Origins of the Universe
Nearly every religion has their own creation story solving the great cosmological question which humans are presented with. In every religion this is extremely important as it equips the adherents with a set of basic cosmological views. Celtic religion would have been no different, although due to the fact no written records were keep and Caesars conquest of the Gauls attempted to destroy the language of the Celts there isn't one set creation story which has generate from ancient Celtic mythology. Rather, there are many different views and stories within regards to the origins of the universe in Celtic Religion. Some of these views have factual substance and others have been fabricated in recent times, due to this site will present the 3 most common and popular beliefs.
Myth 1, This myth can be briefly summarised into that once there were vast stretches of water and then there was land. From this land a tree appeared, and from the sea a mare appeared. The Mare was the first god who broke the bark of the tree and made of the gods,humans and animals. The tree then multiples to create the pastures and forests and all the facets of nature. This is an extremely simplified version of the myth, the story in full can be read here.
Myth 2, isn't as long as the ordinal myth and is vastly different.
Myth 2, isn't as long as the ordinal myth and is vastly different.
Giants were regarded as the ancient, original gods. The tale is |
Myth 3, is finally like a combination of the previous 2 myths, as it integrates both the creation story of the tree and the story of the giants.
Click on this link, then click on the link, 'Celtic Creation' for an interactive slideshow of this creation story. Or click here for a word document of this creation story. This is a complex story which develops from 2 gods, Donn and Danu. This creation story seems very bizzare although it provides insight into why suffering exists, why the structure of the universe is the way it is, heaven and hell and |
In conclusion, within regards to the Celtic Creation stories there are clearly many major differences so that is why it is difficult to have one collective story which encompasses all facets of each creation story. Although within each story there is a large connection to nature and the gods. There is also an underworld and a heaven in each. It is the belief of these stories which really characterises this religion.