Celtic and Irish Mythology It’s not all leprechauns and fairies…

Ireland!

The Celts

Who were the Celts? A nomadic tribe of warriors whose appearance in Europe dates back to at least 800 BC. Although they are most normally associated with Ireland, at their most powerful the Celts controlled vast areas ranging from Turkey all the way to Ireland.

The Celts The Celts are referenced by Roman historians as well as in Greek mythology. Herodotus (a classical Greek writer) described the Celts in the following way: Light skin, hair, and eyes Boastful, proud, overly vain, but demonic in battle Childlike, ostentatious, but hospitable Fond of hunting, feasting, music, poetry, glittering jewels and bright colors.

What happened to them? With their energy and warlike temperament, the Celts were able to spread quickly through Europe. Their free-spiritedness was no match for the Roman Empire though. The Celts were driven back to the westernmost parts of Europe, on the Irish Sea.

The Celtic Nations Isle of Man Ireland was not the only place where the Celts flourished. There were other areas that managed to hold on to their Celtic heritage. Ireland Isle of Man Scotland Brittany, France Wales Cornwall, England

Ireland The Celtic culture infused itself with the already existing Irish culture to produce what we see today.

Celtic Mythology Celtic mythology is made up of varied stories from the different Celtic nations. While there are some stories and characteristics that carry over from one location to the next, there are also distinctly different stories. Some of the most famous Celtic legends are: While there are some stories and characteristics that carry over from one location to the next, there are also distinctly different stories. Some of the most famous Celtic myths are: Beowulf Morte D’Arthur (the stories of King Arthur) Morte D’Arthur (the stories of King Arthur) Boudica

Irish Mythology A portion of Irish mythology actually pre-dates the arrival of the Celts. No one knows for sure what this civilization was like, and when the Celts arrived for sure is uncertain. No one knows for sure what this civilization was like, and when the Celts arrived for sure is uncertain.

Irish Mythology There are four different cycles of Irish myth: The Mythological Cycle The Ulster Cycle-Cu’Chulain, Deidre The Fenian Cycle- Finn MacCool The Historical Cycle-Arthur and Boudica The Mythological Cycle The Ulster Cycle The Fenian Cycle The Historical Cycle We will be focusing on the first three cycles.

Irish Mythology Irish mythology differs from Greek mythology in a lot of ways: No real hierarchy of gods Gods are less specifically drawn, no distinct physical description is given. The Irish didn’t have a Homer or a Hesiod or a Herodotus to write their stories. No real hierarchy of gods Gods are less specifically drawn, no distinct physical description is given. The Irish didn’t have a Homer or a Hesiod or a Herodotus to write their stories. Their stories are less romantic and more battle-oriented. Their stories are less romantic and more battle-oriented.

The Irish Gods There was no real “king” of the gods. Different gods had importance with different regions and clans. Different gods had importance with different regions and clans. Important gods: Ériu, The Dagda, The Morrigan, Lugh, Brigid Important gods: Ériu, The Dagda, The Morrigan, Lugh, Brigid

Ériu

The Dagda

Morrigan

Lugh

Brigid

Irish Heroes Each cycle has its own distinctive hero. These heroes have a multitude of different stories about them. Most of the mythology deals with mortals, not gods.

Cú Chulainn

Finn MacCool

Deidre

King Arthur

Boudica