Celtic Mythology (original) (raw)

We now leave the mild climate of the ancient Aegean, and the cold, forbidding regions of the North.

Here, we enter the lush, green land, shrouded in mists of magic and wonders. The land is young yet ancient; beautiful yet intriguing; and something quite magical.

We meet people who are fair and noble. Yet when aroused into battle, these people can easily become savage. One can lose one's head, quite literally, at the end of their swords.

Here we turn our page to Celtic Mythology.

Queen Medb (Maeve)
J. Leyendecker
Illustration, 1916

Though Celtic myths weren't written down until the eleventh century AD, after the Vikings were driven out of Ireland, their sources - mostly oral traditions - were quite old. Even ancient.

Many of the myths that come to us, come mainly from Ireland and Wales. Celtic myths also included those from Scotland, Cornwall and Brittany (in France). We have to thank the Welsh myths, and to a lesser degree the Irish, for the legends of King Arthur. While the medieval romance of Tristan and Isolde originated in Brittany, it gained popularity in Continental Europe and the British Isles.

Though Celtic literature didn't appear until the Middle Ages, Celtic people and their religions existed during the time of ancient Rome. For more information on the Celtic people and their history and myths, feel free to read About Celtic Myths.

Otherwise, continue on.

The pages devoted to Celtic myths have been divided into three sections:

• The Otherworld contains references to the Celtic deities, from Irish and Welsh literatures, as well as deities from ancient Gaul and Britain.
• The Warrior Society contains information on Celtic characters, particularly on heroes and heroines, rulers and other minor characters that appeared in Celtic myths.
• Celtic Cycles are filled with stories of adventures and tragedy.

Other useful information includes:

• Facts & Figures
  • Celtic World and Cultures
  • Enchanted Objects
  • Faithful Companions
• Genealogy
• Bibliography (Celtic sources)

Related Information

Note

The majority of the characters and stories presented in Timeless Myths belonged to Irish myths. There are stories of Welsh myths, such as the collection of prose tales called the Mabinogion.

There are a few myths with Arthur in the Mabinogion and in other Welsh sources, but the rest of the legend on King Arthur will be found in Arthurian Legends division.

"O Lady of the Fair Hair, Sing to me of the fair ancient land. Yours divine voice Whispers the poetry of magic that flow through the wind, Like sweet-tasting water of the Boyne.

"Girls, forever young and beautiful, Dancing around the broken dun, Where long forgotten heroes sang of victory And drank ales to old memories.

"Sing to me one last time, Goddess of the Fair Hair, Before my old ear fail me. Let me see you dance, Before your beauty fade away from my failing sight."

— Song to the Lady of the Fair Hair,
from the Book of Heroes.