{"id":6128,"date":"2022-05-09T13:22:24","date_gmt":"2022-05-09T11:22:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/?p=6128"},"modified":"2023-05-05T10:38:04","modified_gmt":"2023-05-05T08:38:04","slug":"celtic-gods-and-celtic-goddesses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/celtic-gods-and-celtic-goddesses\/","title":{"rendered":"Celtic Gods &#038; Goddesses: The Most Important Deities Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:62.5%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:62.5%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:62.5%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:62.5%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:62.5%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:62.5%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:62.5%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-8::before{padding-top:62.5%; }img#mv-trellis-img-8{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-9::before{padding-top:62.5%; }img#mv-trellis-img-9{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-10::before{padding-top:62.5%; }img#mv-trellis-img-10{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-11::before{padding-top:62.5%; }img#mv-trellis-img-11{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-12::before{padding-top:62.5%; }img#mv-trellis-img-12{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-13::before{padding-top:62.5%; }img#mv-trellis-img-13{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-14::before{padding-top:62.5%; }img#mv-trellis-img-14{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-15::before{padding-top:62.5%; }img#mv-trellis-img-15{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-16::before{padding-top:62.5%; }img#mv-trellis-img-16{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-17::before{padding-top:62.5%; }img#mv-trellis-img-17{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-18::before{padding-top:62.5%; }img#mv-trellis-img-18{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-19::before{padding-top:62.5%; }img#mv-trellis-img-19{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-20::before{padding-top:62.5%; }img#mv-trellis-img-20{display:block;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone is-resized wp-image-6206 size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Cliffs_of_Moher_Oystein_Otterdal.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6206\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20800%20500'%3E%3Crect%20width='800'%20height='500'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6206 eager-load\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Cliffs_of_Moher_Oystein_Otterdal.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Cliffs_of_Moher_Oystein_Otterdal.jpg.webp\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Photo: &Oslash;ystein Otterdal via Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Who are the Celtic Gods and Celtic Goddesses?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Celtic pagan gods and goddesses were thought to have special influential powers over aspects of daily life and the natural world.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ancient Celts were <strong>polytheistic<\/strong> and are thought to have worshiped over <strong>400 Celtic gods and goddesses<\/strong>, although it is difficult to pinpoint an exact figure.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of these gods and goddesses of Celtic mythology were revered across the Celtic world, whereas others seemed to have been less well known and worshiped only in certain regions or specific locations.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Celtic Deities vs Roman Deities<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In comparison to Roman gods, many Celtic deities often represent multiple different aspects and had more all-encompassing powers. <strong>The Dagda<\/strong>, god of agriculture, weather, the seasons and time is one such example.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Given the overlapping focus of the major Celtic deities, it has been suggested that some of the Celtic deities equate to the Roman ones.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One such example is the Celtic god <strong>Nordens<\/strong>, who was god of hunting and the Roman god <strong>Mars<\/strong>, who acted as the god of war and protector of agriculture.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is much scholarly debate on this topic and no clear conclusions.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Who are the main Celtic Gods and Goddesses?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone is-resized wp-image-6221 size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Standing_stones_Ring_of_Kerry_alantobey.jpg\" alt=\"Ancient standing stones in Ireland\" class=\"wp-image-6221\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Standing_stones_Ring_of_Kerry_alantobey.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Ancient standing stones in Ireland\" class=\"wp-image-6221 lazyload\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Standing_stones_Ring_of_Kerry_alantobey.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Ancient standing stones, possibly predating the origins of the gods and goddesses, are scattered across Ireland. Photo: alantobey via Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The names of Celtic gods and the names of Celtic goddesses that occur often in Celtic mythology are listed below.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>List of Celtic Gods<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lugh &ndash; Celtic God of Justice and Mischief&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Dagda &ndash; Celtic God of Agriculture, Fertility and Seasons and King of the Gods<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aengus &ndash; Celtic God of Love, Youth, Summer and poetry<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Manannan &ndash; Celtic God of the Sea<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">C&uacute; Chullain &ndash; Demigod and Warrior Hero<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Belenus &ndash; Celtic God of Fire<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Donn &ndash; Celtic God of Death<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neit &ndash; Celtic God of War<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>List of Celtic Goddesses<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Danu &ndash; Celtic Mother Goddess<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Morrigan &ndash; Celtic Goddess of War<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&Aacute;ine &ndash; Celtic Goddess of Love, Wealth and Sovereignty<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brigid &ndash; Celtic Goddess of Healing, Poetry and Blacksmithing<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flidas &ndash; Celtic Goddess of Cattle and Fertility<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">B&eacute;binn &ndash; Celtic Goddess of Birth<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Airmed &ndash; Celtic Goddess of Herbalism<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Celtic Gods and Goddesses in Irish Mythology<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone is-resized wp-image-6208 size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Irish_Landscape_Killarney_Mammuth.jpg\" alt=\"Wild Irish landscape in Killarney, County Kerry.