Celtic Mythology
Celtic Mythology
iron-age
Celtic mythology is the mythology of Celtic polytheism, the religion of the Iron Age Celts.Like other Iron Age Europeans, the early Celts maintained a polytheistic mythology and religious structure.
Celts were one of the most feared and admired peoples of ancient Europe. Ireland was a rich and fertile land with ancient and sophisticated culture. The monks of Ireland became famous scribes who wrote down native Irish stories of gods and goddesses battling for the control of island in epic wars, heroes engaged in endless combat to win undying glory, to voyage across the sea to magical islands. Divine women with the gift of their sexuality could control the power of kings.
Famous Myths of Celtic Mythology
-
The myth of Cuchulainn
Cuchulainn is a legendary warrior of Irish mythology, known for his superhuman strength and courage.
-
The myth of The Children of Lir
A tragic tale of a king who turned his children into swans for 900 years, as punishment for his stepmother's cruelty towards them.
-
The myth of The Tuatha Dé Danann
The Tuatha Dé Danann are a race of powerful and magical beings in Irish mythology, who were said to have inhabited Ireland before the arrival of the Celts.
-
The myth of The Loch Ness Monster
The Loch Ness Monster is a mythical creature that is said to reside in Loch Ness in Scotland, it's a creature of legend, described as giant serpent or dragon-like beast.
-
The myth of King Arthur
King Arthur is a legendary figure in British mythology, who is said to have led the defense of Britain against the Saxon invaders in the late 5th and early 6th centuries.
Celtic Mythology Legends
Morrigan - The Mysterious Goddess of Fate
Morrigan (also known as Morrígu) was perceived as a mysterious and rather ominous female deity among the Irish Celtic gods and goddesses, associated with both war and fate. In modern Irish, her name Mór-Ríoghain roughly translates to the ‘phantom que...
Epona – The Protector Goddess of Horses
Beyond syncretism, there were also sole Celtic gods worshipped in the pantheon of the ancient Gallo-Roman religion and even Rome itself. Epona belonged to the rare second category. Regarded as the female deity and protector of horses, donkeys, and mu...
Dagda The Cheerful Chief of Gods
ince we delved into the Gaelic pantheon in the first entry, the most important father-figure deity within the scope of Irish Celtic gods pertained to the Dagda (An Dagda – ‘the Good God’). Revered as the leader of the Tuatha Dé Danann tribe of...
Brigid - The Triple - Goddess of Healing
n contrast to the brooding aspects of Morrigan, Brigid, in pre-Christianity Ireland, was regarded as the Celtic goddess of healing, spring season, and even smithcraft. In the mythical narrative, she is the daughter of the Dagda and thus a member of t...
Aengus (Angus) /Aonghus The Youthful God of Love
The son of the Dagda and river goddess Bionn, Aengus (or Aonghus) – meaning ‘true vigor’, was the Celtic deity of love, youth, and even poetic inspiration. In the mythical narrative, to cover up his illicit affair and consequent pregnancy of Bi...
Ana or Danu/Dana - The Primordial Goddess of Nature
Counted among the oldest of the ancient Celtic gods in Ireland, Ana (also known as Anu, Dana, Danu, and Annan) possibly embodied the primordial scope, with her epithets describing her as a mother goddess. Thus the Celtic goddess, often portrayed as a...
Cernunnos – The Lord of the Wild Things
Arguably the most visually impressive and rather portentous of ancient Celtic gods, Cernunnos is actually the conventional name given to the deity ‘Horned One’. As the horned god of Celtic polytheism, Cernunnos is often associated with animals, f...
Ogmios / Ogma – The God of Eloquence
In most ancient mythical narratives, we rarely come across divine entities that are solely associated with language. Well, Ogmios, as one of the ancient Celtic gods, goes against this ‘trend’ since he was simply considered as the god of eloquence...
Camulos - The God of War
ather than being counted among the core Celtic gods, Camulos was possibly more of a Romano-Celtic deity, often associated with Mars (or Greek Ares), and thus was perceived as a god of war. However, his origins lie as the tribal god of the Remi, a Bel...
Taranis - The God of Thunder
While widely known as one of the major gods of Gaul during Roman times, the origins of Taranis probably harked back to far older (and ancient) Celtic traditions. As we mentioned before, according to Lucan, Taranis formed a triad of Celtic gods (along...
Grannus - The God of Hot Springs
In another fascinating example of Gallo-Roman syncretism, Grannus was perceived as one of the (originally) Celtic gods of healing, who was later associated with Apollo and often venerated as a composite deity of Apollo-Grannus in the Roman world. To...
Belenus - The Effulgent Sun God
One of the most ancient and most widely worshiped of Celtic gods – who was venerated in Continental Europe, Britain and Ireland, Belenus (also known as Belenos, Bel, and Beli Mawr) was the quintessential sun god in the Celtic mythology. Known by hi...
