CELTIC MYTHOLOGY

Mythology and Folklore

CELTIC MYTHOLOGY
The 'Celts' is often a name given
to the people who lived in
Britain and Ireland in ancient
times, and also in Northwestern
France and Northwestern Spain.
CELTIC MYTHOLOGY
They were pagan people, who did not
believe in written language. However,
they were far from illiterate - the
Celtic people had a rich tradition of
oral stories full of gods and monsters,
heroes and beautiful women.
CELTIC MYTHOLOGY
The myths of the Celts were recorded in the
medieval period.
For example early Christian monks in Ireland
wrote down the mythological cycles of
stories which were recited in the courts of
kings as a form of collective history.
CELTIC MYTHOLOGY
In England it was the Norman
invaders who interested
themselves in local legends of a
magical king called Arthur.
CELTIC MYTHOLOGY
The Arthurian romances are some of the
most famous stories from the Celtic world.
They speak of a time before church and
state when individuals and tribes had to
make a life for themselves as best they
could in a world beset with inexplicable
forces.
CELTIC MYTHOLOGY
Celtic mythology is rich with
symbolism of life, death and rebirth,
replete with the magic of nature and
the ancient world.
CELTIC MYTHOLOGY
Celtic tales tend not to have happy
endings.
CELTIC MYTHOLOGY
They are at best bittersweet. Many
are tragic and speak to the nature of
happiness as a brief, passing moment
which cannot overcome the
inevitable separation of death.
CELTIC MYTHOLOGY
However, these sad tales can also be
a source of inner strength, they
remind us to live for the present
because death is inevitable.  
CELTIC MYTHOLOGY
The stories also tell tales of great
human qualities like courage, soul-
love and faithfulness. 
CELTIC MYTHOLOGY
Most of all, they are set in a world of
magical forces, where anything is
possible and where individuals can
shape their own destinies - at least
for a while.
CELTIC MYTHOLOGY
Moreover, Celtic mythology is imbued with
faith in eternal life. While heroes and
heroines might die in this mortal life, the
Celts believed that their souls would pass
into the undying lands. So in Celtic myth and
legend, even tales of death are ultimately a
story of rebirth.
CELTIC MYTHOLOGY
•It is more localized unlike
Greek, Roman and
Egyptian myths.
CELTIC MYTHOLOGY
•There are 400 Celtic gods
and goddesses (many are
recognized by small cults).
DIVISIONS OF CELTIC MYTHOLOGY

1.Gaulish mythology
2.Irish Mythology
3.Scottish Mythology
GAUL
A vast area of
Europe where
France, Belgium,
Switzerland and
some surrounding
areas are now
located.
GAULISH MYTHOLOGY
It begins as an early Celtic
Mythology. Eventually
merges with Roman
polytheism.
GAULISH MYTHOLOGY
It is one of the areas of
French mythology.
GAULISH MYTHOLOGY
Gauls did not write about
their own religion. Most of
their myths were written
by the Romans authors.
IRISH MYTHOLOGY
It was a part of the religion
of the Irish before
Christianity took hold.
IRISH MYTHOLOGY
It was later preserved to
some extent in
storytelling.
DIVISIONS OF IRISH MYTHOLOGY

1. Mythological Cycle
2. Ulster Cycle
3. Fenian Cycle
4. Historical Cycles
MYTHOLOGICAL CYCLE

It describes the state of Irish

mythology. It consists of
numerous prose tales and
poems found in medieval
manuscripts.
ULSTER CYCLE
It takes place as Christianity
is taking hold in Ireland. It
describes heroes rather
than gods and goddesses
ULSTER CYCLE
It deals with the lives of
Conchobar mac Nessa,
king of Ulster, and the
great hero Cuchulainn.
FENIAN CYCLE
A body of prose and verse
centering on the exploits of the
mythical hero Fionn mac
Cumhaill and his warriors, the
Fianna
FENIAN CYCLE
It also known as the
Fianna Cycle, Fionn
Cycle, Finn Cycle and
Ossianic Cycle.
HISTORICAL CYCLE
It is also known as the
Cycles of Kings.
HISTORICAL CYCLE
It contains stories of
the legendary
kings of Ireland.
Court Poets or Medieval Irish Bards

They recorded the history

of the family and the
genealogy of the king
they served.
Court Poets or Medieval Irish Bards

They wrote poems that

blended the mythological
and the historical to a
greater or lesser degree.
Court Poets or Medieval Irish Bards

They wrote poems that

blended the mythological
and the historical to a
greater or lesser degree.
SCOTTISH MYTHOLOGY

The myths and legends of Scotland

have a "local colour" as they tell about
the way of life during the olden times,
apart from giving a perspective of the
nature of the country during various
seasons of the year.
SCOTTISH MYTHOLOGY

It was the belief that Beira, the

Queen of Winter, had a firm hold
on the country by raising storms
during January and February thus
preventing greenery to emerge.
SCOTTISH MYTHOLOGY

Scottish mythology is not like

the Greek and Roman myths as it deals
with various aspects of nature.

