by P Vandegrift

Created on: May 19, 2010   Last Updated: May 21, 2010

An overview of Celtic Mythology is like trying to give an overview of home-style cooking; many recipes comprise the whole and each with their own interpretation.

Celtic mythology involves tales of war, beauty, the supernatural, wealth, sorrow, personal quests, battle between good and evil, and that is only a handful of what it has on offer. The Celts are not limited to Ireland, Scotland and Wales; we must also include the areas of Spain, France, Germany and Eastern Europe. As people traveled, no doubt they would have practiced and spoken to others about their myths and beliefs, possibly adapting those of the new territory they were living in. 

Each region within the Celtic world had their own particular gods and goddesses with legends attached to them. But you could go into a neighboring region, sit around a local fire and listen to similar legends as yours being told only with different gods and goddesses. Unfortunately, the Celtic tribes did not leave specific written records of their beliefs; we have Greek and Roman hearsay and some archaeological evidence. So again, interpretation is in the eye and hand of the beholder and, in some cases, the invader.

Celtic mythology has a pantheon, similar to Greek mythology, with gods and goddesses for everything. It is primarily 'mother earth and fertility' orientated more than likely due to the peoples' need for fertile soil in which to grow a sustainable source of food.

Another focus of Celtic mythology is on craft-work and the arts, though much attention is given to love, the supernatural realm, war, and chaos. Thousands of years ago, myths helped the masses understand the world around them, where they came from. It gave them a sense of history and belonging. In the Celtic world, writing was not deemed a necessity, so storytelling through music and poetry was how people were able to connect 'who' they were in relation to 'where' they were and perhaps 'why'. It was not until the Romans invaded and forced the Celtic leaders (the Druids) to write, that many of the beliefs of the Celts were able to be somewhat identified.

Celtic mythology also pays reverence to Nature and Animals. The Celts held both of these in the highest regard. Amulets and talismans dedicated to particular Celtic deities were carved into wood, stone, and woven into fabrics. Every tree, stream, mountain, hill, ravine, and rock formation had a myth associated with how it came into being, usually attributed to either a goddess resting there, or

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>