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A Dreaming for the Witches: The Reconstruction of the Dobunni Primal Myth

by Stephen Yeates

In The Tribe of Witches a wide-ranging theoretical framework for understanding the major cults worshipped amongst the Iron-Age tribal group called the Dobunni, later known as the Hwicce, was put forward. Towards the end of the tribe's lifespan the mother goddess of the Dobunni was introduced. In A Dreaming for the Witches the cults which worshipped the tribal deities are explored more fully. The surviving textual data and archaeological material are reviewed, and what we know of the Dobunni pantheon, using predominantly Welsh sources placed in a wider European context, is discussed. The Roman period process of interpretatio is explored, along with European traditions of mythical animals and plants which created our underlying cultural tales and traditions. The Tribe introduced the Matrona of the Dobunni; this work gets to grips with the tribal father. The sacred landscapes accounted for by Nennius are investigated, and the mythical landscape around Gloucester revealed. Finally, a discussion is put forward which places the cults of the Dobunni at the heart of the Christian grail myths. 200p (Oxbow Books 2009)

Review Quotes

"In this engaging study, Yeates integrates archaeology, classical literature, folklore and placename evidence in an ambitious attempt to recreate the cosmology and religious beliefs of this enigmatic people... there is much to enjoy along the way."

Ian Armit
British Archaeology (Nov/Dec 2010)

"An invaluable reference work and holds a worthy place on any bookshelf."

Dave James
Twisted Tree (http://www.twistedtree.org.uk/Bookshelf.htm) (December 2009)

Related Titles

• The Tribe of Witches: The Religion of the Dobunni and Hwicce
  by Stephen Yeates

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