Celtic Mythology

Celtic mythology comes from the ancient peoples of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and nearby lands. Their stories are full of brave warriors, powerful druids, and magical fairy folk. The Celts believed in an Otherworld, a magical place just beyond our own. These myths are still told in Ireland and Scotland today.

Heroes and Warriors

The greatest Celtic hero was Cu Chulainn from Ireland. He was so fierce in battle that his body would transform. Another famous group was the Fianna, a band of warriors led by Finn McCool. Finn gained all the world's knowledge by tasting a magical salmon.

The Fairy Folk

The Celts believed in a magical people called the Tuatha De Danann. When humans arrived in Ireland, these beings went underground. They became the fairy folk who lived in hills and mounds. The Celts left offerings of milk and bread to keep the fairies happy.

Fun Facts

• Finn McCool supposedly built the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland to walk to Scotland.
• The Celtic festival of Samhain became the modern holiday of Halloween.
• Celtic druids believed oak trees were sacred and held their ceremonies in oak groves.

Did You Know?

Halloween started as the Celtic festival of Samhain over 2,000 years ago. The Celts believed the door between our world and the spirit world opened on that night!