Celtic Mythology
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The figure of Fionn mac Cumhaill is a prominent character in numerous narratives within Irish mythology. Many of us in Ireland grew up enchanted by tales of this legendary hero, often known by the names Finn McCool or Finn MacCool. From the fabled Giant’s Causeway to the mystical Salmon of Knowledge, the number of stories…
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Donn of the Dead: Guardian of the Underworld in Irish Mythology In the realm of folklore, tales that traverse generations often transform, adapting to the evolving narratives of their times. Such is the case with Donn of the Dead, a formidable figure associated with the afterlife, who presides from his formidable tower, where his three…
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In the realm of Irish mythology, Enbarr emerges as a mysterious equine being, gifted with the ability to roam freely across both land and sea. This magical horse is associated with Manannán mac Lir, the god of the sea, who bestows Enbarr upon Lugh, another deity known for his valor. The narratives collected in the…
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Celtic religion comprises the spiritual beliefs and customs of the ancient Celts. This group, belonging to the Indo-European family, saw the height of its influence and territorial dominance around the 4th century BC, stretching from Britain to Asia Minor. However, following the 3rd century BC, the Celts entered a decline, culminating in the loss of…
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At Lughnasadh, the harvest season commences, marked by the cutting of corn in the fields. For many, this moment encapsulates the essence of the festival. John Barleycorn, having aged since his union with the Lady during Beltane, appears faint and wise, leaning on a staff. As he observes the transformation of the crops from vibrant…
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Lugh: The Multifaceted Hero of Irish Mythology Overview Lugh, known as Lugh of the Long Arm, holds a pivotal position in Irish mythology as the embodiment of nobility, craftsmanship, and martial prowess. As both Ollamh Érenn and the King of the Tuatha Dé Danann, he wielded the formidable Spear of Assal, a weapon feared by…
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Celtic religion encompasses the spiritual beliefs and rituals of the ancient Celtic peoples. This group, recognized as an ancient Indo-European society, reached a peak of power and territorial reach by the 4th century BC, stretching from Britain to regions as far as Asia Minor. In the following centuries, specifically from the 3rd century BC, the…
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Sulis is a renowned goddess in the Celtic pantheon, famously connected to a single significant site located at a thermal spring in south-west England known as Aquae Sulis. This site served not only as a place for bathing but also housed a temple dedicated to her Romanized version, Sulis Minerva. The thermal springs at this…
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The Tuatha Dé Danann returned to Éireann, leaving behind their four great cities, embracing a collective identity to traverse back to their ancestral homeland. Their arrival was foretold by Cesard, a wizard of the Fir Bolg, who ominously prophesied: “Warriors are coming across the sea, a thousand heroes covering the ocean; speckled ships will press…
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Aengus, known as one of the eminent figures of the Tuatha Dé Danann, symbolizes a magical lineage that arrived in ancient Ireland, bringing forth a rich tapestry of culture and mythology. Over time, members of this celestial race gained reverence, evolving into deities; it’s important to note that their perception of divinity greatly diverged from…
