Call of the Camino: Myths, Legends and Pilgrim Stories on the Way to Santiago de Compostela

by Robert Mullen

Overview

The experiences of an ordinary man on the pilgrim’s path are charted in this narrative that walks along the Camino Francés to the shrine of Saint James at Santiago de Compostela and then on to Finisterre, the westernmost point of Spain. The history of the Camino is recounted, as well as several of the myths, legends, and miracle stories that have become attached--and given special meaning--to this itinerary. Emphasizing that personal myths are an essential part of this lore, this chronicle also includes stories from the confraternity of the pilgrims, people from all corners of the world who visit this walk for a great diversity of reasons, but all of whom leave having experienced the same miracle--that this pilgrimage will play a defining role in their lives.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781844093670
Publisher:	Inner Traditions/Bear & Company
Publication date:	10/01/2010
Sold by:	SIMON & SCHUSTER
Format:	eBook
Pages:	208
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Robert Mullen is an author and a computer scientist. His short fiction has appeared in literary journals in several countries.

Table of Contents

Prologue 9

Getting going 13

Learning the ropes 23

Find your own way 37

Ship of fools 55

Heroes of Spain 69

Old stagers 81

Forgive yourself 97

Cosas del Camino 113

Driving out demons 127

Tending the soul 139

Mountain of joy 151

Embracing the saint 167

Embracing the self 181

The end of the world 193

Epilogue 205

Sources and acknowledgments 207

What People are Saying About This

John Brierley

Mullen brings a lovely blend of humour that always feels relevant and authentic . . . the Call of the Camino . . . might be the most important wake-up call of your life. (John Brierley, author, The Camino Guides)

Alison Raju

Well-written (nothing is redundant), well-researched, and extremely readable, Robert Mullen has a rare gift for . . . conveying essential information about foreign terms and concepts without being either pedantic or condescending. (Alison Raju, author, The Way of St. James: Pyrenees-Santiago-Finistere)

Editorial Reviews

"Mullen brings a lovely blend of humour that always feels relevant and authentic . . . the Call of the Camino . . . might be the most important wake-up call of your life."

John Brierley

"Well-written (nothing is redundant), well-researched, and extremely readable, Robert Mullen has a rare gift for . . . conveying essential information about foreign terms and concepts without being either pedantic or condescending."  —Alison Raju, author, The Way of St. James: Pyrenees-Santiago-Finistere

"Mullen brings a lovely blend of humour that always feels relevant and authentic . . . the Call of the Camino . . . might be the most important wake-up call of your life."  —John Brierley, author, The Camino Guides

"Mullen described his life changing experience on discovering the Camino de Santiago . . .  it’s not a guidebook but a highly personal exploration of the myths, legends and stories associated with the famous trail."  —Walk magazine

"A well-researched pilgrimage combined with the extensively documented personal experience has created a fascinating taster of the life changing adventure so many pilgrims undertake." —Gareth Rowson, Wide World Adventure Magazine

"If you have wanted to know what it would be like to walk the Camino, this book is one you want to read. . . . The book is so well-written that you feel like you are with him . . . an excellent way to get to experience this pilgrimage." —New Spirit Journal

From the Publisher