| abstract |
This creative dissertation, entitled The Edge of Equinox, is a combined collection of research surrounding Celtic mythology that supports the subsequent fictional young adult novel, The Edge of Equinox, which is the first in a trilogy. Celtic mythology, transgenerational strength and spirituality are topics of consideration through this fantasy fiction genre. In this fantasy fictional novel, the young teenagers from today's world travel to the Celtic Otherworld of Tir Na Nog on a mission to save the balance of both worlds from the chaos caused by the evil god, Mordrach. The story interweaves characters from different times in history to unite in this pursuit, and calls upon the galactic shifts between the two worlds in order to do so. The alignment of time and characters during the equinox is a cumulative climax that assists the main characters to achieve a victory over the cosmic powers of darkness. The critical section of this dissertation will support the research that formed the ideology, mythology and historical background of the novel. The critical section will also explain the shift between the two worlds of Irish mythology and how the influx of Christianity changed the influence of the power of women in Celtic society. This specific shift will examine the loss of the female druids in history, and how this changed societies further from matriarchal to patriarchal. This transposition is investigated and connected to support the novel's theme of feminine influence and mysticality.
Like the Irish triumvirate, this dissertation will direct the reader towards the understanding of the power of three in Irish mythology and its influences in history. The triad of the Morrigan, the trinity of balance and Druidry, and the balance between the three worlds of Celtic mythology all lead to the voices that speak to us in the edges of coincidental solstices and equinoxes. The openings, the closings, and the universal worlds built upon the ancient myths and runes of Celtic history support our visions of the world today, and this dissertation strives to illuminate that connection.
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