The Tuatha Dé Danann, or “people of the goddess Danu”, were an ancient race of supernatural beings in Ireland. They were said to have arrived from four great cities to the North, Failias, Gorias, Findias, and Murias, along with with several treasures. The first was the Stone of Fal (Lia Fail) from Failias, which would scream whenever aContinue reading “Tuatha Dé Danann”
Category Archives: Celtic
Faeries
Faeries (Fairy, Fay, Fey, Fae) are otherworldly creatures or spirits that appear in folklore. They are often thought of as human in appearance and having magical powers, however are sometimes unpredictable and dangerous. In modern cultures they are often depicted as cute tiny winged creatures, however originally faeries were depicted anywhere from tall, angelic beingsContinue reading “Faeries”
Áine, Faery Goddess
Áine of Knockainy, Ain Cliach, Ain of the Light, Áine N’Chliar, Ain Cliar the Bright Áine (ON-ya) is an Irish Goddess of summer, love, protection, fertility, wealth and sovereignty. In her role of Moon Goddess, she guards livestock, crops, and cattle. In her role as Sun Goddess, she could take the form of ‘Lair Derg’, a redContinue reading “Áine, Faery Goddess”
The Celts
The Celts were a diverse group of people who resided in Europe during the Iron Age. They originated from the Hallstatt and La Tène cultures of central Europe, and later spread across Europe and Britain. The word ‘Celt’ comes from the Greeks, who named this group of ‘barbarians’ Keltoi (‘the hidden people’).
The Mabinogion
The Mabinogion is a collection of Welsh stories, mostly mythology and folklore, including the earliest Arthurian myths.
Nuada of the Silver Arm
Nuada Airgetlám, Nuadu, Nodens (Gaulish), Nudd / Ludd / Lludd Llaw Eraint (Welsh) Nuada was the first king the Tuatha Dé Danann, equivalent to the Gaulish Nodens and Welsh Nudd/Ludd. He was also called Nuada Airgetlám (Nuada of the Silver Hand/Arm) or Lludd Llaw Eraint (Lludd of the Silver Hand). Nuada was the god ofContinue reading “Nuada of the Silver Arm”
Ogham
Ogham (OH-am) is an ancient alphabet used to write Old Irish and other Brythonic/Brittonic languages (such as Pictish, Welsh) from about the 3rd century CE. The Ogham alphabet is sometimes called the ‘Celtic Tree Alphabet’ as each letter is assigned a tree or plant name. However, this was probably done after the initial creation of the Ogham script. AfterContinue reading “Ogham”
Rhiannon
Rhiannon is a Welsh goddess of the earth, fertility, birds and horses. She appears in the First and Third branches of the Mabinogion, as well as the Arthurian tale of Culhwch and Olwen. Through her marriage to Pwyll pen Annwfn she is also connected to the Otherworld. Rhiannon is thought to be predecessor of theContinue reading “Rhiannon”
Triskele
The triskele, or triskelion, is an ancient symbol consisting of three interlocking spirals, or sometimes three bent human legs. The name is Greek for ‘three legged’ or ‘three times’. The triskele can be found at several Megalithic and Neolithic sites around Europe, and has strong connections to the pre-Celtic art of the La Tène culture.
Stonehenge
Stonehenge is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in Wiltshire, England, it consists of a ring of standing stones within a variety of earthworks. Stonehenge is found within one of the most dense collection of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments in England, which includesContinue reading “Stonehenge”
West Coast Pagan 