The ancient Celtic mythology included more than 400 Celtic gods and goddesses, and their roles ranged from presiding over rivers to leading armies into battle. Worship of the Celtic gods was not widespread throughout Europe throughout the Iron Age, with the possible exception of Lugh. Instead, it was often confined to only a few provinces or a particular area.

Who are some of the most well-known gods and goddesses from Celtic mythology?

The legends that accompany each god and goddess of Celtic mythology are rich and varied, and often include tales of conflict, tragedy, and the exercise of supernatural or magical abilities.

Dagda – the good god…

Dagda is considered to be among the ‘good’ gods of Celtic folklore. He plays a significant role in Celtic mythology as a father figure. He is the father of Aengus, Bodb Derg, Cermait, Midir, and Brigit. His other children’s names are Midir and Brigit. In ancient times, Dagda presided over the powerful Tuatha Dé Danann clan of Celtic gods, which was said to travel all throughout the island of Ireland.

It is reported that Dagda possessed a number of potent weapons, one of which is a massive club that could kill ten people with a single strike. It also has the ability to bring the dead back to life. In addition, he possessed a cauldron that could be used to produce food and a harp that could be used to call the changing of the seasons. One of Dagda’s numerous lovers was the powerful Morrigan, the Celtic goddess of battle and fate. Dagda also had many more lovers.

Brigid – the enlightened one

There are still many people in Ireland who celebrate Saint Brigid’s Day. St. Brigid’s Day, also known as Imbolc, is observed beginning in the evening of February 1 and continuing through the evening of February 2. It is considered to be the first day of spring.

As a result, Brigid is recognized as one of the most popular Celtic goddesses in modern-day Ireland. Brigid is revered as the goddess of life, as well as springtime and fertility. She is also known as a skilled healer and poet. Brigid was a Celtic goddess who presided over the arts of poetry and prophecy, as well as healing, agriculture, and the element of fire. In reality, she was a member of the Tuatha de Danann and her father was Dagda.

It is thought that Brigid had a few domesticated animals at her home, including sheep, cats, and oxen among other creatures. Brigid was famous for three different facets of her life: as a poet, a healer, and a blacksmith. Some people think that Brigid was actually three gods in one.

Danu – the mother goddess…

Danu is one of the first legendary entities that have been associated with Ireland. This Celtic Goddess is typically shown as a stunning lady, and she is frequently linked to aspects of the natural world.

Danu is revered by her people as the embodiment of the holy mother (the tribe of Celtic Gods). Additionally, she embodies concepts related to rebirth, enlightenment, the afterlife, and wealth. Concerning the historical aspect of the situation, Danu was not only an important Celtic God in Ireland; her fame won her respect in Britain as well as in other parts of the world.

Lugh – a warrior god

In the Mythology of the Celts, this sun god of all trades and arts was indeed a prominent deity among the Celtic gods and goddesses, despite the fact that God Lugh was only sometimes referenced in inscriptions. Lugh was frequently depicted with his magic spear, Gae Assail, as well as his helmet and armor. He was also associated with ravens and thunderstorms. He was a fierce fighter who was responsible for the death of the one-eyed chief of the Formorii, the legendary Balor. One of the most celebrated heroes in Irish mythology was a warrior named Cuchulainn, and Lugh is said to have been his godfather, according to the tradition.

Badb – the Celtic Goddess of enlightenment…

Badb, the Celtic Goddess, was also thought to be a supernatural monster. She was Ernmas’ daughter and was revered by the Celts. According to Celtic eschatology, Badb is the one who will bring about the destruction of the world. According to the tale, she had the ability to foretell the destruction of the gods as well as the Great Famine that occurred in the 19th century. In Celtic mythology, the word “Crow” refers to Badb, who was also a goddess and whose name means “Crow.” Badb was the patroness of illumination, inspiration, life, and knowledge.

The Morrigan – the goddess of war

Morrigan, also known as the “Phantom Queen,” is revered as a potent female divinity who is linked with both the afterlife and the course of one’s life. The Morrigan is depicted in stories as both a singular being and a celestial triad consisting of three sisters who had the ability to morph into shrieking crows. The sight of the Morrigan was frequently seen as a warning that a soldier’s brutal end was near. As a result, the banshee figure from Irish legend is connected to her in some way.

