The influences of the Celts are not felt as strongly as in other ancient religions. This is because when Caesar conquered the Gauls they forced the Celts to adopt roman way of life and let go of their once dominate religion.The druids were either forced to convert or killed. This essentially eradicated the druids are the Celtic society deteriorated. Few influences remain from this once powerful and thriving religion.
Music-Celtic music was an important part of their society, it was an important component when pleasing the gods, rites of passage and during festivals. Celtic music was played with many diverse instruments which develop it's unique feel. Over the centuries it has developed into a very popular music style. Comic Books-Hellboy 2- The Golden Army, is a comic which also turned into a movie which has a very strong connection to Celtic mythology. The film's main villain, Prince Nuada (White face and Hair), is a character who reflects important figure in the ancient folklore of The Celts. The comic turn film is filled with many allusion to the myths of the Celtic tribes, who lived on the Emerald Isle.
Holidays-As mentioned previously in the section on festivals, on of the major festivals was the Samhain. This is the festival of celebrating the dead and the end of Winter. It is from this that Halloween as we know it today has developed. The souls of the dead we said to revisit their homes on Samhain. This festival was filled with much superstition and over time these superstitions evolves into a vastly different festival celebrated all over the world. To find out more on how Halloween is related to ancient Celtic tradition click here. |
Architecture- The Celts build many Stone henges in Europe. These had many purposes within relation to religion, some where made for burial chambers to protect those who have died, others were many as place of worship to the gods. Today these monolithic structures are major tourist attractions and also popular feature in gardens and parks.
Language-Celtic language has influence the English language substantially. Some of the major contributions to the English language names of places. For examples, the river Thames and the Yare and towns such as London, York and Lincoln. Click here to see an article which explores more influences of Celtic language on the English Language. Literature- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, written by C.S Lewis (Who was Irish) heavily alludes to many mythical creatures from Celtic Mythology. Many of the creatures such as the forn, hags, boggles and white stags may of been inspired by the Celtic animistic approach to their deities. Further more, the Celts believed in multiple worlds where you could past from one to another (generally through bodies of water), people argued that this Celtic believe inspired Lewis's idea of "The portal to Narnia".
TV and Film- Lord of the Rings, within lord of the rings Celts play an important role in the formation of the Elves. Ondine- A film about an Irish Fisherman who finds an mythical woman who resembles a "Selkie" (a mythical creature in Celtic Mythology. The Mists of Avalon- A film which focuses on the druidism and mythology in Britain. X-Men: First Class-In this movie one of Xavier's mutants is called a Banshee, Banshee is capable of ultrasonic screaming. This is an allusion to the Celtic mythical creature who was capable of very loud crying if someone is about to die. |