\" class=\"wp-image-6208\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Irish_Landscape_Killarney_Mammuth.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Wild Irish landscape in Killarney, County Kerry.\" class=\"wp-image-6208 lazyload\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Irish_Landscape_Killarney_Mammuth.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Wild Irish landscape in Killarney, County Kerry. Photo: mammuth via Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irish mythology is rich in tales gods and goddesses and their rituals, battles, revenge and sexual encounters. Given all their relationships, the Celtic gods family tree is a complex one!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are four <strong>Cycles<\/strong> or groupings in <strong>Irish mythology<\/strong>:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><b>Mythological Cycle:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Stories of the main gods of Celtic mythology and the early battles and invasions on the the Island of Ireland<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Ulster Cycle:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Deals with the adventures and challenges of the warriors, kings and queens around the 1st century C.E. Some of the figures from the Mythological Cycle are again present in this cycle.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Fenian Cycle:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Retells the famous tales about Fionn mac Cumhail (or Finn McCool) and the band of Irish warriors known as the Fianna. Set around the 3rd century C.E. and also known as the Ossianic Cycle.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Historical Cycle:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A mix of stories from ancient history and mythology merged together by bards or the kings poets to record important family history of kings.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most of the legends of the deities come from the Mythological Cycles and the later Ulster Cycles (ca. 1st century C.E.) to a lesser degree.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Irish Gods<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Lugh &ndash; God of Justice and Oaths and Master of Crafts<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone is-resized wp-image-6184 size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Spear_and_carving_Vlad_Alex_and_Libero_Api.jpg\" alt=\"The Celtic god Lugh was skilled with a spear and a master craftsman.\" class=\"wp-image-6184\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Spear_and_carving_Vlad_Alex_and_Libero_Api.jpg.webp\" alt=\"The Celtic god Lugh was skilled with a spear and a master craftsman.\" class=\"wp-image-6184 lazyload\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Spear_and_carving_Vlad_Alex_and_Libero_Api.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The Celtic god Lugh was skilled with a spear and a master craftsman. Photos: (l) Vlad_Alex and (r) Libero Api<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The god <strong>Lugh<\/strong>, (also spelled <strong>Lug<\/strong> or <strong>Luga<\/strong>) is one of the most notable of all the Irish deities and equates to the pan-Celtic god of <strong>Lugus<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lugh was the god associated with <strong>justice<\/strong> and held <strong>power<\/strong> <strong>over oaths and law<\/strong>. He was also connected with rightfulness, especially in terms of kingship.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He was king of the glorified race of the <strong>Tuatha d&eacute; Danann<\/strong>, who were known for their superior skills and knowledge, particularly on the battlefield. The inscriptions on some early texts suggest that the Tuath d&eacute; Danann were deities, while others allude more to them having magical powers, including shapeshifting.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lugh was a master craftsman and skilled warrior, known for his ability to throw a spear a very long distance and hence his other name <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><em><strong>Lugh L&aacute;mhfhada<\/strong><\/em>. This name means <\/span><b>Lugh of the long arm<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Irish.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He is believed to have led the Tuatha d&eacute; Danann to victory over the invading army of <strong>Fomorians<\/strong> as depicted in the <strong>Battle of Mag Tuired<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n                <div class=\"ml-form-embed\" data-account=\"1451834:z8v5q8j9c3\" data-form=\"1342994:q3e2p6\">\n                <\/div>\n            \n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is said that Lugh initiated a special games event, known as the <strong>Tailteann Games<\/strong> or <strong>Assembly of Tailti<\/strong> that focused on horse racing and martial arts that ran over the last two weeks in July and culminated with the start of the harvest celebration of <strong>Lughnasadh<\/strong> on 1 August. It is said that the games were founded in memory of Lugh&rsquo;s foster mother <strong>Tailtiu<\/strong>, who was also thought to be a goddess.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Legend states that Lugh was also a bit of a trickster and is sometimes known as the <strong>Celtic god of mischief<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lugh is thought to have been the father of demi god and famous Irish warrior, <strong>C&uacute; Chulainn<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are Celtic gods immortal? Seemingly not all of them, Lugh is said to have been speared and drowned in <strong>Loch Lugborta<\/strong>&nbsp;(or <strong>Loch Lugh<\/strong>) in County Westmeath, by the sons of <strong>Cermait<\/strong> after he killed their father.