A celebrated tradition, confirmed by all the poesies of Northern Europe, by the annals of the people, by their institutions, and by their ancient usages, (some of which still exist,) informs us that an extraordinary personage, named Odin, anciently reigned there; that he performed great changes in government, in manners, customs, and religion; that he exercised great authority; and that he received even divine honours. These facts cannot be contested; but the origin of this wonderful man, the country which gave him birth, the time in which he flourished, and various other circumstances of his life, are enveloped in a cloud of obscurity, impenetrable to the acute eye of research...

In this book, William Darlington examines the various aspects of Norse mythology and the foundations of Celtic culture, giving the readers a better understanding of the ancient religion of Northern Europe, the religious tenets of the primitive inhabitants of Great Britain or even the doctrine of the druids.