Illuminating The Mind and Heart:

Illuminated Manuscripts:

A Window into Celtic Culture

Directions: For this project, you will be creating your own Celtic Myth. As we have seen with our reading, Celtic mythology greatly incorporates the use of the supernatural interacting in the daily life of common folk. During the Middle Ages, after the takeover of Christianity in the lands of the Celts, the practice of creating, copying, and illuminating manuscripts became prevalent. While many of the Celtic tales were Christianized during this time period, the illuminations associated with surviving manuscripts are not spared from a Celtic influence, and they serve as a valuable window into the medieval culture. In order to be successful with this project, please do the following:

  1. Peruse the website link provided on the wiki as a starting point in your medieval adventure. Read through all the sections.
  2. Write your Celtic myth (If you were to type it out, it should be at least two full pages – to the bottom one inch margin - double spaced.)
  3. Write it out so that at the very least you have illuminated the first letter of the document. You may choose to complete this assignment using a variety of media. You may prefer PowerPoint, unless, you practice calligraphy and illumination in your spare time. You will want your illumination to represent a distinct level of historical accuracy. Most examples of illumination that you’ll find online will be extremely ornate.
  4. Review the rubric before you turn it in.

Rubric for Illumination Assignment

Category / Subcategory / Points Possible / Points Earned / Comments
Format / Illumination and myth are set up to reflect traditional formatting of medieval manuscripts / 10
While font may be ornate, myth is readable. / 5
Myth / Deals with magic interacting with humanity / 15
Incorporates traditional Celtic qualities / 10
Illumination / Uses vibrant colors / 15
Connected to the story’s content / 20
Total / 75