As March approaches, many people look forward to the return of spring and the
new green foliage which shortly follows. March is also known for its St.
Patrick’s Day celebrations, with their many green decorations, a reflection of
the Emerald Isle – Ireland - from where it originated. Many Americans don’t
know this, but in the past, St. Patrick’s Day was not a ‘big deal’ in Ireland.
Irish immigrants made it one in the States and, due to America’s influence
around the world, St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland is now as big celebration as it
is in the United States.
St. Patrick’s Day also makes us think of leprechauns, which made me decide to
do this blog post on Celtic mythology and religion. (The ancient Celts
also gave us Halloween, which was brought to America primarily by Irish
immigrants.)
Despite advances in archeology, ancient Celtic culture is fairly shrouded in
mystery like the misty winds of Ireland, but there is still a treasure trove
of information on their culture, art, mythology and religion.
The Mercer County Library System has a variety of books, eBooks and DVDs on
these topics. Below are a few that should be of interest.
Ireland's Immortals: A History of the Gods of Irish Myth
Author: Williams, M. A. (Mark Andrew), 1980- author.
Summary: Ireland's Immortals tells the story of one of the world's great mythologies. The first account of the gods of Irish myth to take in the whole sweep of Irish literature in both the nation's languages, the book describes how Ireland's pagan divinities were transformed into literary characters in the medieval Christian era--and how they were recast again during the Celtic Revival of the late-nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Pub Date: 2016
Exploring the World of the Celts
Author: James, Simon, 1957-
Summary: Examines the life and history of the Celts, their wars, gods, craftsmanship in metal, wood, and stone, life under Roman rule, and continuing traditions after 400 A.D.
Pub Date: 1993
The following two selections are DVDs:
The Celts complete epic saga
Author: Opus Television (Firm) S4C (Firm) Kultur International Films.
Summary: The Celts were the first European people north of the Alps to rise from anonymity. Wild and ferocious, they were also romantics and mystics, and they shared a family of languages that are now the oldest living tongues of Europe. Their story is one of survival, defiance, and creativity, often in the face of oppression. The story of The Celts is presented in a six-episode set as told by The Celts themselves.
Pub Date: 2010
The Celtic Word
Author: Paxton, Jennifer. lecturer. Teaching Company, production company.
Summary: In The Celtic World, discover the incredible story of the Celtic-speaking peoples, whose art, language, and culture once spread from Ireland to Austria. This series of 24 lectures explains the traditional historical view of who the Celts were, then contrasts it with brand-new evidence from DNA analysis and archeology that changes our perspective on where the Celts came from. European history and culture have been profoundly affected by the Celts, from the myth of King Arthur to the very map of the United Kingdom, where the English confronted the peoples of the "Celtic Fringe."
Pub Date: 2018
Celtic mythology
Author: Bordas, Thierry
Author: Curran, Bob.
Author: Sharkey, John.
Pub Date: 1979 1978 1975
Celtic myths : a guide to the ancient gods and legends
Author: Aldhouse-Green, Miranda J. (Miranda Jane), author.
Summary: "The perfect introduction for the modern reader to the world of Celtic myth and legend"--Back cover.
Pub Date: 2015
And, in the spirit of the season, there is plenty of material for children on
leprechauns and St. Patrick’s Day:
Leprechauns
Author: Mortensen, Lori, 1955-
Pub Date: 2007
The Leprechaun's Gold
Author: Edwards, Pamela Duncan. Cole, Henry, 1955- ill.
Summary: A leprechaun intervenes with gold and magic when a greedy, boastful young harpist gains an unfair advantage for a royal harping contest.
Pub Date: 2004
There are many more items for children on these topics, so
see what’s in our entire catalog.
Since our topic is primarily ancient Celtic myth and religion, there are a
number of websites that I found which nicely go into more depth. The
first one in particular shows the intricate beauty of Celtic art as well as
commonly known symbols from Pagan times, such as the Green Man or Woman and
Triskelion, the Triple Goddess (though the art on this site has been a bit
‘modernized’).
This site gives a more scholarly history as well as examples of the art:
I found this site to be particularly valuable. It has links to all things
Celtic, from ancient religion to Christianization to modern times.
And last, but not least, is the fascination with the Druids, which continues
today. Modern Druids still have their rites at Stonehenge, particularly the
Summer Solstice. Here are several good websites on their history and
practices.
- by Gary C., Ewing Branch
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