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Legends of Celtic Mythology

In the early centuries, Celtic mythology survived as a primarily oral tradition, influenced significantly
by the geography of its lands. Sagas and legends were passed down from one generation to the next
through storytelling; it was only after the Roman conquest that some of these myths were recorded
in writing. Even so, this was often done by Christian monks closer to the 11th century, who recorded
the stories themselves, but stripped away the original beliefs and earlier religious overtones.

Celtic Mythology Beliefs

Celtic mythology is divided into four cycles; Mythological Cycle, Fenian Cycle, Ultonian Cycle and
Kings Cycle.

Celtic mythology comes from several regions and different tribes. The bulk of them are from Ireland
and also Wales. Additional sources include Cornwall, Scotland, and the French region of Brittany.
Celtic mythology is divided into four cycles or groups. The first is the Mythological Cycle that largely
details a number of invasions of Ireland by deities or supernatural beings. The second, the Fenian
Cycle revolves around the theme of hunting. In the Fenian cycle, a heroic group led by Fionn mac
Cumhaill, protects the Irish and Scottish lands. Next, the Ultonian Cycle tells the tale of the Ulaidh
tribe through warfare and victory. Finally, the Kings Cycle is a series of inspiring stories based on real
kings.

Celtic Mythology Today

When we look at Celtic mythology today, there are a number of marked similarities between their
ancient tales and Christian stories in the Bible. Characters in Irish mythology are varied, but typically
include male and female deities, kings and queens, druids or other religious figures, warriors, and
animals. Among the most well-known are the Dagda, the chief of other deities and the Morrígan, a
goddess of war. These myths were often used as a way of upholding the characteristics and traits
that were prized most by the Celts, as well as to demonstrate certain life lessons.

Unfortunately, the long tradition of orally passing down Celtic mythology largely stopped as people
in the area were converted to Christianity. Despite this, we can still learn about their incredible stories
from writings following the Roman conquests that recorded basic versions of the myths. Indeed,
Celtic mythology experienced a revival during the past century. In has even influenced a number of
movies, video games, and modern stories such as the Lord of the Rings saga by J. R. R. Tolkien.
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THE MOST IMPORTANT CELTIC

Image: Cernunnos, the ‘Horned One’, was a Celtic god of wealth, animals, fertili ty and nature
| Wikimedia | Nationalmuseet

Dating back to the Late Bronze Age, the ancient Celts were a group of tribes who originated
from Central Europe. Over time, the Celts migrated across much of Western Europe including
Britain and Ireland, spreading their language and customs along with them.
Bestowed with the name ‘Celts’ by ancient writers, they were never a single nation or empire
but rather a collection of diverse tribes with a shared culture, traditions and religious beliefs.
It is the latter that we focus on here.
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Our knowledge of the Celtic deities is somewhat limited due to the fact stories about them
were never written down by the Celts but instead passed on via oral tradition before finally
being documented by later writers. However, we know enough to understand that Celtic
mythology contained a rich, varied and colourful pantheon of gods and goddesses.

THE DAGDA

The Tuatha Dé Danann were a collection of supernatural beings that lived in the Otherworld
but were able to interact with human beings within the mortal realm. The Dagda was their
leader, making him the head of the pantheon of Celtic gods.
Often depicted as a large, powerful and bearded father-like figure wielding a club, his name
is thought to mean ‘the Good God’. The Dagda was associated with fertility, agriculture,
manliness and the weather.

THE MORRÍGAN
The Morrígan was the goddess of battle, war and fate. However, she was not just one person
but rather a trio of individuals known as Macha, Nemain and Badb who were said to each
represent different aspects of combat.
Her name is translated as ‘Great Queen’ or ‘Phantom Queen’ and the mysterious Morrígan
would shapeshift into the form of a crow or raven and fly over battlefields, either striking fear
into those below or encouraging them in the fight. She had the power to influence the result
of any battle, whilst also foretelling the deaths of warriors, making her a rather ominous deity.
She was romantically linked with The Dagda and aided him to victory during a great war
against the Fomorians, the adversaries of the Tuatha Dé Danann.

LUGH/LUG
Although he was one of the last to be added to the pantheon of Celtic gods, Lugh was one of
the most important gods in Celtic mythology and a prominent member of the Tuatha Dé
Danann.
HISTORIANS HAVE ARGUED THAT THE CHRISTIAN SAINT ST. BRIGID, ONE OF
IRELAND'S PATRON SAINTS, IS A CHRISTIANISATION OF THE GODDESS
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Often described as a youthful warrior, king and craftsman, Lugh was a master of nearly
everything. Wielding a sling stone and a magical invincible spear, he was said to have slain
Balor, the one-eyed tyrant leader of the Fomorians, leading the Tuatha Dé Danann to victory
over their bitter rivals. The courageous warrior god went on to father Cú Chulainn, one of the
most famous Celtic heroes who achieved numerous great deeds.

BRIGID/BRIGIT
As the daughter of The Dagda, Brigid is a member of Tuatha Dé Danann and is associated
with healing, fire, wisdom, blacksmithing, cattle and poetry, placing her in contrast to the more
foreboding Morrígan. However, like Morrígan she may have also have been a triple deity,
worshipped in equal measure for her healing, her poetry and her forging.
Brigid’s name means the ‘Exalted One’ and the Gaelic springtime festival held on February
1, known as Imbolc, is said to have originally been a celebration associated with Brigid.