Super Natural Powers
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Within Celtic religion there are known to be over 360 Gods. There are so many god's as everything in nature had a religious significance Components of nature such as the sun and the woods were allocated deities. As the Celts were closely bound to nature, they often worshiped their deities in sacred places which they believed to be close to the supernatural world. These consisted of places like rivers, boggs, cliffs and bushes.
As areaologists uncovered the remains of of the celts. Some gods were found widespread and other were of a more localised nature. It is from these observations historians have developed three main types of Gods.
Widespread-Some gods were found all across Europe in many small tribes. These were the main gods who branched over all areas.
Local-The localised Gods were often either associated with sacred places or were deemed to take care of a certain tribe. Such as the revered god, "Shannon" who was the god of the river Shannon.
Skill related-The most pervasive gods in Celtic Mythology were the gods associated to a particular skill, such as Lugh (The god of blacksmiths, carpenters and artisans.)
Another important point about the Celtic Gods is that they are heavily Zoomorphic. There is plenty of animal imagery within celtic mythology.
As areaologists uncovered the remains of of the celts. Some gods were found widespread and other were of a more localised nature. It is from these observations historians have developed three main types of Gods.
Widespread-Some gods were found all across Europe in many small tribes. These were the main gods who branched over all areas.
Local-The localised Gods were often either associated with sacred places or were deemed to take care of a certain tribe. Such as the revered god, "Shannon" who was the god of the river Shannon.
Skill related-The most pervasive gods in Celtic Mythology were the gods associated to a particular skill, such as Lugh (The god of blacksmiths, carpenters and artisans.)
Another important point about the Celtic Gods is that they are heavily Zoomorphic. There is plenty of animal imagery within celtic mythology.
Main Gods
Dagda is a god with immense power and has the club of magic healing. He can be associated as the leader or the 'father figure' of the Celts.
Lugh is the god of blacksmiths and artisans, as well as a grain god honored in August. Lugh is a god of skill and talent. Brigit is the Celtic goddess of fire, healing, fertility, poetry, cattle, and patroness of smiths. Morrigan is the celtic goddess of death, she is also closely associated as being the goddess of war. Danu as previously mentioned in the previous section in Origins is seen as a mother figure. Danu is often associated with 'mother nature' and earth |
It is important to take note that many of the Celtic gods were adopted by the Romans when they conquered the Gauls. This is one of the main reasons the mains of these gods have survived today. A list list of the Celtic gods can be seen here.