Celtic mythology: basics

In short: Celtic mythology encompasses the deities and legends of the Celts in Western Europe, especially preserved from Ireland and Wales. Nature, druids, and a close connection to the Otherworld played a central role.

In more detail: Since the Celts rarely used their own writing system, many traditions only survive through later Christian records.

In detail

• Druids: As priests, scholars, and judges, druids held a central social and religious role.
• The Otherworld: The idea of a parallel, magical realm closely connected to the real world shaped many myths.
• Irish legends: The Ulster Cycle, featuring the hero Cú Chulainn, is among the best-known Celtic legend cycles.
• Important figures: The goddess Morrígan represents war and fate, the god Lugh craftsmanship and light.
• Nature worship: Trees, especially oaks, and certain places such as springs were considered sacred.
• Samhain: The festival of Samhain, the precursor to Halloween, marked the transition between summer and winter and into the Otherworld.
• Legacy: Many Celtic motifs live on in modern fantasy literature and pop culture (nordische-mythologie-grundlagen, halloween-herkunft-und-braeuche).