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Celtic mythology cradles all our modern works of fiction, as well as our medieval and modern folklore. With its rich and diverse pantheon of gods and goddesses, it is one of the most complicated to grasp, due to the absence of Druid writing. Sources are therefore generally foreign, like those of Roman scholars, or more recent, thanks to the survival of Celtic island cultures (Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany…).
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These deities, worshipped by ancient Celtic tribes across Europe, reflect a worldview deeply rooted in nature and the interconnectedness of all things. In this article, we hope to introduce you to the captivating world of the Celtic gods, exploring their stories, powers and cultural significance as best we can.
Before delving into the details of individual deities, it’s crucial to understand the context of Celtic religion. Unlike the great monotheistic religions or the structured pantheons of ancient Greece, Celtic spirituality was deeply rooted in the natural world.
The Celts were not a unified empire, but rather a collection of tribes sharing similar beliefs and cultural practices. This diversity was reflected in their religious practices, with significant regional variations in rituals and even in the names and attributes of the gods.
Yet they represent a founding basis of European civilization, arguably the most forgotten. The Celtic exhibition at Palazao-Grassi in the 80s went so far as to speak of the “first European cultural empire”.
Indeed, Celtic religion saw man as an integral part of nature, rather than its master. This worldview, which resonates with many modern ecological philosophies, had a profound influence on the way the Celts interacted with their environment and conceived their deities.
The Major Celtic Gods
Morrigan, often depicted as a raven or crow, is one of the most emblematic and fearsome figures in the Celtic pantheon. Known as the goddess of war, fate and death, Morrigan played a crucial role in battles and in determining the fate of warriors.
Her name, which means “Great Queen” or “Phantom Queen”, evokes her dark and powerful nature. Morrigan was often seen as a triple goddess, a recurring archetype in European folklore, and manifested here in three aspects: Badb (the crow), Macha (linked to sovereignty and horses), and Nemain (frenzy). This trinity reflected the different facets of his power and influence.
On the battlefield, Morrigan was both feared and respected. She could instill fear in the hearts of enemies, while inspiring courage in her favorites. Her battle cry was said to paralyze an entire army. Beyond war, Morrigan was also associated with prophecy and sovereignty, emphasizing her role in determining the destiny of individuals and kingdoms.
Dagda, whose name means “the good god” or “the good god”, was one of the most revered and powerful figures in the Celtic pantheon. Considered the father of all gods, Dagda embodied wisdom, fertility, magic and strength.
Often depicted as a robust man with an imposing beard, Dagda possessed many magical attributes. The most famous was his inexhaustible cauldron, capable of feeding an entire army without ever running out. He also carried a magical club that could both give and take life, symbolizing his power over the cycle of life and death. His enchanted harp had the power to control the seasons and emotions.
As god of abundance and fertility, Dagda was closely linked to agricultural cycles and the prosperity of the land. His role as protector and provider made him a central figure in many rituals and celebrations, particularly those linked to the harvest and the renewal of nature. Dagda’s benevolent nature, combined with his great power, made him a deity loved and respected throughout Celtic culture.
Brigid, also known as Bride in Scotland, is a multi-faceted goddess revered for her wisdom, creativity and healing powers. Her cult was so widespread and important that it survived Christianization, Brigid subsequently being equated with Saint Brigitte in Irish Christian tradition.
As goddess of poetry, crafts and prophecy, Brigid was patroness of poets, blacksmiths and healers. She was considered a source of divine inspiration, capable of infusing creativity and know-how into arts and crafts. Her association with fire, a symbol of purification and transformation, was reflected in the sacred forges and eternal fires maintained in her honor.
Brigid’s role in healing was particularly important. She was invoked to heal illnesses, protect flocks and fertilize the land. Sacred springs and wells were often dedicated to her, reflecting her link with healing waters. The festival of Imbolc, celebrating the beginning of spring, was particularly associated with Brigid, marking the renewal of life after winter.
