious places of the real/imagination. But I’m willing to learn.:) It sounds like a place I’d love to wander. Thanks.
You’re welcome Barbara!
I think the Otherworld is where my muse lives. Thanks for a lovely post, Kate.
You are very welcome, Piper 🙂
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