Celtic

Celtic mythology refers to the collection of myths and legends associated with the Celtic people, who lived in Europe from the Iron Age through the Middle Ages. Celtic mythology is rich with stories of gods, goddesses, heroes, and monsters, and it has had a lasting impact on the cultures and traditions of modern-day Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and other parts of Europe.

Origins of Celtic mythology: The Celtic people were an Indo-European group who migrated to Europe around 1200 BCE. They lived in various regions of Europe, including modern-day Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Brittany in France, and their mythology evolved over time as they adapted to new cultures and influences.

Beliefs and practices: Celtic mythology was characterized by a belief in a pantheon of gods and goddesses, many of whom were associated with specific natural phenomena or aspects of daily life. For example, the god Lugh was associated with the sun, while the goddess Brigid was associated with poetry, healing, and smithcraft.

Celtic mythology also featured a number of legendary heroes and heroines, such as Cúchulainn, Fionn mac Cumhaill, and Deirdre. These figures were often portrayed as powerful warriors or sorcerers who had the ability to shape the fate of the world.

Celtic mythology was often intertwined with the natural world, and many of its stories and legends featured animals, plants, and other elements of the environment. For example, the Celtic belief in the Otherworld, a mystical realm inhabited by spirits and fairies, was closely linked to the natural cycles of the seasons and the changing of the year.

Legacy of Celtic mythology: Celtic mythology has had a lasting impact on the cultures and traditions of modern-day Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and other parts of Europe. Many of the myths and legends associated with the Celtic gods and heroes have been passed down through oral tradition and have been the subject of art, literature, and music for centuries.

Today, there is a growing interest in Celtic mythology and spirituality, particularly among those who seek to reconnect with the natural world and with the traditions of their ancestors. This has led to a resurgence of interest in the study of Celtic mythology, as well as in the practice of Druidry and other forms of modern-day Celtic spirituality.

In summary, Celtic mythology refers to the collection of myths and legends associated with the Celtic people, who lived in Europe from the Iron Age through the Middle Ages. It is characterized by a belief in a pantheon of gods and goddesses, as well as legendary heroes and heroines, and is closely linked to the natural world. Celtic mythology has had a lasting impact on the cultures and traditions of modern-day Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and other parts of Europe, and continues to be the subject of interest and study today.