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both the gods of Lugh and the Dagda are supposedly buried in the sacred center of the island of Ireland, <strong>Uisneach<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>The Dagda &ndash; God of Agriculture, Fertility, Seasons and Weather<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone is-resized wp-image-6219 size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Mountain_landscape_Ireland.jpg\" alt=\"Rural landscape of Ireland.\" class=\"wp-image-6219\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Mountain_landscape_Ireland.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Rural landscape of Ireland.\" class=\"wp-image-6219 lazyload\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Mountain_landscape_Ireland.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The Dagda had influence over agriculture, as well as time and the seasons. Photo: Hans Petter Birkeland via Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Who is the king of the gods in Celtic mythology?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>The Dagda<\/strong> Celtic god is believed to be the father of the gods and is thought of as a strong, manly figure with the knowledge and wisdom of the druids.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a god he had immense power and influence. The Dagda is the Celtic god of <strong>agriculture<\/strong>, <strong>fertility<\/strong> <strong>of the land<\/strong><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong> and animals<\/strong>, <strong>weather<\/strong>, <strong>time<\/strong> and <strong>seasons<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He is also connected with life and death. <strong>Donn<\/strong>, the <strong>Irish god of death<\/strong> may have been an aspect of the Dagda.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Good, fruitful harvests were critical for the survival of Celtic people and animals, so it is easy to see how central a role this god played in the <strong>Celtic pantheon<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The<strong> fertility and health of cattle<\/strong> was also of primary importance as a person&rsquo;s wealth was often counted in terms of cattle. Retribution payments for certain crimes were also paid in cattle according to the <strong>old Irish Brehon laws<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One ritual to ensure a fruitful harvest in the coming year was the annual coupling of the Dagda with his wife, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/the-morrigan-goddess\/\"><strong>Morrigan goddess<\/strong><\/a> at the feast of the Samhain (on 1 November).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone is-resized wp-image-6186 size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Harp_Ireland_PhodoDesign.jpg\" alt=\"Playing a harp.\" class=\"wp-image-6186\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Harp_Ireland_PhodoDesign.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Playing a harp.\" class=\"wp-image-6186 lazyload\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Harp_Ireland_PhodoDesign.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-6\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>An enchanted harp was one of the Dada&rsquo;s most prised possessions. Photo: PhodoDesign via Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the Dagda&rsquo;s most prized possessions included an <strong>enchanted harp<\/strong> and a <strong>magical staff<\/strong>, with which he could kill 9 men at once with or restore their lives at will. He also had a bottomless cauldron to ensure that no man left his table feeling hungry.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Dagda was the supposed father of several other important figures in Irish mythology including the goddess <strong>Brigid<\/strong> and <strong>Bodb Derg<\/strong> who featured a key role in the tale of the <\/span><b>Children of Lir<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The river goddess <strong>Boann<\/strong> was his lover and mother of his child, and fellow god, <strong>Aengus<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Aengus &ndash; God of Love, Youth, Summer and Poetry<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone is-resized wp-image-6180 size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Newgrange_Tomb_hbieser.jpg\" alt=\"Newgrange in County Meath\" class=\"wp-image-6180\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Newgrange_Tomb_hbieser.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Newgrange in County Meath\" class=\"wp-image-6180 lazyload\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Newgrange_Tomb_hbieser.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-7\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Angus is thought to have tricked his father, the Dagda, into giving him his home of Newgrange. Photo: hbieser via Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Dagda is not thought to have welcomed the news of the arrival of <strong>Aengus<\/strong>. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is said that upon hearing the news that Boann was pregnant, the Dagda attempted to <strong>hide the pregnancy<\/strong> by keeping the sun still in the sky for 9 months so that the gestation would take place in the space of a day.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is possibly fitting then that Aengus, the <strong>Irish god of love, youth, summer and poetry,<\/strong> was in fact a love child himself.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aengus (or <strong>&Oacute;engus<\/strong> as is sometimes used) was another member of the Tuatha d&eacute; Danann with expert knowledge of weaponry. His sword, <em><strong>Moralltach<\/strong><\/em>, or the <strong>Great Fury<\/strong> given to him by the&nbsp;<strong>god of the sea, Manannan mac Lir,<\/strong> was one of his prized possessions.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One story exists of how the Dagda when assigning land to his children, he forgot to leave land for Aengus.&nbsp; At this time, the Dagda was living in <strong>Newgrange<\/strong> and Aengus tricked him into letting him live there permanently.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aengus&rsquo; skill with <strong>poetry<\/strong> was thought to be so great that he was able to <strong>break magic spells with this gift,<\/strong> such as the one placed on <strong>&Eacute;tain<\/strong> in the love story with <strong>Midir<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a dream Aengus falls in love with a beautiful maiden, <strong>Caer Ibormeith<\/strong>. He searches day and night until he finds her at the Lake of the Dragon&rsquo;s Mouth.