The Celts in the Modern World - Week 5: Ossian and the Song of Nations

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts from the lecture on Ossian and the influence of Celtic culture in the modern world.

Ossian

An epic figure in Scottish literature, whose poetry reflects noble sentiments and sublime passions.

Johann Gottfried Herder

A German philosopher who discussed the significance of folk songs and traditions in cultural identity.

James Macpherson

The compiler of the Poems of Ossian, who is credited with bringing these stories to broader attention.

‘Songs of the Folk’

Refers to traditional songs of uneducated yet sensitive people, embodying their historical and cultural traditions.

Fingal

An ancient epic poem attributed to Ossian, consisting of multiple works that reflect themes of heroism.

Scepticism about Ossian

Criticism raised by figures like Samuel Johnson regarding the authenticity and origins of the poems attributed to Ossian.

Celtic Tradition

Cultural practices and oral literature originating from the Celtic peoples, often emphasizing connection to nature and heroic narratives.

Sturm und Drang

A German literary movement emphasizing strong emotion and individualism, influencing the reception of Ossian's works.

Mock Heroic

A literary style that uses the conventions of epic, but in a satirical context, as in Pope’s Rape of the Lock.

Bardic Schools

Institutions where traditional Celtic literature and poetry were taught and preserved through oral tradition.