The Fairy Mythology (eBook)

Thomas Keightley (1789–1872) was a renowned historian, folklorist, and author, best known for his influential work on fairy folklore. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Keightley initially pursued the legal profession, but his passion for history and mythology soon directed him toward a career in literature. He authored several texts on mythological and historical subjects, but his most celebrated contribution to the literary world is 'The Fairy Mythology' (1828), a comprehensive collection and analysis of fairy tales and folklore from around the world. This encyclopedic volume, rich in detail and scholarship, went through several editions and became a seminal work in the study of folklore; it provided a scholarly framework for future researchers in the field. Keightley's approach intertwined the rigors of historical methodology with an engaging narrative style, reflecting his belief that myth and folklore were integral to understanding the cultural and societal norms of different communities. His legacy endures in the numerous citations and references to 'The Fairy Mythology' found in subsequent studies of fairy lore, and his literary style continues to be celebrated for its clarity and historical depth.