Celtic mythology

Celtic mythology is the collection of stories and beliefs from the Celtic peoples, who lived in Europe during the Iron Age. Like many other Europeans at the time, the Celts believed in many gods and goddesses, forming what is called a polytheistic religion. However, as the Roman Empire expanded, many Celtic traditions were lost, especially among continental Celtic groups such as the Gauls and Celtiberians.

Most of the myths we know today come from the Insular Celtic peoples, including the Gaels of Ireland and Scotland, and the Celtic Britons of western Britain and Brittany. These groups kept their stories alive through oral storytelling, and later, Christian scribes wrote many of these tales down in the Middle Ages. Irish mythology has the largest collection of written myths, followed by Welsh mythology.

Important figures in these stories include the Tuatha Dé Danann, a supernatural race believed to represent the main Celtic gods of Ireland, and characters from Welsh myths such as the Plant Dôn ("Children of Dôn") and the Plant Llŷr ("Children of Llŷr"). These myths often feature themes like the sovereignty goddess, who symbolizes the land and grants kingship to a ruler by marrying him, and the Otherworld, a magical realm visited by heroic characters. Ideas from Celtic mythology also influenced later tales, such as Arthurian legend.

Overview

The Celtic peoples, who lived in parts of Europe long ago, had many gods and goddesses. Though they lived in different places, some gods were known across their lands, like Lugh. We know about these gods mostly from old writings and carvings left behind.

Celtic myths are grouped by the languages they were spoken in. The main groups include myths from Irish mythology, which also shares stories with Manx mythology and Scottish mythology, and myths from Welsh mythology, Cornish mythology, and Breton mythology. These stories help us learn about the beliefs and lives of ancient Celtic people.

Historical sources

Because very few writings from ancient Celtic peoples like the Gauls have survived, we believe most of their books were destroyed by the Romans. However, we do know that the Gauls could write, using alphabets such as Greek, Latin, and Old Italic. For example, special items called votive items and the Coligny calendar show us they used writing.

After the Romans took control of Celtic lands, they introduced more public writing and inscriptions. This also weakened the power of the druids, who were Celtic priests. In places like Ireland and Wales, early Celts used a special script called Ogham for short inscriptions, mostly names. More advanced writing only came to these areas later, with the arrival of Christianity. Many Celtic myths were first written down by Christian monks, though they often left out the original religious meanings.

Irish mythology

Main article: Irish mythology

See also: Scottish mythology

Irish mythology is the largest surviving part of Celtic mythology. It was originally shared by word of mouth in ancient times. Later, Christian writers recorded many of these stories, sometimes changing them a little.

These myths are usually grouped into four cycles. The Mythological Cycle tells stories about the Túatha Dé Danann, a group of god-like beings. Important figures include The Dagda, the great god; The Morrígan, a goddess of war; and Lugh, among others. They fought and defeated their rivals, the Fomorians.

The Ulster Cycle focuses on heroes like Cú Chulainn and their adventures. The Fianna Cycle features the famous hero Fionn and his band of warriors. The Kings' Cycle includes legends about Irish kings and their families. There are also many other exciting tales of journeys to magical places.

Welsh mythology

Main article: Welsh mythology

See also: Cornish mythology and Breton mythology

Welsh mythology is a rich collection of stories and characters that come from ancient British traditions. Some of the most famous tales are found in the Four Branches of the Mabinogi, which include characters like Rhiannon, Teyrnon, and Brân the Blessed. These stories often feature magical events and heroes with special qualities.

Other important stories, such as Culhwch and Olwen and the Welsh Triads, also include mythical names like Mabon ap Modron. Although we don't have a complete set of myths or gods from this tradition, these tales have become important parts of Welsh literature and culture. They reflect the beliefs and values of people in Wales during the Middle Ages.

Remnants of Gaulish and other mythology

Main article: Gallo-Roman religion

The Celtic peoples honored many gods and goddesses, though we know little more than their names. Some ancient writers recorded small parts of stories or myths that might be Celtic. For example, the Syrian writer Lucian described Ogmios, a god who led people chained to his tongue, showing the power of his words.

Julius Caesar wrote about the main gods the Gauls worshiped. Mercury was the most respected, seen as a god of trade, travel, and new ideas. The Gauls also honored Apollo, who helped with healing; Mars, a god of war; Jupiter, who ruled the sky; and Minerva, who inspired skills and crafts. These gods played important roles in the daily lives of the Celtic people.