In this context the most powerful and

feared goddess representing winter is Beira
who rules winter for its entire duration.
GODS AND
GODDESES OF
CELTIC MYTHOLOGY
Aine of Knockaine
She was the goddess
of love and fertility,
later known as the
fairy queen.
Aine of Knockaine
She was the goddess
related to the moon, crops,
and farms or cattle.
Aine is revered among Irish
herbalists and healers and
is said to be responsible for
the body's life force.
Aine of Knockaine
There was a stone, Cathair Aine,
belonging to her and if anyone sat
on the stone, they would be in
danger of losing their wits, sit
three times and they would lose
them forever.

Aine was very revengeful, and it

was not a safe thing to offend her.
Aine of Knockaine
There was a stone, Cathair Aine,
belonging to her and if anyone sat
on the stone, they would be in
danger of losing their wits, sit
three times and they would lose
them forever.

Aine was very revengeful, and it

was not a safe thing to offend her.
Aine of Knockaine
Some said she was
the daughter of
Manannan, some
said she was the
Morrigan herself.
Morrigan
The Morrígan, or
“Phantom Queen,”
was a fearsome
Celtic deity and Irish
goddess of death and
battle.
Morrigan
A trio of sisters who
appeared as a crow, she was
the keeper of fate and
purveyor of prophecy.
She was at once both a single
deity and a triple goddess,
made up of Ireland's most
powerful goddesses.
Airmid
A healing Goddess of the celtic
order of Tuatha de Danaan.

She was the goddess of

medicinal plants and keeper of
the spring. Regenerates, or
brings the dead to life again.
Tuatha de Danann
The Tuatha de Danann was a magical
race that possessed supernatural powers.

Most of them were god-like creatures or

divine beings that were being
worshipped.

This race was also known to believe in

Goddess Danu. She was sometimes
referred to as the mother.
Angus Ug
Celtic (Irish) god of youth, love,
and beauty. One of the Tuatha
De Danaan, his name means
"young son".

He had a harp that made

irresistible music, and his kisses
turned into birds that carried
messages of love.
Anu
She was the goddess of
the air, fertility, and
prosperity.

Celtic (Irish) Goddess of

plenty. She was the
Mother Earth.
Arawn
He was the Celtic
god of the
underworld,
terror, revenge,
and war.
Arianrhod
"The Silver Wheel", "High Fruitful Mother".
Celtic (Welsh) Goddess, the sister of Gwydion and
wife of Donn.

Deity of element of Air, reincarnation, full moons,

time, karma, retribution.

The palace of this sky Goddess was Caer Arianrhold

(Aurora Borealis). Keeper of the Silver Wheel of
Stars, a symbol of time and karma. Her ship, Oar
Wheel, carried dead warriors to Emania (Moon-
land).
Balor
Although he was born with two
good eyes, one was ruined in an
accident; the eye is so hideous
that he only opens it in battle so
that its venom will slay whoever
is unlucky enough to catch
glimpse of it.

He was also known as Balor of

the Evil Eye.
Bel
Celtic (Irish) Fire and sun God,
also God of purification, science,
fertility, crops and success.

He symbolizes element of fire,

health. A sun and fire god closely
connected with the Druids and the
festival of Beltaine (May 1).
Brighid
Celtic (Irish). One of the triple Goddesses
of the Celtic pantheon.

She is the daughter of The Dagda, the All

Father of the Tuatha de Danann.

Some say there are actually three

Brighids; one is in charge of poetry and
inspiration; one is in charge of midwifery
and healing, and the last is in charge of
crafts and smiths.
Brighid
She probably began as a
sun Goddess. According to
legend, she was born at
sunrise and a tower of
flame beamed from her
head.
Brighid
As Goddess of fire and water,
she is immortalized by many
wells and springs. Most
important of her monuments,
though, was a shrine at Kildare
where there was a perpetual
flame burning for Brighid.
Brighid
It was tended by nineteen virgins
called the Daughters of the Flame,
wearing deep crimson habits and
bearing swords.
They would not talk to men, nor
could men come near the shrine. Her
feast is St. Brighids Days in Ireland
and is the Pagan Festival of Imbolc.
Cailleach
Celtic (Irish & Scottish) Goddess of
disease and plague.
A Destroyer, or Crone, Goddess, she was
also called "Veiled One". As the Crone,
she ruled with the Maiden and the
Mother. Monsterous Dogs guarded the
gates of her afterworld realm where she
received the dead. Celtic myth has her
gatekeeper dog named Dormarth "Death's
Door".
Camalus
He was called "Of the Invisible
Sword", "Heaven".

