Almost since the dawn of time, the image of the Green Man--the carven
enigmatic head surrounded by leaves and foliage--has both intrigued and
mystified viewers and folklorists alike. Appearing in churches, taverns,
and even on stately buildings, the carving seems shrouded in
supernatural obscurity. Is it merely a fertility symbol, or is it
something much deeper, which calls for a response from us all? Though it
seems a predominantly Celtic icon, does the concept of the Green Man
also appear in other places and in other cultures? What is its relevance
for the world today? In an absorbing new book, Dr. Bob Curran traces the
many strands that make up this enigmatic image. Tracing its origins from
prehistoric times, he explores its significance in the medieval world
and discusses its development in the modern world. He also investigates
the image's psychological appeal, which has allowed it to continue down
through the ages, and, pulling from a variety of sources, its impact
upon other cultures in various parts of the world. From heroic
archetypes such as Robin Hood to Demigods such as Herne the Hunter; from
the King of the Woods to the Jack in the Green, Walking With the Green
Man examines the interconnection of man and Nature throughout history.
Whether as a man amongst the trees, a man of the trees, or a symbol of
Nature used to express secrets and solidarity, the Green Man's visage is
traced throughout lands and cultures. Walking With the Green Man will
appeal to all those who are interested in the image of the Green Man as
an example of symbolic art, as well as to those who are interested in
folklore and the interplay between folklore and culture. It is a
fascinating study, which not only examines the history of the icon but
also its development within human perception.