Christianized, she became St. Brigid in Ireland, and her feast day is set for February 1.
Lugh, known as the “God with the Long Hand” or the “Master of All Arts”, was one of the most versatile and admired deities in the Celtic pantheon. His name is associated with light, reflecting his role as a solar god, but his skills extended far beyond that.
In fact, he is one of the few pan-Celtic gods, revered throughout Celtic Europe, both on the mainland and on the islands. On the mainland, he is spelled “Lug”.
Considered a master of all domains, Lugh excelled in arts, crafts, warfare and magic. This versatility made him a central figure in many legends and rituals. According to Irish mythology, Lugh had to prove his many skills to be admitted to Tara, the abode of the gods, demonstrating his mastery in every field.
The festival of Lughnasadh, celebrated at the beginning of August, was dedicated to Lugh. This celebration marked the beginning of the harvest season and was the occasion for athletic competitions, trade fairs and social gatherings. These festivities reflected the many aspects of Lugh: his solar nature (the heat of summer), his skills (the competitions) and his role in trade and prosperity (the fairs). However, very little ancient information has come down to us about this celebration.
Lugh is sometimes associated with a younger Odin, from whom he takes on certain attributes: the spear, magic and polymathy. As for the root “Lugh”, it means “luminous” in Proto-European.
Cernunnos. The best-known, sometimes the most beloved of our times. Often depicted with deer antlers, he is one of the most enigmatic and fascinating figures in the Celtic pantheon. Known as the “Horned God”, he embodies the vital force of the wilderness, fertility and the cycle of the seasons.
One of his representations, seated cross-legged like a Buddha, holding a snake in one hand and a torque in the other, intrigues us as to his relationship to the mystical knowledge of the ancient Celts and to initiatory lore.
As lord of the animals, Cernunnos was considered the protector of wildlife and forests. His image, often surrounded by various creatures, symbolized the harmony between man and nature. This deep connection with the natural world made him a particularly important deity for hunters and forest communities.
The symbolism of Cernunnos goes beyond the physical world. His antlers, which fall and regrow each year, represented the cycle of death and rebirth in nature. This association with regeneration and transformation made him an important figure in rituals linked to the changing seasons, particularly the autumn equinox and winter solstice.
Epona occupies a unique place in the Celtic pantheon as a goddess specifically associated with horses. Her cult was so widespread that it was even adopted by the Romans, making her one of the few Celtic deities to be officially recognized in the Roman pantheon.
As protector of horses, stables and riders, Epona played a crucial role in a society where horses were essential to warfare, transport and agriculture. She was often depicted on horseback or surrounded by horses, symbolizing her power and influence over these noble animals.
Beyond her association with horses, Epona was also a goddess of fertility and abundance. This connection reflected the importance of horses in the prosperity of Celtic communities. Rituals in her honor were designed not only to ensure the health and strength of horses, but also to promote the fertility of the land and general prosperity.
Taranis, whose name means “thunder” in Gaulish, was the powerful god of the sky, storm and lightning in Celtic mythology. Often compared to Roman Jupiter or Norse Thor, Taranis embodied the powerful and sometimes terrifying forces of nature.
Depicted with a wheel and a bolt of lightning, Taranis was associated with the celestial cycle and the changing seasons. The wheel, in particular, symbolized the sun and its movement across the sky, linking Taranis not only to thunder but also to broader cosmic cycles.
The cult of Taranis was particularly important for farmers and warriors. For farmers, his storms brought the rain needed to grow crops, while for warriors, his power was invoked to inspire fear in enemies. Rituals in his honor often involved fire and sacrifice, reflecting the intense, transformative nature of this divinity.
Spoiler: Taranis is associated with the Germanic god Thor, who share the same linguistic root.
Teutates, whose name means “god of the people” or “god of the tribe”, was a central deity in Celtic mythology, worshipped as the protector and patron of the tribes. His cult was particularly widespread among the Gauls and Bretons, reflecting the importance of tribal identity in Celtic society.
