The Irish Queen Medb: History, Tradition, and Modern Pagan Practice (Celtic Pagan Practice)

I'm blown away by the research and insight that went into the making of this book. Lora O'Brien models what it means to engage deeply with REAL Irish lore and sacred sites. The book is jam-packed with scholarly resources so you can check out the lore and scholarly materials yourself. Just as importantly, it includes the author's insights as an Irish practitioner with a deep and long-standing connection to the island's history and present, including working as a guide and manager at Cruachán (the royal seat where Medb ruled as queen). If you love this book as much as I do, I highly recommend checking out Lora O' Brien's patreon, where they have videos of a trip to Inis Cloithrinn, Medb's death place, last year--and also their classes on Medb at the Irish pagan school. Incredibly significant and exciting work.

Well researched, well thought out, and a fascinating read. Not a single book I've read by Lora has disappointed!

As far as I know there are no other books available that look only at Medb, her mythology and folklore, and her possible wider place in Irish belief. That alone makes this book an important work, but I would recommend it beyond that for the quality of the text. 'The Irish Queen Medb' deftly weaves together quotes from original sources, academic opinions, theory, and personal experience to provide a well rounded and thorough view of this intriguing figure. A must read for anyone curious about Medb or any student of Irish mythology.

The author takes us on a deep dive into this historical woman and gives the reader more than "Jealous Queen starts a fight over a cow." She shares historical findings and contextual lore to expand and share this sovereignty from Cruachan (Rathcroghan) in a way that is digestible for any reader who wants to know more about this Irish Queen and as well as ways to honor her in a modern Pagan Practice if one chooses to do so.Highly recommend.

Finally a book about Medb that looks at her from all angles and aspects. From the etymological look at her name through her role as a Sovereignty Goddess and everything in between. This book breaks down the Archeological evidence and offers a Native Irish voice to her role as a queen, initiator, priestess, and Goddess. The scholarship is thorough and the personal experiences give perspective and guidance for working with Medb in a respectful native Irish tradition.

Lora's scholarship is amazing as she takes a deep dive into this legendary queen. As someone who has taken a deep dive into Irish literature and culture this book is much needed to understand what the cattle raid is all about and who Medb is. I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking to deepen their connection to Irish lore.

Very well written and cohesive work. Lora O'Brien is a leading voice in Irish paganism. Giving clear, practical methods to approach the living tradition with respect. This book is an invaluable member of a growing collection from this author. I highly recommend.

I have several books by this author. They are all very well written, insightful, and authentic. I can't wait to read this book!!!!

A fantastic and insightful book on Queen Medb. The book gives a lot of clarity outside of the confusion generally caused by Irish Lore. As always a well written book by the author that will keep the reader reading . Highly recommend

This is an interesting review of the literature on Medb, written in an easy to read and understandable way. However, I don't really like the author's overly friendly style of writing (a bit is nice, but I think it's overdone and pretentious), nor the use of 'dumbing down' language such as calling Medb's parents mammy and dad throughout the book - that's just a bit cringy to me. Also, there are theories that come from Waddell's 'Archaeology and Celtic Myth' that are not credited to him. The 'Practice' part of the book was quite weak. Incorporating the results of a survey on how people incorporate Medb into their practice was disappointing.....reading pages of candles, flowers, feathers etc really didn't do it for me.

Absolutely fantastic. Exactly what I was looking for!! If you’re any bit interested in Medb, this is 100% the book for you :)

The book’s tone is very informal. The over usage of ancient Irish over its modern English variations make for someone that doesn’t speak Irish it impossible to follow. There is a small section on phonetics that hardly helpful. This book could have been valuable. If you speak Irish I say it’s worth it. If not “good luck” 🍀