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There was a catch that Caer was stuck in the form of a swan and was only able to return to a human form for one day every second year. In order to marry her, Aengus had to correctly identify her as a swan among 150 other swans, which he was able to do. Then he also transformed into a swan and flew with her to his home in the <strong>Br&uacute; na Boinne<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Manann&aacute;n mac Lir &ndash; God of the Sea<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone is-resized wp-image-6182 size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Galway_Ireland_Sedat_Gocelerli.jpg\" alt=\"A stony beach on the Irish coast\" class=\"wp-image-6182\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Galway_Ireland_Sedat_Gocelerli.jpg.webp\" alt=\"A stony beach on the Irish coast\" class=\"wp-image-6182 lazyload\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Galway_Ireland_Sedat_Gocelerli.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-8\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Manann&aacute;n&nbsp;<\/span><\/strong>Mac<strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;Lir is thought to have taken over the role of sea god from his father, the god Lir.&nbsp;<\/span><\/strong>Photo: Sedat G&ouml;celerli via Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Manann&aacute;n mac Lir<\/strong>, also known as <strong>Manann&aacute;n<\/strong> or simply <strong>Manann<\/strong> was the <strong>son of Lir<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It appears that Manann&aacute;n took over the role of the sea god from his father, although some tales suggest that <strong>Lir was the god of the ocean<\/strong> and <strong>Manann&aacute;n was the god of the sea<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Just in case you were wondering, it is not completely clear whether the <strong>god Lir<\/strong> was the same individual named <strong>Lir in the Children of Lir<\/strong>.)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Manannan was well equipped with armor and weapons, some of which he supplied to the god <strong>Lugh<\/strong> when the <strong>Fomorians<\/strong> attacked the <strong>Tuatha d&eacute; Danann<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He was able to make a dramatic entrance on his <strong>horse-pulled chariot<\/strong> that could ride upon the waves. Alternatively, he also had a self-navigating boat called <em><strong>Sguaba Tuinne<\/strong><\/em> or <strong>wave-rider<\/strong>, which seems advanced even in the technology era of today!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to his role as a sea god, Manann&aacute;n also took care of the <strong>welfare of the Tuatha d&eacute; Danann<\/strong> when they were forced into the fairy mound, or <em><strong>s&iacute;dhe<\/strong><\/em>, after being defeated by the <strong>Milesian<\/strong> invaders. He covered the mounds in mist so as to make them invisible to outsiders.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to some stories he was the husband, or perhaps the father of the <strong>goddess &Aacute;ine<\/strong> and <strong>foster father of the god Lugh<\/strong>. Other tales link him romantically to the <strong>sea goddess Fand<\/strong>. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Niamh of the Golden Hair,<\/strong> who is in the legend of <strong>Ois&iacute;n and Tir na n&Oacute;g<\/strong> is thought to be Manannan&rsquo;s daughter.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Manannan has a strong connection to Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man. There is even some speculation that the <strong>Isle of Man<\/strong> was named after him and vice versa. Several areas in Scotland and Ireland are named after Manannan, including <strong>Mannin Lake<\/strong> (County Mayo), and <strong>Mannin Island<\/strong> (County Cork).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Cu chulainn &ndash; Warrior Hero and Demigod<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone is-resized wp-image-6188 size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Hurley_and_Sliotar_fiorigianluigi.jpg\" alt=\"A sliotar (hurling ball) and hurley used in the traditional game of hurling.\" class=\"wp-image-6188\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Hurley_and_Sliotar_fiorigianluigi.jpg.webp\" alt=\"A sliotar (hurling ball) and hurley used in the traditional game of hurling.\" class=\"wp-image-6188 lazyload\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Hurley_and_Sliotar_fiorigianluigi.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-9\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The story of how C&uacute; Chulainn got his name involves him using a sliotar (ball used in hurling) to defend himself against a hound. Photo: fiorigianluigi via Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>C&uacute; Chulainn<\/strong> or <strong>C&uacute;chulainn<\/strong> features often in the <strong>Ulster Cycles<\/strong> of Irish mythology.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">His father, <strong>Lugh<\/strong>, was one of the major Celtic gods and his mother, <strong>Deichtine<\/strong>, was a mortal making him a <strong>demi-god<\/strong>, although some say that he was the reincarnation of his father Lugh.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deichtine decided that her son should be reared by <strong>seven nobles<\/strong> to ensure that he received a wide ranging education. They took him on as a foster son and taught him the skills of a warrior, an orator and how to defend the vulnerable.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a child C&uacute; Chulainn was known by the name of <strong>S&eacute;tanta<\/strong>. He only earned his name <strong>C&uacute; Chulainn<\/strong> (Irish for <strong>Hound of <\/strong><\/span><strong>Culainn<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) after killing the trusted guard dog of Culainn in self defense, by accurately hitting a sliotar (ball used in the Irish game of hurling) down its throat as it attacked him. S&eacute;tanta offered his services until he could retrain a new dog and so became known as C&uacute; Chulainn.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">C&uacute; Chulainn was a skilled and dedicated warrior from an early age, and was always eager to join in the physical training sessions of the older boys.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He married <strong>Emer<\/strong>, the daughter of the <strong>King of Lusk<\/strong>, but first had to pass a series of quests set by the bride&rsquo;s father. Having successfully completed the challenges, C&uacute; Chulainn proceeded to attack the castle of Emer&rsquo;s father and kill many in the process before eloping with the maiden.