Girls Who Slay Monsters: Daring Tales of Ireland's Forgotten Goddesses

Girls Who Slay Monsters is a book that retells the unsung stories of ancient Irish myths, bringing the goddesses back to life in a vibrant and magical way. These goddesses, from Éire to Bé Binn and Badb, are diverse in shape, size, and skin tone, and their bravery and powers still inspire today. The author was inspired to uncover these forgotten goddesses after visiting an Irish archaeological site and discovering that the land was linked with powerful goddesses. The book is a tribute to the shared female heritage and aims to empower girls by celebrating these remarkable women from thousands of years ago.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2022
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Girls Who Slay Monsters is a captivating book that delves into the rich tapestry of ancient Irish myths, reimagining these unsung stories for nine to twelve-year-olds. Once renowned throughout Ireland and beyond, tales of the mythical goddesses and their extraordinary powers, bravery, and deep connections with nature have gradually faded into obscurity. However, this captivating book brings these heroes back to life, showcasing their vibrant and magical presence.

From Éire, the fierce namesake of Ireland, to Bé Binn, a giant who triumphs over bullies, to Badb, a gleefully gruesome death prophet, and Bé Mannair, a gender-fluid spy who challenges an entire army, these goddesses come in diverse shapes, skin tones, and sizes, hailing from every corner of ancient Ireland. Their daring and resilience continue to inspire us today. Join these extraordinary women on their thrilling adventures as they wield magic, confront monsters, and defend the helpless. You might just discover that you possess the same innate power and strength as these legendary goddesses.

The author of Girls Who Slay Monsters embarked on a journey to uncover the hidden treasures of Irish mythology. While many of us were familiar with Greek and Norse myth, the Irish goddesses remained an undiscovered secret. During her school days, the author learned about a few magical women from enigmatic lands, but they were not recognized as goddesses, and she was unaware of the distorted versions of these tales.

Years later, the author embarked on a trip to Rathcroghan, an Irish archaeological site renowned as the ancient capital of Connacht. It was during this visit that the author discovered a profound connection between the land and powerful goddesses. The author was baffled by the lack of education about these goddesses and felt a sense of loss, as if something precious had been taken from her. Driven by a deep curiosity, the author delved into ancient Celtic texts, unearthing a pantheon of exciting goddesses with remarkable abilities.

What truly captivated the author was the realization that these goddesses were not just mere legends or myths but were living, breathing entities with rich histories and profound connections to the natural world. The author's journey to uncover these forgotten heroes has not only enriched her understanding of Irish mythology but has also sparked a renewed appreciation for the power and significance of women in ancient cultures.

Girls Who Slay Monsters is a must-read for anyone who seeks to explore the depths of ancient mythology, discover the untold stories of remarkable women, and be inspired by the enduring legacy of these legendary goddesses.

Weight: 930g
Dimension: 252 x 195 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008538972