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.

Why Ireland?  Due to it’s western location, Ireland, unlike Britain where they were driven back by various invaders, was relatively isolated and stayed free from Roman colonization.  Therefore, the Celtic Irish culture stayed mostly the same until the arrival of Christianity.

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

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 myths are:  Beowulf  Morte D’Arthur (the stories of King Arthur)

So we’ll start with… Ireland!

Ireland  The Celtic culture infused itself with the already existing Irish culture to produce what we see today.  To understand Irish mythology, a basic knowledge of geography is necessary.  Ireland is located in west of Britain, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Irish Sea on the other.

Irish Geography  Although the island is now divided up into two separate countries (Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland), it was originally 5 different provinces.  Leinster (east coast)  Munster (south coast)  Connaught (northwest coast)  Ulster (north coast)  Meath (comprised parts of both Leinster and Ulster, was later incorporated)

Important Cities & Sites  Tara (“Temair” in Gaelic) – originally located in the province of Meath, now a part of Leinster.  Now only a field, it was the ancient seat of the high kings of Ireland.  In the center is the Lia Fail, or “Stone of Destiny”

Important Cities & Sites  Newgrange (Sí an Bhrú in Gaelic) – one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world. It is visible from the hill at Tara.  It is 500 years older than the pyramids in Giza and 1000 years older than Stonehenge (according to carbon dating).  It figures very importantly in Irish mythology, even though it dates before the Celts arrived.  Every year on the winter solstice (shortest day of the year), the sun rises and shines directly down the tunnel and illuminates the chamber floor.

Important Cities & Sites  Navan Fort (Eamhain Macha) – believed to be an ancient ritual or ceremonial site. Located in Armagh, Northern Ireland (Ulster province).  The capital of Ulster, where the king of that province lived.  It is named after the goddess, Macha.  Dates to 95 BC and has similar architecture to Tara.

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.

Irish Mythology  There are four different cycles of Irish myth:  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.  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.  Important gods: Ériu, The Dagda, The Morrigan, Lugh, Brigid

The Dagda

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.

Irish Calendar  The Irish calendar was based around the four different festivals celebrated during the year.  Imbolc – February 1, First day of Spring (now St. Brigid’s Day)  Beltane – May 1, First day of Summer (now May Day)  Lughnasa – August 1, Beginning of the Harvest (still celebrated)  Samhain – November 1, End of the Harvest/Festival of the Dead (had a direct influence on how our Halloween)