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite being married, C&uacute; Chulainn is also known for his many affairs including with <strong>Aife,<\/strong> with whom he has a son and the Scandinavian Princess,&nbsp;<strong>Derbforgaill<\/strong> who turned into a swan to be with him.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to his abilities as a warrior, C&uacute; Chulainn terrified his enemies by flying into a <strong>frenzied rage in battle<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He is known for <strong>single-handedly defeating<\/strong> the army of <strong>Queen Medb<\/strong> in the <strong>Battle of Cooley<\/strong>, as the Ulstermen were unable to fight due to a curse previously placed on them.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone is-resized wp-image-6111 size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Cattle_stampede_incposterco.jpg\" alt=\"A stampede of cattle by a river.\" class=\"wp-image-6111\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Cattle_stampede_incposterco.jpg.webp\" alt=\"A stampede of cattle by a river.\" class=\"wp-image-6111 lazyload\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Cattle_stampede_incposterco.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-10\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The Morrigan created a stampede in her efforts to seek revenge against C&uacute; Chulainn. Photo: incposterco via Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It was at this point that he also first encountered another famous Irish goddess, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/the-morrigan-goddess\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>The Morrigan<\/strong><\/a>. She tried unsuccessfully to seduce him and when this failed, she sought revenge for his spuned rejections by attacking C&uacute; Chulainn in the form of an <strong>eel<\/strong>, a <strong>wolf<\/strong> and a <strong>heifer<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ultimately the Morrigan predicted C&uacute; Chulainn&rsquo;s violent death and a <strong>crow<\/strong> (the most <strong>common symbol of the Morrigan goddess<\/strong>) signified his death on the battlefield when it landed on his shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the <strong>General Post Office <\/strong>(or <strong>GPO<\/strong>) in Dublin, Ireland there is a sculpture by <strong>Oliver Shepard<\/strong> of C&uacute; Chulainn&rsquo;s final moments.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Irish Goddesses<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Danu Celtic Goddess Mother Figure<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone is-resized wp-image-6215 size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Grasses_Nature_yes.jpg\" alt=\"Wild grasses at sunset.\" class=\"wp-image-6215\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Grasses_Nature_yes.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Wild grasses at sunset.\" class=\"wp-image-6215 lazyload\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Grasses_Nature_yes.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-11\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Danu is the mother goddess in Irish Celtic mythology and she had influence over all things in the natural world. Photo: yes via Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Danu is the <strong>mother goddess of Ireland<\/strong> and of the Tuatha d&eacute; Danann. The name <strong>Tuatha d&eacute; Danann<\/strong> can be roughly translated as &ldquo;<strong>the people of the goddess Danu<\/strong>&rdquo;.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfortunately there is very little information found in the surviving Medieval Irish texts about Danu. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This post about the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/danu-goddess\/\">Goddess Danu in Irish mythology<\/a><\/strong> explores what is known about her origins and legends connected with her. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a mother goddess figure, she is most usually associated with <strong>fertility<\/strong> and <strong>wisdom<\/strong> and is sometimes thought of as the <strong>Celtic goddess of nature<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some scholars have argued that Danu may be <strong>associated with water<\/strong> and may in fact have originated from the <strong>River Danube<\/strong> that flows through Europe. She is also sometimes equated with the Welsh literary figure, <strong>D<\/strong><\/span><strong>&ocirc;<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>n<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Danu is occasionally referred to as <strong>Anu<\/strong>, although some sources may indicate that Anu was another goddess completely.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anu is associated with the province of <strong>Munster<\/strong> in Ireland, where two rounded mountains near the Cork-Kerry border are known as the <strong>Paps of Anu<\/strong> (Breasts of Anu).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>The Morrigan &ndash; Goddess of War, Fertility and Sovereignty<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone is-resized wp-image-6190 size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Crow_on_pole_justinecottonphotography.jpg\" alt=\"A crow on a tree stump.\" class=\"wp-image-6190\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Crow_on_pole_justinecottonphotography.jpg.webp\" alt=\"A crow on a tree stump.\" class=\"wp-image-6190 lazyload\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Crow_on_pole_justinecottonphotography.