Myths and legends are a part of all cultures. Each family, village, town, civilization, and religion has its folklore. Stories are passed down generations, with some additions and tweaks, while some are lost in the annals of history.
Who were the Celtic People?
Celts (Latin Celta and plural Celtae) refers to a group of Indo-European tribes spread over Europe. The Ancient Celts were neither a race nor a country. They were varied people bound together by language, traditions, and faith rather than by a government. They were recognized by the use of common languages and cultural similarities. Celtic groups include Britons, Celtiberians, Gaels, Gallaeci, Gauls, Leponti and their branches.
Celtic Myths and Legends
In the early centuries, traditions and history were passed through storytelling. Celtic mythology, like its people, draws itself from several tribes and different regions. Most of the stories are from Ireland and Wales, but there are some fables from Scotland, Cornwall, and the French region of Brittany.
Celtic mythology revolves around four concepts. The first is the Mythological Cycle, which describes invasions of Ireland by supernatural beings. Hunting is the focus of the Fenian Cycle, the second cycle. The Ultonian Cycle talks about the Ulaidh tribe through wars and conquests, while the fourth one, the Kings Cycle, is a series of inspiring stories on kings.
The Legend of Oisin
This legend tells the story of Oisin; a warrior coaxed by the beautiful Goddess Niamh to live in the land of the ever-young. This land is also referred to as 'Tir na nÓg', and its inhabitants never grow old or die. Oisin enjoyed his time in this land, where there was feasting and music every day. However, he soon begins to miss his family and friends. He requests Niamh to return home, she gives him a white horse to return home, but there is a condition. The Goddess warns Oisin to not get off the horse under any circumstance. When Oisin reaches home, he realizes hundreds of years have passed since he left. His homeland has changed, and all his loved ones have died. Oisin sees a man struggling to roll a huge stone; he gets off the horse to help him and turns to dust. This legend emphasizes the fact that aging is inevitable.
The Myth of Leprechauns
One of the most endearing folklore from the Celtic era is that of the leprechauns. These imaginary yet, famous creatures are remembered, especially on St. Patrick’s day. Leprechauns are fairy-like creatures portrayed as mischievous characters in legends and tales. As per belief, these mythical creatures store a pot of gold hidden at the end of the rainbow. Legend has it that if a Leprechaun is captured, it will grant three wishes in exchange for its freedom. Folklore describes Leprechauns as creatures who wore red outfits and tri-cornered hats. In modern times, they are depicted as green creatures.
Fun fact. Leprechauns are a protected species under EU law.
Butterflies, the Mythical Messengers
Celtic people believed that butterflies moved between worlds; they carry messages and warnings. Believed to be souls waiting to be reborn, butterflies are a part of modern culture too. They are used as decorations and as motifs on clothes, stationery, and paintings, amongst other things. Dark-winged butterflies were warnings and signaled ill luck. Butterflies with white and yellow were messengers of good luck.
The Headless Horseman
Some legends are scary, like the legend of the headless horseman. This tale describes a headless rider riding on a black horse, carrying his head in his arm. If the horseman suddenly stopped, it meant someone in the community was about to die.
The Musical Legend of the Harp
According to folklore, the evil gods stole the Harp from the mythological king Dagda, one of the most legendary heroes from Celtic folklore. In the absence of music, sadness takes over the country. The king then turned to art to cheer up his people. The evil gods finally returned the harp, and there was happiness again in their land.
Salmon, the Source of Knowledge
A young man named Fionn Mac Cumhaill goes to live with a wise man, Finnegas. Fion helps the wise man in exchange for his wisdom.
The wise man lived near River Boyne, where lived a salmon that ate magical hazelnuts. This salmon had all the knowledge in the world, and whoever ate it would gain that knowledge. After seven years, the men catch the salmon. Finnegas warns Fionn not to eat the salmon, but he gets its oil on his thumb and licks it. This is how Fionn gains knowledge of the world. A sculpture of the salmon is located in Belfast.
FAQs
Who is Brigit in Celtic mythology?
Brigit is the Goddess of learning, healing, and metalworking in Celtic mythology.
- Are Celtic mermaids different?
Mermaids are generally portrayed as beautiful women, but not in Celtic tales. Mermaids in their folklore are pig-faced with sharp teeth and dangerous.
- Harp is the symbol for which country?
