Celtic Mythology 101 part 1 – The Celts

To have a better understanding of Celtic Mythology, it is necessary to have some understanding of the Celts. To the best of my knowledge, I have created a short summary of their history. My knowledge in this area is very limited, and any input to correct or update this summary will be very welcomed.

The origins of the Celts, like much of their tales, are shrouded by the sands of time. It is possible that they originated from Central Europe, as traces of their early existence can be found in Austria, Germany and France. It is believed that they help establish the Hallsatatt culture (1200 BCE ~ 500 BCE) during the late bronze to early iron Age, and traded extensively with the Greeks.

The Golden Age of the Celts came around 600BC. They had migrated as far west as Spain and crossed the English Channel to reach the British Isles.

July, 387 BC saw the Gaul Celts (Senones) mauling the Roman army in Allia, under their chieftain Brennus. This battle was said to have been triggered when 3 Roman peace envoys got involved with a skirmish which resulted in the death of a Celtic chieftain. The Gaels then poured into Rome itself and wreaked havoc in the area for 7 months. This shame was long remembered by the Romans, and would only be avenged by Caesar’s conquest of Gaul 3 ½ centuries later.

Only Ireland survived Roman rule and influence during Rome’s greatest expansion period. Christianity would not arrive in Ireland until mid fifth century AD.

Most of the Celts were believed to be illiterate, and knowledge was passed down through an oral tradition. It was not till the 11th century, was the fading knowledge recorded by Christian monks. The pagan elements of these records were systemically replaced by Christian content, or in some cases reduced in status (divine beings were reduce to heroic figures, etc). Readers are advised to cross reference different material to get a better understanding of the hidden pagan content.

Online Resources:
An amazing article on Celts:
http://www.timelessmyths.com/celtic/aboutceltic.html
Wiki on Hallstatt culture:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hallstatt_culture
Detailed article on Gallic sack of Rome:
http://www.unrv.com/empire/gallic-sack-of-rome.php
Wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celt

The Odyssey

Title: The Odyssey
Author: Homer?
Written around: 8th or 7th century BC.?
Country of Origin: Ancient Greece
Manuscript: The Homeric papyri
Notes of interest: Detailed descriptions of ancient Greek magic

Pagan interest:
Like "The Iliad" which we covered in the previous post, the Odyssey has been romanticized by the media for many years. Unlike the former, however, the story has been portrayed closer to the original text. Perhaps the brains at Hollywood figured that things can't get anymore stranger then that.

An interesting part of the book that is often, and most likely intentionally, left out of the silver screen, is the detailed descriptions of a necromancy ritual. Yes folks, raising the dead right down to the number of goats necks you have to slit. Do note that the accuracy of this ritual is as questionable as the real author of the text, so take it with a large pitch of salt.

Online Resources:
Wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odyssey
Translation by Samuel Butler
http://classics.mit.edu/Homer/odyssey.html
Translation by Samuel Butler with summary for each book
http://www.online-literature.com/homer/odyssey/
Translation by A.T. Murray, PH.D
http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0136
An interesting description of the Hero based on the text (Children friendly)
http://www.mythweb.com/odyssey/

The Iliad

Title: The Iliad
Author: Homer?
Written around: 8th or 7th century BC.?
Country of Origin: Ancient Greece
Manuscript: The Homeric papyri
Notes of interest: Never heard of The Iliad? Think Troy.

Pagan interest:
The legends of Troy has been romanticized by the media for many years. Unfortunately, the hash reality is that the origin writings are very violent and gruesome. Packed with overly detailed descriptions of combat, acts of revenge and body mutilation, this is one book you do NOT want the kids to get their hands on.

Matured pagans will, however, find it an invaluable source of research. Seemly untainted by other sources, there is a great volume of ancient pagan material to be found in this text. There are more translations of this text then I can cover in this blog, readers are advised to explore them on their own.

Online Resources:
Wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iliad
Translation (Samuel Butler version):
http://classics.mit.edu/Homer/iliad.html

Beowulf

Title: Beowulf
Author: Unknown
Written around: 11th Century?
Country of Origin: England
Manuscript: Nowell Codex (British Library, MS Cotton Vitellius A.xv)
Notes of interest: It is noted that J.R.R. Tolkien's (author, Lord of the Rings) academic career was built around this poem

Pagan interest:
An Anglo-Saxon heroic poetry set in Scandinavian background, the origins and period which this poem was written has been shrouded in mystery. What is clear is the heavy pagan influences and references found throughout the poem. Though not completely free of other influences, this poem does give an interesting view into ancient pagan life.

The poem tells of the three major battles of Beowulf, a hero of the Geats. Mortally wounded in his final battle, he was buried in a pagan ritual by this retainers.

I have not finished reading this poem yet, (with 3183 in just the original text alone, it's going to take a while...) so any constructive comments will be great.

Online Resources:
Wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beowulf
Study Guide:
http://www.library.unr.edu/subjects/guides/beowulf.html
Original Text and translation:
http://www.heorot.dk/
Another Translation:
http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/toc/modeng/public/AnoBeow.html