The Oak King and the Holly King: The Celtic Myth of Yuletide

To the ancient Celts, winter was terrifying. Without adequate food, fuel, and shelter, they would die. The Winter Solstice assured them that the darkness would end, days would brighten, and life would return. It was a celebration of hope now known as Yuletide. In Celtic mythology, the year was ruled by twin monarchs—the Holly King, who ruled over the dark months of the year, and the Oak King, who ruled over the light. Join local author Patti M. Walsh to learn about the kings’ eternal battle for dominance and other myths and traditions of the season

Patti M. Walsh, an award-winning author, writes middle-grade contemporary fiction inspired by Celtic mythology, as well as adult fiction and non-fiction. A resident of Fort Myers, she belongs to the United Irish of Southwest Florida, the Gulf Coast Writers Association, the Florida Writers Association, and the Pelican Pens Writing Group.