He is best known in the Asterix comic strip (French), and by the phrase “Par Toutatis!”
As a god of war and protection, Teutates played a crucial role in the defense of Celtic communities. He was invoked before battles to ensure victory and the safety of the people. However, his influence extended far beyond the battlefield. Teutates was also associated with the prosperity and fertility of the tribe, underlining his role as the overall guardian of community well-being.
Rituals in honor of Teutates were often complex and sometimes controversial. Some historical sources, notably the writings of Lucan, suggest that human sacrifices were performed in his name, with victims drowned in vats. Although these practices are debated by modern historians, they testify to the importance and sometimes dark nature of the Teutates cult. In more peaceful interpretations, Teutates was celebrated at tribal gatherings, strengthening community ties and collective identity. Sacrifices were then performed on the weapons of the losers. Swords, daggers, spears were taken… And smash them on stones to render them unusable. Archaeologists have found many swords sacrificed in this way.
Esus, an enigmatic deity of the Gallic pantheon, remains one of the least understood but most intriguing of the Celtic gods. His name, which could mean “lord” or “master”, adds to his aura of mystery. Despite the paucity of information available, Esus occupies an important place in Celtic mythology, not least because of his associations with nature and life cycles.
Often depicted as a woodcutter cutting the branches of a willow tree, Esus was closely linked to trees and forests. This powerful image symbolized both destruction and renewal, reflecting the natural cycle of death and rebirth in nature. The Celts, deeply connected to their natural environment, saw Esus as a manifestation of these fundamental forces.
The cult of Esus was complex and sometimes controversial. As with Teutates, some ancient sources suggest dark things about his cult, but the sources are generally Roman, politicized, and much debated by Historians who see it as Latin meddling to justify the conquest of Gaul.
More generally, Esus was associated with strength, virility and regeneration. His link with trees, in particular the willow known for its ability to grow back after being cut, made him a powerful symbol of resilience and renewal in Celtic culture.
Belisama was an important Celtic goddess worshipped mainly in Gaul. Her name means “the Most Brilliant” or “the Brightest”, suggesting her association with light, fire and possibly the sun. Belisama was particularly revered by the Gallic tribes living along the River Ribble in Lancashire, England, where her cult seems to have been particularly important.
This goddess was often associated with crafts, particularly blacksmithing and metalworking, as well as rivers and lakes. In some interpretations, she was considered a goddess of war, sharing attributes with other Celtic warrior deities. Although precise information on her cult and rituals is limited, as is often the case with Celtic deities, inscriptions and dedications to Belisama have been found, testifying to her importance in Celtic religion and mythology at the time.
Let’s be clear, the influence of the Celtic gods extends far beyond their time. Today, these mythological figures continue to inspire art, literature and even modern spiritual practices. Without them, many works of art would never have seen the light of day. These gods are an integral part of our cultural landscape, each representing different facets of the divine as our ancestors saw it.
What’s more, the study of Celtic mythology offers us not only a fascinating insight into an ancient culture, but also valuable lessons about our relationship with nature, community and the forces that shape our world. In a world increasingly disconnected from its natural roots, the Celtic gods remind us of the importance of balance, respect for nature and recognition of the cycles of life.
Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of mythology or simply curious to learn more about ancient beliefs, exploring the Celtic pantheon offers a fascinating window into a world where the divine and the natural were inextricably linked. And we hope we’ve inspired you to do just that here at Runes de Chêne 🌿
Celtic mythology stands out as a deep-rooted reference for anyone seeking to reconnect with their Celtic past. While not all Celts were Gallic, the Gauls were Celtic. Traces of them can be found all over France. And that’s no small thing. So why not wear this heritage proudly, embodying its strengths and virtues?
That’s why we’ve created the Runes de Chêne brand. We’ll let you find out 🍻
The gorgeous @AlienorFate wearing a RunesDeChêne t-shirt Pommier d’Avalon