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-12\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>As a shapeshifter, the Morrigan could transform herself. She is typically associated with the form of a crow. Photo: justinecottonphotography via Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/the-morrigan-goddess\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Morrigan goddess<\/a> <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is usually thought of as the <strong>Celtic goddess of war<\/strong> and sometimes the <strong>Celtic goddess of death<\/strong>, but she has strong association with <strong>fertility<\/strong> and <strong>sovereignty<\/strong> as well. Gifted with the ability to <strong>shapeshift<\/strong>, she has the capacity to take many forms, but commonly takes the form of a <strong>crow<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She is a complex deity known as the <strong>Phantom Queen<\/strong>, who is both a single goddess and also a triple goddess. The <strong>triple goddess<\/strong> is composed of the goddesses <strong>Badb<\/strong>, <strong>Macha<\/strong> and <strong>Nemain<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The crow symbol is thought to connect with <strong>Badb<\/strong> (meaning <\/span><strong>crow<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Irish). As a crow, she would fly over the battlefield and either <strong>encourage<\/strong> or <strong>instill fear<\/strong> in the warriors below. She is also said to have the ability to <strong>foretell the outcome of battles<\/strong> and predict <strong>violent deaths<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Macha<\/strong> is more usually connected with the <strong>land<\/strong> and its <strong>fertility<\/strong> and is seen as a <strong>protector<\/strong>. There is a strong link between Macha and <strong>horses<\/strong>, as well as other livestock. It has been suggested that the origin of her name possibly stems from an area used to graze cattle.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The frenzy of battle is connected with the aspect of <strong>Nemian<\/strong>. She is said to be responsible for the <strong>rage and fury of a battle<\/strong> and her terrifying scream can kill or paralyze a man.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Badb<\/strong> and <strong>Nemain<\/strong> were the wives of <strong>Neit<\/strong>, the <strong>Irish god of war<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to some versions, the<strong> war goddess Morrigan<\/strong> is the wife of the Dagda and they have a special coupling around the <strong>feast of<\/strong> <strong>Samhain<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She also set her sights on <strong>C&uacute; Chulainn<\/strong> and tried unsuccessfully to seduce him. After a series of failed attempts to seek revenge on him, she ultimately<strong> correctly prophesied his death in battle<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>&Aacute;ine &ndash; Goddess of Love, Summer and Wealth&nbsp;<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone is-resized wp-image-6196 size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Red_Mare_Callipso.jpg\" alt=\"A beautiful red mare.\" class=\"wp-image-6196\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Red_Mare_Callipso.jpg.webp\" alt=\"A beautiful red mare.\" class=\"wp-image-6196 lazyload\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Red_Mare_Callipso.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-13\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The goddess &Aacute;ine could transform into a red mare. Photo: Callipso via Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As the <strong>goddess of summer and wealth,<\/strong> <strong>&Aacute;ine<\/strong> represents the abundance that the land has to offer during its most plentiful season.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Good, fruitful harvests were required to provide for the people and animals, therefore much emphasis was placed on gods and goddesses that represent fertility, such as <strong>&Aacute;ine<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The<strong> goddess &Aacute;ine<\/strong> is strongly associated with the <strong>feast of midsummer<\/strong> and the summer sun. She too, like the Morrigan is thought to have the ability to <strong>shapeshift<\/strong> and is represented by a <strong>red mare<\/strong>, known for its speed.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&Aacute;ine is sometimes referred to as the <strong>Irish goddess of Love<\/strong> or as the <strong>Faery Queen<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several stories that connect &Aacute;ine to <strong>rape<\/strong>, including one where she bites off the ear of the <strong>King of Munster<\/strong> after an unconsented encounter. By disfiguring him, the Celtic goddess of love made him <strong>ineligible to be king<\/strong> (only flawless, unmarred men could rule)&nbsp; and so he was removed from his throne.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In another story of rape, &Aacute;ine exacted revenge by turned her offender, <strong>Gerald, Earl of Desmond<\/strong> into a <strong>goose<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone is-resized wp-image-6211 size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Loch_Gur_County_Limerick_John_Holmes.jpg\" alt=\"Lough Gur in County Limerick \" class=\"wp-image-6211\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Loch_Gur_County_Limerick_John_Holmes.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Lough Gur in County Limerick \" class=\"wp-image-6211 lazyload\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Loch_Gur_County_Limerick_John_Holmes.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-14\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Lough Gur in County Limerick is just one of the places associated with the goddess &Aacute;ine. Photo: John Holmes via Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <strong>Hill of Knockainy<\/strong> (or&nbsp;<em><strong>Cnoc &Aacute;ine<\/strong><\/em>) in County Limerick was an important site, where ritual blessings to this Irish goddess were carried out. &nbsp;Offerings to &Aacute;ine have also been made at <strong>Lough Gur<\/strong> in County Limerick.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Brigid (or Br&iacute;g) &ndash; Goddess of Healing, Fertility, Poetry and Spring<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Brigid<\/strong> (also sometimes known as <strong>Brighid<\/strong> or <strong>Brigit<\/strong>) is another descendant of the Tuatha d&eacute; Danann (her father being the god Dagda). Her name means the &ldquo;<strong>exalted one&rdquo;<\/strong> in old Irish.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brigid is widely known as the <strong>Celtic goddess associated with healing<\/strong>, but her other attributes include <strong>poetry<\/strong> and <strong>smithcraft<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She is a <strong>triple goddess<\/strong> with two other sisters who are also confusingly also called <strong>Brigid<\/strong> and each of the t<strong>hree Brigid goddesses<\/strong> has one main attribute.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, the goddess Brigid associations include <strong>fire<\/strong>, <strong>flames<\/strong> and <strong>light<\/strong>. She is occasionally depicted as having flames coming out of her hair.