Celtic Mythology
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Belenos: The Shining Deity of Celtic Belief Belenos, also recognized by various names such as Belen, Belenus, Belinus, Bellinus, and Bélénos, is a noteworthy figure within Celtic mythology. Considered one of the significant high gods in this belief system, he is widely acknowledged across the entire Celtic realm and is linked to various geographical locations…
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The Irish have a unique and intimate connection with death, a bond that pervades their culture and history. As Scottish journalist Kevin Toolis poignantly notes, it’s rare to find a nation where “the dying…the living, the bereaved and the dead still openly share the world,” creating a rich tapestry of interaction during events such as…
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In ancient Ireland, there was a renowned king named Lir, who ruled over the seas alongside his beloved wife, Eva. Together, they welcomed four children into the world: Aodh, their eldest son, Fionnula, their daughter, and twin sons Fiachra and Conn. Tragedy struck when Eva passed away, leaving Lir and the children heartbroken. In his…
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Scáthach: The Formidable Warrior Queen of Irish Mythology Scáthach, a legendary warrior from ancient Irish tales, is renowned for her role as the instructor to the famed hero Cú Chulainn. This Scottish queen, translating to “The Shadow” in Gaelic, resided in a castle on the Isle of Skye, where she imparted her martial skills. Known…
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Unraveling the Legacy of Epona: 10 Intriguing Insights About the Celtic Goddess of Equines In a moment of curiosity while indulging in the adventures of Asterix and Obelix, I began to wonder about the Roman enthusiasm for Celtic deities. This inquiry led me to Epona, a name that many recognize from “The Legend of Zelda:…
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The key passage regarding the Celtic deities of Gaul can be found in Julius Caesar’s Commentarii de bello Gallico (52–51 BC), where he mentions five principal gods, detailing their respective roles. Among these, Mercury is depicted as the most revered, honored through various representations. He is acknowledged as the originator of arts, the guardian of…
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The Morrígan: Ancient Goddess of Battle and Sovereignty The Morrígan, whose name translates to ‘Phantom Queen,’ embodies the dualities of battle, conflict, and fertility. This ancient Irish goddess is presented as both a singular entity and a triad that includes Badb, meaning ‘Vulture,’ and Nemain, or ‘Frenzy.’ The Morrígan often takes on the form of…
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Irish culture has long maintained a distinctive and nuanced view of death, intertwined with the very fabric of life. As Scottish journalist Kevin Toolis aptly expressed, few other nations share such a profound connection where the living, dying, bereaved, and deceased coexist so openly in societal practices, as seen prominently in the tradition of the…
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Overview Arawn is recognized as the Welsh sovereign of Annwn, the Otherworld depicted in the Mabinogi. Renowned as a masterful hunter and magician, his shapeshifting abilities are particularly celebrated in his interactions with Pwyll, the Lord of Dyfed. Etymology The name Arawn is believed to relate to the Hebrew name Aaron, denoting “exalted.” However, it…
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Irish and Welsh mythology is a treasure trove of enigmatic and captivating characters. Regrettably, the passage of time has obscured many of these narratives, often lost through oral traditions that changed as they were recounted across generations. Yet, one tale has managed to partially withstand this temporal erosion, centering on Arawn, the sovereign of the…