Celtic Mythology Creatures
Púca
Shapeshifting, trickery
The Púca is a mischievous spirit from Irish folklore. It is known for its ability to shapeshift into various forms and is often associated with trickery and mischief.
Celtic-mythology
Selkie
Shapeshifting, swimming
Selkies are seal-like creatures from Celtic folklore, particularly in Scottish and Irish mythology. They are said to be able to shed their seal skins and transform into humans.
Celtic-mythology
Kelpie
Shapeshifting, drowning
The Kelpie is a water spirit from Celtic mythology, particularly in Scottish folklore. It often takes the form of a horse and lures unsuspecting travelers to their demise by drowning them.
Celtic-mythology
Cwn Annwn
Guardian of the Otherworld, hunting
Cwn Annwn, also known as the "Hounds of Annwn," are spectral hounds from Welsh mythology. They are said to roam the night in search of souls and are considered guardians of the Otherworld.
Celtic-mythology
Banshee
Wailing, foretelling death
The Banshee is a female spirit from Irish mythology. She is known for her piercing wail, which foretells the death of a family member. She is often seen as an omen of death.
Celtic-mythology
Fairy
Magic, trickery
Fairies are supernatural beings from Celtic mythology, known for their magical powers and mischievous behavior. They are often depicted as small, humanoid creatures with wings, and are believed to inhabit forests, lakes, and other natural landscapes.
Celtic-mythology
Bean Sidhe
Foretelling death, wailing
The Bean Sidhe, also known as the "Banshee," is a female spirit from Irish folklore. She is said to wail outside the homes of those about to die, foretelling their imminent death.
Celtic-mythology
Fomorian
Strength, magic
The Fomorians are a race of giants and sea deities from Irish mythology. They are often depicted as hostile and monstrous beings, associated with chaos and the forces of nature.
Celtic-mythology
Aos Sí
Magic, nature affinity
The Aos Sí, also known as the "Tuatha Dé Danann," are a supernatural race from Irish mythology. They are associated with magic, nature, and the Otherworld, and are often depicted as beautiful and powerful beings.
Celtic-mythology
Celtic Mythology Books
Uncovering Celtic Mythology: A Beginner's Guide Into The World Of Celtic Myths, Fairy Tales, Folklore, Warriors, Celtic Gods and Creatures
Relive the magic of captivating legends and folktales in this rich collection on Celtic Mythology
In 58 BCE, when Julius Caesar - the famous Roman general - wrote a commentary on the Gallic wars, he described the "Celt" speaking people who lived in the area then known as the Gaul.
These people had their own culture, gods, and beliefs - called Celtic Mythology - which were very different from the Romans.
The influence of this mythology, however, was not limited to a small territory. This culture spread across Europe, especially to the western nations of Britain, Ireland, France, and Spain.
The legacy of Celts is still alive, and you may even have encountered these traces of Celtic culture:
The languages spoken by modern-day Irish, Scottish, and Welsh people
King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table
The legends and pop-culture depictions of the shrieking spirit of Banshee
Conan the Barbarian, a very famous character appearing in films as well as comics
Bran Stark, from Game of Thrones, who becomes the Three-eyed Raven
The above examples are just a handful of successors from the ancient Celtic culture, and the last two draw direct inspiration from Celtic mythology.
And there's even more from where those came from…
In Uncovering Celtic Mythology, you will discover:
A comprehensive, beginner-friendly guide to understanding the world of Celtic Mythology
The origins and culture of the Celtic people that inhabited Western Europe since the Iron Age
Symbolisms and Beliefs: explore creation myths, sacred trees, sacred festivals, and more!
Irish and Welsh Mythologies (and how they continue the folkloric traditions of the Celts)
The Great Cycles – relive the 4 great sagas that form the mythological history of Ireland’s Celtic people
A curated collection of folktales that form an important part of Irish and Welsh mythologies
50+ character profiles – enjoy a lively cast of well known mythical heroes, gods, and goddesses
Over 30 different creatures – legendary monsters and mythical beings – waiting for you
How the Legend of King Arthur links with Celtic Mythology
And much more.
The Celtic culture, practices, beliefs, and myths are not just records of a bygone era… They are also examples of resilient traditions that continue to inspire mankind even in modern times.
Celtic Tales: Fairy Tales and Stories of Enchantment from Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, and Wales (Irish Books, Mythology Books, Adult Fairy Tales, Celtic Gifts)
It's an absorbing introduction to the lore of Albion, but readers will also enjoy teasing out similarities between these tales and more familiar ones." Publishers Weekly
Perilous quests, true love, and animals that talk: The traditional stories of Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, and Wales transport us to the fantastical world of Celtic folklore.
• This Celtic mythology book features 16 stores that were translated and transcribed by folklorists in the late 19th and 20th centuries that focus on themes such as Tricksters, The Sea, Quests, and Romance and mythological creatures.
