Celtic mythology

Celtic mythology is the collection of stories and beliefs from the Celtic peoples, who lived in Europe during the Iron Age. These stories include many gods and goddesses, and they were part of a religion where many different spirits and powers were honored. Over time, as the Roman Empire expanded and new religions like Christianity spread, many of these old stories were lost. However, some survived, especially among the people of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Brittany.

Today, we know most about Celtic myths from Ireland and Wales, where writers in the Middle Ages wrote down the stories that had been passed down by word of mouth. One famous group of characters is the Tuatha Dé Danann, who are thought to represent the main gods of Ireland. In Wales, many heroes belong to families like the Children of Dôn or the Children of Llŷr.

These myths often talk about a magical world called the Otherworld, a place where heroes could travel to meet amazing beings. Celtic stories also influenced later tales, such as the legends of King Arthur. These myths help us understand the beliefs and culture of the Celtic peoples and their connection to nature and the world around them.

Overview

The Celtic peoples lived across much of western and central Europe, but they were not all united under one rule or shared the exact same traditions. Because of this, their ways of worshipping and telling stories about gods and goddesses differed from place to place. Even so, we can see some common ideas and characters that show up in many of these stories.

We know about these ancient gods mostly through old carvings, writings on stones, and later stories from places like Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and other Celtic-speaking areas. These stories are grouped into different cycles, such as the Mythological Cycle, Ulster Cycle, Fenian Cycle, and Cycles of the Kings, each telling its own set of tales about heroes, gods, and important events.

Historical sources

Because so few old writings from the Celtic people remain, we know most of their stories from what others wrote. The Romans took over many Celtic lands and likely destroyed many books and writings. However, some words and calendar dates from the Gauls were written down using Greek, Latin, and other alphabets.

After the Romans came, more stones with words about gods were put up in places like France and Britain. In some areas such as Ireland and Wales, a special writing called Ogham was used for short notes, but more advanced writing didn’t appear until after Christianity arrived. Later, Christian monks wrote down many old stories, though they sometimes left out parts of the original beliefs.

Irish mythology

Main article: Irish mythology

See also: Scottish mythology

Irish mythology is the largest surviving part of Celtic mythology. It was originally shared through stories told by word of mouth in ancient times. Later, these stories were written down by Christian writers, who changed some parts to fit their beliefs.

These myths are usually grouped into four cycles. The Mythological Cycle tells stories about the god-like Túatha Dé Danann and other mythical beings. These characters often appear as kings, queens, healers, and skilled workers with magical powers. Important figures include The Dagda, the great god; The Morrígan, a goddess linked to war and fate; and Lugh, among others. They fought against the Fomorians, a group of monster-like beings.

The Ulster Cycle focuses on heroic tales from the region of Ulster, especially about the king Conchobar and the famous hero Cú Chulainn. The Fianna Cycle follows the adventures of the hero Fionn and his band of warriors. The Kings' Cycle includes stories about real and legendary kings of Ireland. There are also other myths that do not fit into these groups, such as tales of journeys to mysterious other worlds.

Welsh mythology

Main article: Welsh mythology

See also: Cornish mythology and Breton mythology

Welsh mythology is a collection of stories and beliefs from ancient Wales. One of its most famous parts is called the Four Branches of the Mabinogi, which includes characters like Rhiannon, Teyrnon, and Brân the Blessed. These tales often feature magical events and heroes with special powers.

Many other stories in Wales, such as Culhwch and Olwen and the Welsh Triads, include characters from old myths. While these stories share ideas with myths from nearby places like Ireland, the exact myths of ancient Wales are not fully known. Still, these tales have become important parts of Welsh literature and culture.

Remnants of Gaulish and other mythology

Main article: Gallo-Roman religion

The ancient Celts believed in many gods and goddesses, though we know little about them except their names. Some stories and symbols from their myths have survived through old writings and artworks. For example, the writer Lucian told of a god named Ogmios who had people linked to him by their ears, showing how powerful his words were.

Roman writers like Lucan mentioned gods such as Taranis, Teutates, and Esus, but we don’t know much about them from Celtic sources. Art pieces, like the famous Gundestrup cauldron, show scenes that might come from forgotten stories. These symbols, found in old peat bogs in Britain, show that Celtic people across different areas shared similar ideas about their gods.

Julius Caesar wrote about the main gods the Gauls respected. Mercury was the most honored, seen as a god of trade, travel, and clever skills. The Gauls also respected Apollo, who helped with healing; Mars, who influenced battles; Jupiter, the ruler of the skies; and Minerva, who encouraged learning and crafts. They also believed they came from a great god similar to one called Dis Pater.