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Interestingly, Brigid is thought to have been a <strong>pagan goddess in pre-Christian times<\/strong> and later t<strong>ransitioned from a goddess to a saint<\/strong>. It is likely that the early Christian Church decided to incorporate Brigid in the form of<strong> Saint Brigid of Kildare<\/strong> into their teachings to appeal to her worshippers.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone is-resized wp-image-6194 size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Holy_Well_Ireland_Stephen_Barnes.jpg\" alt=\"sign for a holy well in Holy wells are found throughout Ireland, such as this one in Tobernault, County Mayo.\" class=\"wp-image-6194\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Holy_Well_Ireland_Stephen_Barnes.jpg.webp\" alt=\"sign for a holy well in Holy wells are found throughout Ireland, such as this one in Tobernault, County Mayo.\" class=\"wp-image-6194 lazyload\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Holy_Well_Ireland_Stephen_Barnes.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-15\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Holy wells are found throughout Ireland, such as this one in Tobernault, County Mayo, which is thought to have connections to the harvest festival of Lughnasa. Photo: Stephen Barnes via Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brigid was the goddess Celtic people turned to when they needed to be healed. <strong>Water<\/strong> is strongly associated with healing and both the <strong>Celtic goddess Brigid<\/strong> and <strong>Saint Brigid<\/strong> are connected with the <strong>healing power of wells<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many <strong>holy wells<\/strong> scattered across Ireland dedicated to <strong>Saint Brigid<\/strong> some of which may have previously been connected with Brigid, the <strong>Celtic goddess of healing<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to the connection of the holy wells, Brigid and Catholic Saint Brigid are also connected by the <strong>feast day of February 1st<\/strong>. This marks <strong>Imbolc<\/strong>, the <strong>pagan festival<\/strong> that celebrates the <strong>first day of spring<\/strong> and now is also the <strong>feast day of the Christian Saint Brigid<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Saint Brigid<\/strong> founded a <strong>monastery<\/strong> in County Kildare on the site of a <strong>sacred place<\/strong> dedicated to the goddess Brigid. She acquired the land&nbsp; from the <strong>King of Leinster<\/strong> by promising to only take as much ground as her cloak covered. Her cloak is said to have extended until the plot of land was sufficiently big enough to support a monastery.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Flidas &ndash; Goddess of Cattle and Fertility<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone is-resized wp-image-6217 size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Cow_Irish_Landscape_JohnGollop.jpg\" alt=\"Cattle in a field in Ireland.\" class=\"wp-image-6217\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Cow_Irish_Landscape_JohnGollop.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Cattle in a field in Ireland.\" class=\"wp-image-6217 lazyload\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Cow_Irish_Landscape_JohnGollop.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-16\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Cattle were a precious and valuable commodity in ancient Ireland and there was a goddess to protect them, Flidias. Photo JohnGollap via Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cattle were seen as a measure of wealth by the Celts, so it could have been only natural for them to have a deity dedicated to cattle and their fertility.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <strong>goddess Flidas<\/strong> (or <strong>Flidais<\/strong>) is this deity with her special focus on <strong>domestic cattle and milking<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a long time she was associated as being a <strong>woodland goddess<\/strong>, somewhat similar to the <strong>Roman goddess Diana<\/strong>, scholars now deem this association with woodland to be <strong>incorrect<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She is often associated with <strong>abundance<\/strong> and <strong>plentifulness<\/strong>. It is in the <strong>Cattle Raid of Cooley<\/strong> that Flidias had a <strong>magical herd of cattle<\/strong> who produced so much milk that they could supply for the entire army every seven days.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She is the mother of <strong>Fand, the goddess of the sea<\/strong> and of the l<strong>over of Fergus mac R&oacute;ich<\/strong>, who apparently needed seven women or just Flidas to satisfy his sexual appitite.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Celtic Deity Types<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While there are many different Celtic deities, they can be sometimes grouped together according to certain aspects. Some of the main Celtic deity types and main gods and goddesses of each are listed below.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b><strong>Solar Deities<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Celtic Sun God<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lugh, is one of the most important of all the gods of the Celts. He is primarily the <strong>god of justice and oaths<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since <strong>Victorian times<\/strong>, it has been suggested that he is the <strong>god of sun and ligh<\/strong>t, due to his name which means &ldquo;<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">light&rdquo;<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or &ldquo;<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bright&rdquo;&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">in Irish.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The accuracy of this suggestion is still debated by scholars.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Celtic Sun Goddess<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone is-resized wp-image-6192 size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/MIdsommer_Sunrise_Kristine_Locika.jpg\" alt=\"A dramatic sunset in Ireland.\" class=\"wp-image-6192\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/MIdsommer_Sunrise_Kristine_Locika.jpg.webp\" alt=\"A dramatic sunset in Ireland.\" class=\"wp-image-6192 lazyload\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/MIdsommer_Sunrise_Kristine_Locika.