Necessary cookies help make a website usable by enabling basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website. For example, the Mythological Cycle refers to the first settlers of Ireland as supernatural, godlike, or skilled in magic but never as gods, deities, or holy entities, though they would have been sacred to ancient people. Now given his eminence in ancient times, it doesn’t come as a surprise that the Roman identified him with one of their own syncretic, , the archetype of the youthful god of light. Ist century Roman poet Lucan mentioned Teutates as one of the three major Celtic gods (along with, . And while not much is known about the mythological scope, Toutatis (or, ) was probably quite an important Celtic deity, with his very name roughly translating to ‘. Furthermore, Taranis was associated with fire, be it the fire of the sky or the fire of the air. Irish mythology is a branch of Celtic mythology which details the origin stories and deities, kings, and heroes of ancient Ireland. The goddess Don in Welsh mythology was also often associated with her matronly Irish counterpart. Furthermore, Taranis was associated with fire, be it the fire of the sky or the fire of the air. This had led to some disturbing allegations by other Roman authors, including that of Strabo and Julius Caesar who described sacrificial victims being burned inside ‘wicker man’ constructs to appease the deity. Essentially, Eriu serves as the modern personification of Ireland. The role of Ana is very much pronounced in Irish mythology, where she is often referred to as Anu, Danu or Dana, and is considered as the divine mother of the Tuatha Dé Danann (‘people of Dana’) – the supernatural race (or tribe) of Celtic gods that possibly formed one of the major pantheons of pre-Christian Gaelic Ireland. Regarded as the son of, , Ogma is credited as being the inventor of Ogham – the earliest system of writing in Ireland. In any case, Camulos was regarded as one of the important ancient Celtic gods (or Romano-Celtic deities) in Britain, judging by his name being given to several places in the region, including Camulodunum, the ancient Roman name for Colchester in Essex, England. So, without further ado, let us take a gander at 15 ancient Celtic gods and goddesses you should know about. Irish mythology is the ancient stories and beliefs of the Gaelic people who were the ancestors of the modern Irish. Most people who are familiar with Ireland recognize St. Brigid of Kildare as the second patron saint of the Emerald Isle, as well as the saint of a handful of other stations and vocations, including babies, midwives, Irish nuns, dairymaids. The role of Ana is very much pronounced in Irish mythology, where she is often referred to as, , and is considered as the divine mother of the, (‘people of Dana’) – the supernatural race (or tribe) of Celtic gods that possibly formed one of the major pantheons of pre-Christian Gaelic Ireland. Essentially, the visual scope symbolically represented how the Celtic god had the power of eloquence and persuasion to bind his followers to him. As for the other Celtic cultures, it has been argued in the academic circles that Epona possibly inspired the Welsh mythical/folkloric character of Rhiannon – the tenacious lady of the Otherworld. Interestingly enough, the familiar Welsh name ‘Llywelyn’ also comes from two Celtic sun gods, since it is derived from Lugubelinos – the composite of Lugus (or Lleu in Welsh) and Belenos (or Belyn in Welsh). A Shade of Tain – This traditional Irish epic revolves around a war spurred by the attempted thief of a bull. This cookie doesn't save any personal Data about any shop client. In some parts of Ireland, there is still a belief in the Creideamh Sí, or fairy faith, that coexists with Catholicism. The Dullahan is one of the most well known tales of Irish mythology and the story became so popular over time. Interestingly enough, the familiar Welsh name ‘Llywelyn’ also comes from two Celtic sun gods, since it is derived from. in appearance, with both wearing lion skins and carrying clubs and bows. Counted among the oldest of the ancient Celtic gods in Ireland. ) Regarded as one of the Celtic gods among the Tuatha Dé Danann, Eriu (modern Irish – Eire) has the distinction of having an entire nation named after her. Also known as the Samildánach (Skilled in All the Arts), Lugh (or Lug) was additionally associated with thunderstorms, ravens, and even lynxes. When the Milesians, the ancient ancestors of the Irish people, arrived in Ireland, they conquered the land, and the Tuatha Dé Dannan disappeared. As the horned god of Celtic polytheism, Cernunnos is often associated with animals, forests, fertility, and even wealth. When we look at Celtic mythology today, there are a number of marked similarities between their ancient tales and Christian stories in the Bible. Additional sources include Cornwall, Scotland, and the French region of Brittany. Thus the Celtic goddess, often portrayed as a beautiful and mature woman, was associated with nature and the spiritual essence of nature, while also representing the contrasting (yet cyclic) aspects of prosperity, wisdom, death, and regeneration. Ogmios’ later Irish equivalent Ogma also plays a crucial role in the Gaelic myths. By using ThoughtCo, you accept our, The Colorful History of the St. Patrick's Day Parade, What Is Gaelic? In contrast to the brooding aspects of Morrigan, Brigid, in pre-Christianity Ireland, was regarded as the Celtic goddess of healing, spring season, and even smithcraft. This incredible form of syncretism hints at how the early medieval Christian monks played their part in adapting to the changing religious landscape of the realm by retaining a few of the older native ‘pagan’ elements.