The Morrigan is not only renowned as the Phantom Queen in Celtic mythology but she is also referred to as the “Goddess of War” and the “Queen of Demons.” According to the myth, she appeared on the battlefield in the appearance of a crow or a raven and watched over the action. The Morrigan was also capable of predicting who would emerge victorious from the conflict. She materialized in front of Cuchulainn, but he was unable to recognize her at first glance. Shortly after, C Chulainn was killed in a conflict. After he passed away, the Morrigan took the appearance of a bird and perched itself on his shoulder.

Cu Chulainn – the champion of Ulster

C Chulainn was the legendary hero of the Ulster Cycle in Irish mythology. He was also known by his original name, Setanta. Because he participated in so many fights, C Chulainn should be remembered as a valiant warrior by a great number of people. Cuchulainn was the protector of Ulster, and even today, he is considered to be the most well-known folk hero in all of Ireland. His deeds were valiant; yet, as indicated before, Cuchulainn was not able to recognize the goddess of battle, which ultimately led to his death. Many people know him as a warrior who gained his skills by training in Ireland and Scotland and went on to become one of the most formidable competitors of his era. Imagine him as Ireland’s version of the Greek hero Achilles.

Cailleach – the veiled One

Cailleach was also known as the Hag of Béara, and she possessed a really amazing power, which was the ability to control the weather as well as the seasons. Her legend is connected to the regions of Cork and Kerry, where she is said to have lived when she was one of the most powerful and oldest mythological entities in Ireland. According to the folklore, Cailleach took the shape of an elderly woman and was responsible for the development of several mountain landmarks in Ireland, including the Cliffs of Moher and Hag’s Head.

Cernunnos – the god of wild things…

Cernunnos is revered by a large number of people as the “god of wild creatures.” He was frequently considered to be the embodiment of nature. Julius Caesar linked the Celtic god Cernunnos with the Roman god Dis Pater, who represented the underworld.

Cernunnos was a horned god who was connected to nature, grain, riches, and creatures that had horns. Julius Caesar linked this fabled figure with the Roman god of the underworld, Dis Pater, and the Druids referred to him as the Honored God. Cernunnos held a reverence for a great variety of creatures, including horned serpents, bulls, stags, and ran. The fact that he is shown in ancient Celtic art as sitting nude in the lotus pose with either horns or antlers perched on his head is an interesting fact.

Aengus – the romantic…

The river goddess Bionn gave birth to Aengus, who was the son of the Dagda. He was the all-powerful deity of youth and love, and he was also known by the names Angus and Oengus of the Bruig. The tale of Aengus tells us how he traveled the length and breadth of the land in quest of a lovely young woman. He was fortunate enough to find one, and he decided to call her Caer. Since she was destined to become a swan along with the other 150 maidens, Aengus made the decision to change into a swan himself so that he may be united with the woman who had been the love of his life.

Medb Queen of Connacht

In Celtic legend, Medb, sometimes known as Maeve, was the queen of Connacht and the ruler of the western part of Ireland. As a powerful leader, she eventually came to govern a large portion of the island, and she frequently came into confrontation with the legendary hero of Ulster, Cu Chulainn.

Medb had a large number of partners, and she expected the same three things from each of her marriages and suitors. These were the fact that they do not feel fear, animosity, or jealousy toward her in any way. She was worshiped as a deity representing absolute power.

 

Eriu or Eirethe goddess of Ireland

It was impossible to compile a list of ancient Celtic gods and goddesses without including Eire, who is the personification of Ireland. After the Tuatha Dé Danann’s victory against the Milesians, Eire and her two sisters traveled to meet the victors, which is one of the reasons why Eire has come to represent their heritage. In exchange, they proposed to honor her by naming a nation after her.

Who are the best-known Celtic Mythology Gods?

Although there are a great number of gods and goddesses that are well known, Dagda, Brigid, and Queen Mebh are probably the gods and goddesses that are the most well-known in modern times. In our expert opinion, the best-known Celtic Gods are as follows.

  • Brigid
  • Queen Mebh
  • Lugh
  • Badb
  • Dagda

Is there a Celtic Gods and Goddesses list?

  • Brigid
  • The Cailleach
  • Aengus
  • Queen Medb
  • Cernunnos
  • Cu Chulainn
  • The Morrigan
  • Badb
  • Lugh
  • Danu
  • Dagda

Who were the Tuatha de Dannan?

In Irish mythology, the Tuatha dé Dannan were a magical race of people who lived in Ireland before any of our Irish ancestors ever came to the island. This is according to the legends that have been passed down from generation to generation. According to the urban legend on the googleeeeeeeee, the progenitors of the magical race are said to be alive and well now in the shape of fantastic creatures.