• These timeless tales brim with wit and magic, and each one is brought to life with elegant silhouette art in this special illustrated edition
• Celtic Tales is an extraordinary collection that conjures forgotten realms and rare magical creatures in vivid prose
Discover the impactful and stunning illustrations by Kate Forrester in this special edition that is sure to impress any true fan of cultural and mythological literature.
Discover delightfully entertaining tales such as Master and Man, The Soul Cages, The Red-Etin, and The Witch of Lok Island.
Celtic Tales makes an impressive gift for any fan of greek mythology, roman mythology, Chinese mythology, and folklore and cultural studies from around the globe.
Norse, Celtic Mythology & Runes: Explore The Timeless Tales Of Norse & Celtic Folklore, The Myths, History, Sagas & Legends + The Magic, Spells & Meanings of Runes
The Norse God Odin was a relentless seeker of knowledge and wisdom, willing to sacrifice almost anything for this pursuit.
Odin's hunger for wisdom is evident in many of the stories that involve him, and I invite you to share his willingness to let go of your reality and jump into the mysterious worlds of Norse & Celtic Mythology and Runes.
Included in this Captivating Collection are:
Runes: A Guide To The Magic, Meanings, Spells, Divination & Rituals Of Runes
Celtic Mythology: Dive Into The Depths Of Ancient Celtic Folklore, The Myths, Legends & Tales of The Gods, Goddesses, Warriors, Monsters, Magic & More
Norse Mythology: Explore The Timeless Tales Of Norse Folklore, The Myths, History, Sagas & Legends of The Gods, Immortals, Magical Creatures, Vikings & More
Norse & Celtic Mythology present a rich collection of stories.
Through the ages they have inspired poets, authors, and songwriters alike with their ancient heritage of sagas, myths, legends, and battles.
Movies and television series about their way of life have surged in popularity. What makes it so fascinating is not the stories in themselves, although some are truly a feast to the eyes, but how they came to be and what they mean for the people that live by them.
Let’s drink from the well of knowledge and jump into a realm of wonder, where nothing is as it seems!
By the end of this book, you will be familiar with both Norse & Celtic Mythology. Inside you will find heroic stories, myths, legends and epic tales of love and betrayal. You’ll discover who they were, how they lived and how they influenced the modern world. And, of course, you’ll know more about your favorite Gods & Godesses, such as how Thor got his famous hammer, Dagda Supreme God of The Celts and many more
Also in this book you will find,
Runes: A Guide To The Magic, Meanings, Spells, Divination & Rituals Of Runes
Runes are, in fact, real artifacts - stones with runic inscriptions. They have both factual and mythological roots. From German tribes, to Vikings and to New Agers, Runes have played a powerful part in history.
Inside we will unravel the mystery of Runes to examine significant facts and history that provide us with a better understanding of them and how they can enhance your life.
All This & Much More Including:
Celtics Beliefs, Ways of Worship & Rituals
Discover The Vikings - Facts & Myths
History & Origins of Early Rune Inscriptions
How Nature & Her Sacred Creatures Have Shaped Celtic Culture
Thor The God of Thunder & The Story of How He Got His Hammer
The 24 different runes that you can use to discover your future and how you can change it
Celtic Gods & Goddesses - including Dagda - Supreme God of The Celts, Lug - The God of Justice & Many More
Ragnarok - All You Need to Know About the End of the World
The Legendary Origins of Merlin the Magician (Made Famous By Disney)
Rune Spell casting and divining
And much, much more…
Open a door to another world…. a world of adventure, heroism, romance and mystery.
Celtic Mythology: Tales of Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes
Most people have heard of the Celts - the elusive, ancient tribal people who resided in present-day England, Ireland, Scotland and France. Paradoxically characterized as both barbaric and innocent, the Celts appeal to the modern world as a symbol of a bygone era, a world destroyed by the ambition of empire and the spread of Christianity throughout Western Europe. Despite the pervasive cultural and literary influence of the Celts, shockingly little is known of their way of life and beliefs, because very few records of their stories exist. In this book, for the first time, Philip Freeman brings together the best stories of Celtic mythology.
Everyone today knows about the gods and heroes of the ancient Greeks, such as Zeus, Hera, and Hercules, but how many people have heard of the Gaulish god Lugus or the magical Welsh queen Rhiannon or the great Irish warrior Cú Chulainn? We still thrill to the story of the Trojan War, but the epic battles of the Irish Táin Bó Cuailgne are known only to a few. And yet those who have read the stories of Celtic myth and legend - among them writers like J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis - have been deeply moved and influenced by these amazing tales, for there is nothing in the world quite like them. In these stories a mysterious and invisible realm of gods and spirits exists alongside and sometimes crosses over into our own human world; fierce women warriors battle with kings and heroes, and even the rules of time and space can be suspended. Captured in vivid prose these shadowy figures - gods, goddesses, and heroes - come to life for the modern listener.
