Supernatural powers and deities
Beliefs about the Celtic Gods are not well known but are being pieced together by modern Druids. What is known about the gods is that ‘diverse gods have diverse functions’. Evidence shows that in the celtic society, some members were closer to a particular god more than others. For example, shoemakers would worship the god Lugos because one of his iconographies were shoes.
It is thought that the gods were connected to the ‘mythological ancestors’ of the people and lived in the ‘otherworld’. The constant reference to the gods in Celtic polytheism could be seen as ancestral worship. There is over three hundred names for Celtic gods, but there is only two gods that can be identified almost anywhere in Celtic culture. They are: Lugos (previously explained) and Matrona (mother, a number of females have been attributed for: Sequana, Noreia, Brigitana). The Celts also have personification of the elements. In the early days, ancient Celts thought that everything was a person, meaning that everything possessed a personality and they were then worshipped - earth, sun, moon, sea, wind and other elements of nature. This later led to more personification where the sun or earth spirit was separated from the sun and earth itself. But some Celtic spirits did evolve over time, and there still remains a great respect of the objects of nature themselves.
In Celtic polytheism, there are several godly functions. The Sky Father was the god of thunder and lightning and is often referred to as the head of the pantheon (all the gods). In their mythology the Irish deity was called Dagda (a father figure and protector of tribe, Irish god). This God plays the ancestor/parent of all other gods and is partnered with the Earth mother. The Earth mother in Irish mythology is seen as the figure of Danu (Irish goddess). Both Dagda and Danu are part of the Tuatha Dé Danann which is a race of supernaturally-gifted people in Irish mythology. Both these figures are seen as the head mother and father of the Tuatha Dé Danann. The Earth mother was usually also the mother of three goddesses associated with rivers or springs which are the female goddesses of the Upper, Middle and Lower realm. The Matres, which is mainly the goddess of fertility, originated in the age where women cultivated the ground. The Matres had extensive functions; river goddesses and roots of the names of rivers which can be traced back to this particular goddess were found to be guardians of individuals, families, nations etc. They also guarded women in particular events such as childbirth.
In the lower realm, the controller is usually one whom is in charge of the otherworld. This controller is usually depicted by a great hammer and a dog by his side. There is an Irish legend that also expresses this relationship called Curoi Mac Daire and Blathnat. The god of the underworld is the one in charge of the dead there. The goddess of the lower realm has a cow like nature although she can change form to become an eel, snake or wolf. Through relations with the Sky Father, she begets a god named ‘son’ whom marries his aunt the goddess of the middle realm. In Irish form, the goddess of the middle realm is known as Medb or Aife. This is the aunt of the Sky Father’s son. In the upper realm, the daytime and night time controller is fulfilled by two gods. As seen in the two Irish saga texts, the gods were split between two characteristics - a one-eyed god and a one-handed god (who later proceeded to be the god Lugh). The goddess of the upper realm is usually depicted through a horse and her Irish name is Macha. The name Macha represents the melding of the Earth goddess with the Upper realm goddess.
It is thought that the gods were connected to the ‘mythological ancestors’ of the people and lived in the ‘otherworld’. The constant reference to the gods in Celtic polytheism could be seen as ancestral worship. There is over three hundred names for Celtic gods, but there is only two gods that can be identified almost anywhere in Celtic culture. They are: Lugos (previously explained) and Matrona (mother, a number of females have been attributed for: Sequana, Noreia, Brigitana). The Celts also have personification of the elements. In the early days, ancient Celts thought that everything was a person, meaning that everything possessed a personality and they were then worshipped - earth, sun, moon, sea, wind and other elements of nature. This later led to more personification where the sun or earth spirit was separated from the sun and earth itself. But some Celtic spirits did evolve over time, and there still remains a great respect of the objects of nature themselves.
In Celtic polytheism, there are several godly functions. The Sky Father was the god of thunder and lightning and is often referred to as the head of the pantheon (all the gods). In their mythology the Irish deity was called Dagda (a father figure and protector of tribe, Irish god). This God plays the ancestor/parent of all other gods and is partnered with the Earth mother. The Earth mother in Irish mythology is seen as the figure of Danu (Irish goddess). Both Dagda and Danu are part of the Tuatha Dé Danann which is a race of supernaturally-gifted people in Irish mythology. Both these figures are seen as the head mother and father of the Tuatha Dé Danann. The Earth mother was usually also the mother of three goddesses associated with rivers or springs which are the female goddesses of the Upper, Middle and Lower realm. The Matres, which is mainly the goddess of fertility, originated in the age where women cultivated the ground. The Matres had extensive functions; river goddesses and roots of the names of rivers which can be traced back to this particular goddess were found to be guardians of individuals, families, nations etc. They also guarded women in particular events such as childbirth.
In the lower realm, the controller is usually one whom is in charge of the otherworld. This controller is usually depicted by a great hammer and a dog by his side. There is an Irish legend that also expresses this relationship called Curoi Mac Daire and Blathnat. The god of the underworld is the one in charge of the dead there. The goddess of the lower realm has a cow like nature although she can change form to become an eel, snake or wolf. Through relations with the Sky Father, she begets a god named ‘son’ whom marries his aunt the goddess of the middle realm. In Irish form, the goddess of the middle realm is known as Medb or Aife. This is the aunt of the Sky Father’s son. In the upper realm, the daytime and night time controller is fulfilled by two gods. As seen in the two Irish saga texts, the gods were split between two characteristics - a one-eyed god and a one-handed god (who later proceeded to be the god Lugh). The goddess of the upper realm is usually depicted through a horse and her Irish name is Macha. The name Macha represents the melding of the Earth goddess with the Upper realm goddess.
- An extensive list of Irish mythological figures can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Irish_mythological_figures
- The Celts, in comparison with their principle beliefs, believe in immanence and especially with their supernatural powers and deities, they like to know that there is always that supernatural existence with them constantly which might make them feel, perhaps, they are secure and safe when in the presence of a loved one or an ancient god.