Celtic Mythology
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Spring in Ireland is traditionally marked by St. Brigid’s Day on February 1. This observance, however, might not be fully historically accurate, as it has ancient roots going back around 6,000 years to a pre-Christian era characterized by a lack of written records. In many ancient societies globally, female deities held a prominent position, and…
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Belenus, also known as Belenos, Belinus, Bel, or Beli Mawr, is a significant deity from Celtic mythology, revered primarily as the god of the sun. By the 3rd century, he had become the patron god of Aquileia, an important city in Italy. Often referred to as the “Fair Shining One” or “The Shining God,” Belenus…
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Lugh holds a vital position in Irish mythology, embodying multiple identities such as a sun god, master artisan, king, and warrior. His significance in Celtic lore is profound, making him one of the most formidable deities. Scholars often debate whether Lugh was purely mythical or rooted in a historical figure who was later venerated. Understanding…
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The Legend of Medb: Queen of Connacht Background Medb, the daughter of the king of Tara, is a notable figure in Celtic mythology, known for her fierce temperament and significant influence. She became infamous for her ruthless act of killing her pregnant sister to claim the throne and subsequently united with Aillil, thus seizing control…
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In the localized practice of Celtic polytheism found in Great Britain, Sulis was a revered deity associated with the thermal springs at Bath, now part of Somerset. The Romano-British worshipped her under the name Sulis Minerva, indicating a dual persona; she was seen both as a nurturing mother goddess and a formidable force for delivering…
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The multifaceted figure of the Morrigan weaves a rich tapestry of myths and symbols within Irish mythology. As we delve into her intricate symbolism and the narratives that surround her, we embark on a journey towards a deeper appreciation of this remarkable deity. The Morrigan is not just associated with war and death; she embodies…
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Creating a project centered around Flidais proved to be more challenging than anticipated. The process unearthed a significant amount of frustration, primarily due to the scarcity of comprehensive information regarding this Irish goddess. Extensive research encompassing books, academic articles, and various online resources yielded only fundamental details about Flidais, which are summarized as follows: Flidais…
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Banba: The Spirit of Ireland By: Luna Esque Greetings, Sisters who reside within the sacred Goddess Tree. Banba (pronounced BAHN-va) stands as the Celtic Goddess representing the essence of Ireland. Her name translates to “unplowed land” and is also referenced as Banbha, Bandha, Bánbhé, or Bánubh. She is one of the revered Tuatha de Danaan,…
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Rhiannon holds a significant place in the early narratives and myths of Britain, particularly in the Mabinogi. These tales were compiled during the 12th and 13th centuries from earlier oral traditions by Welsh writers of the medieval era. Rhiannon is recognized as the Celtic goddess associated with the moon, and her name translates to ‘Divine…
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Apollo Grannus: An Overview of a Complex Deity Introduction to Apollo Grannus The Roman general Julius Caesar, reflecting on the beliefs of the Gallic people, noted that they revered a variety of deities, including Apollo, who was thought to provide protection against diseases. This notion, while insightful, simplifies the multifaceted nature of Apollo, particularly in…