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-17\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>&Aacute;ine is the goddess of the summer sun with special connections to midsummer. Photo: Kristine Lock via Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irish mythology usually depicts the sun as being feminine and interestingly there appears to have been two goddesses connected with the sun.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>&Aacute;ine<\/strong>, the <strong>goddess of the summer<\/strong> and <strong>summer sun<\/strong> and <strong>Grian<\/strong> (as&nbsp;<strong><em>grian<\/em><\/strong> means sun in Irish) was the <strong>goddess of the pale winter sun<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b><strong>Water Deities<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Celtic God of Water<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water was considered a sacred element and <strong>Manann&aacute;n the sea god<\/strong> is one of the most notable of all the gods in Irish mythology. Manannan&rsquo;s father Lir, was likely the main sea god before Mannanan came to prominence.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Celtic Goddess of Water<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are actually several Celtic goddesses connected with water. <strong>Cl&iacute;odhna<\/strong>, was the daughter of the sea god Manannan and like him, also has a <strong>special connection<\/strong> to the Celtic Otherworld.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone is-resized wp-image-6202 size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/River_Shannon_Ireland_Matthias_Jokel.jpg\" alt=\"The River Shannon\" class=\"wp-image-6202\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/River_Shannon_Ireland_Matthias_Jokel.jpg.webp\" alt=\"The River Shannon\" class=\"wp-image-6202 lazyload\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/River_Shannon_Ireland_Matthias_Jokel.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-18\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>View of the River Shannon. Photo: Matthias Jokel via Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Irish folklore,&nbsp;<strong>S&iacute;nann<\/strong> was responsible for the overflowing of a well that led to creation of the <strong>River Shannon<\/strong>, the longest river in Ireland. <strong>Boann<\/strong> is thought to have done something similar and created the <strong>River Boyne<\/strong>. Each became the river goddess of their respective rivers.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone is-resized wp-image-6200 size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/River_Boyne_Ireland_powerofforever.jpg\" alt=\"The River Boyne\" class=\"wp-image-6200\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/River_Boyne_Ireland_powerofforever.jpg.webp\" alt=\"The River Boyne\" class=\"wp-image-6200 lazyload\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/River_Boyne_Ireland_powerofforever.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-19\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The scenic River Boyne in County Westmeath. Photo: powerofforever via Canva<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Celtic Mother Goddesses<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are <strong>several divine mother goddess figures<\/strong> in ancient Celtic mythology. Their roles appear to be more all encompassing than just related to birth and children. Often they appear as wise figures who are linked with <strong>sovereignty<\/strong>, <strong>fertility<\/strong> and the <strong>ability to punish<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Examples include the <strong>goddess Danu<\/strong> the supposed mother figure of the mythical superhuman race called the Tuatha d&eacute; Danann and the goddess <strong>Ermas<\/strong>, who is said to have given birth to triple goddesses of the Morrigna.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Celtic Horned God<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone is-resized wp-image-6198 size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Deer_in_Oak_Wood_Whiteway.jpg\" alt=\"Deer in the woods.\" class=\"wp-image-6198\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Deer_in_Oak_Wood_Whiteway.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Deer in the woods.\" class=\"wp-image-6198 lazyload\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Deer_in_Oak_Wood_Whiteway.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-20\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Horned animals, such as stags, were connected with the god Cernunnos. Photo: Whiteway via Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The horned god <strong>Cernunnos<\/strong>, was connected mostly with wild animals, especially the horned kind such as stags and bulls.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most of the evidence supporting the worship of Cernunnos was found in Gaul (the name given to France by the Romans) and Britain, with less influence in Ireland.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cernunnos is often depicted in a cross-legged seat, with antlers or horns on his head and sometimes wearing a sacred torque neck ornament.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Due to his extensive power and influence, the early Christain church tried to demonize Cernunnos. His horned appearance may have been an inspiration for the depiction of Satan with horns.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enjoyed this post? Interested in more Irish Celtic mythology? Why not check out the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/the-children-of-lir\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Children of Lir<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or learn more about the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/the-morrigan-goddess\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Morrigan goddess<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of them, we might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Thanks for your support!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Who are the Celtic Gods and Celtic Goddesses? Celtic pagan gods and goddesses were thought to have special influential powers over aspects of daily life and the natural world.&nbsp; The &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":6206,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false},"categories":[145,90,146],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.8.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Celtic Gods &amp; Goddesses: The Most Important Deities Guide<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The Celts are thought to have worshiped over 400 Celtic gods &amp; goddesses. 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