Celtic God of war and sky.

Similar to Mars, only more
vicious.
Dis Pater
Celtic (Gaulish) God, originally
of death and the underworld,
eventually the chief of Gods. It
is said that Dis Pater is the
ancestor of all the Gauls.
Don
Celtic (Welsh) Queen of the
Heavens and Goddess of air and
sea. Ruled over the land of the
dead. Corresponds to the Celtic
(Irish) Goddess Danu.
Druantia
"Queen of the Druids". Celtic Fir
Goddess and Mother of the tree
calender.

She symbolizes protection,

knowledge, creativity, passion, sex,
fertility, growth, trees and forests.
Myrrdin
"Merlin", Celtic (Britain, Irish & Welsh) Sorcerer,
Druid, Wizard and Magician.

Originally an ancient Welsh Druid, priest of the

old religion, and great magician.

He was transformed in the later Arthurian sagas.

Tradition says he learned his powerful magic from
the Goddess in her forms of Morrigan, Viviane,
Nimue, and Lady of the Lake. Legend says he now
lies sleeping in a hidden crystal cave.
The Story of the Salmon of Knowledge

• Fionn MacCumhail was just a lad when

he was sent from his home to the poet
and great master, Fineagas, for
education in many subjects - above all,
on how to become a true heroic
warrior.
The Story of the Salmon of Knowledge

• The old fellow had been living alone for

many years in a little house he built
himself beside the River Boyne and he
enjoyed Fionn's company.
The Story of the Salmon of Knowledge

• Fineagas kept a very close eye on the

Boyne, day and night, hoping to spot
the unique fish 'Bradan an Eòlais - The
Salmon of Knowledge'.
The Story of the Salmon of Knowledge

• Apparently, the first person ever to

taste this fish would become the wisest
in all Ireland.
The Story of the Salmon of Knowledge

• Everyone who had so far tried to catch

it had been disappointed, and Fineagas
dearly hoped that where others had
failed he would be successful.
The Story of the Salmon of Knowledge

• One day Fineagas and Fionn were sitting

on the river bank enjoying a stimulating
lesson when the tutor noticed a glorious
big salmon swimming towards them.
The Story of the Salmon of Knowledge

He rushed to get a net - a fine strong

one, to haul it in.
The Story of the Salmon of Knowledge

He knew also that he mustn’t look into

the fish’s eyes or he would fall fast
asleep, and he was careful not to do this
as he struggled to net the beast of a
fish.
The Story of the Salmon of Knowledge

And then, without warning, the salmon

leapt out of the water in his direction.
The old man panicked and looked
straight into the eyes of the fish, and
immediately fell into a deep sleep.
The Story of the Salmon of Knowledge

Fortunately, young Fionn saw this and

shook Fineagas awake. The old teacher
commanded Fionn to tear his dark-
coloured shirt and tie it round Fineagas'
eyes so that he could no longer see the
fish. 
The Story of the Salmon of Knowledge

Fionn obeyed, and a blind-folded

Fineagas and a tenacious salmon
quarrelled and fought for the rest of that
afternoon until the fish eventually gave
up the struggle.
The Story of the Salmon of Knowledge

Fineagas had caught Bradan an Eòlais.

He would be the wisest person in all of
Ireland.
The Story of the Salmon of Knowledge

The great effort to catch the fish had

exhausted poor Fineagas and he asked
Fionn to cook the fish while he had a
recuperative snooze. Fionn promised not
to taste the salmon.
The Story of the Salmon of Knowledge

The monster fish was placed on a spit

above a peat fire and it wasn’t long until
it was ready for eating.
The Story of the Salmon of Knowledge

Fionn called Fineagas to come and taste

it, but as he did so a small drop of
burning fish-oil splashed up onto his
thumb. Fionn simply stuck his thumb in
his mouth to quell the pain.
The Story of the Salmon of Knowledge

When Fineagas arrived he immediately

noticed that Fionn MacCumhail looked
different.
The Story of the Salmon of Knowledge

He could see from the gleam in his eyes

and the glow from his cheeks that
something had happened to him.
The Story of the Salmon of Knowledge

Fineagas asked Fionn if he had eaten the

fish flesh. Fionn answered that Fineagas
that he had not eaten a flesh of the
Salmon.
The Story of the Salmon of Knowledge

Fionn then remembered that he had put

his thumb in his mouth when the oil
burned it, and he told Fineagas this.
The Story of the Salmon of Knowledge

Fineagas understood there and then that

the special knowledge which came only
from that cooked salmon on the spit had
been granted to Fionn and not him.
The Story of the Salmon of Knowledge

Despite his loss, Fineagas was happy for

the lad, since he knew that he would grow
up to be a most wise man and a great hero
and that, from that day forth, Fionn
MacCumhail would be the ablest and most
celebrated leader of the Fianna warriors.