The Religion of the Ancient Celts (1911) Chapter 19: Accessories of Cult by J. A. MacCulloch This chapter covers Temples, Altars, Images, Symbols, and the Cult of Weapons of the Ancient Celts.   Religion of the Ancient Celts can be found on Sacred Texts. You can find out more about J. A. McCulloch on Wikipedia. Try the Celtic Myth Podshow for a dramatic re-telling of the Tales and Stories of the Ancient Celts at http://celticmythpodshow.com or in Apple Podcasts. Our theme music is "Gander at the Pratie Hole" by Sláinte.  You can find their music on the Free Music Archive.

Celtic Tomes

Cult Accessories CT054

The Religion of the Ancient Celts (1911) Chapter 18: Festivals by J. A. MacCulloch The Celtic year was not at first regulated by the solstices and equinoxes, but by some method connected with agriculture or with the seasons. Names Used in this Section oidhche Samhain Geimredh Earrach Oimelc Samradh Beltane Cét-soman or Cét-samain Samono-s Cyntefyn Foghamar Lugnasadh Brontroghain Tille Keating  samhanach  Mongfind  Mag-tured Tuatha Dé Danann Fomorians Belenos  M. D'Arbois belo-te[p]niâ Belisama te[p]nos Beltane carline cailleach  Professor Pearson Mannhardt and Dr. Frazer Cæsar, Strabo, and Diodorus Irish as Lugnasad, in Gaelic as Lunasdal or Lunasduinn, and in Manx as Laa Luanys Lugudunum Goel-aoust, Gul-austus, and Gwyl Awst Lugh mac Ethlenn Rennes Dindsenchas Demeter and Kore Namnite women Dionysius Periegetes S. Gregory of Tours Berecynthia  Augustodunum  Professor Anwyl to be the goddess Brigindu Teutonic cult of Nerthus, the Phrygian of Cybele, the Hindu of Bhavani, and the Roman ritual of the Bona Dea.   Religion of the Ancient Celts can be found on Sacred Texts. You can find out more about J. A. McCulloch on Wikipedia. Try the Celtic Myth Podshow for a dramatic re-telling of the Tales and Stories of the Ancient Celts at http://celticmythpodshow.com or in Apple Podcasts. Our theme music is "Gander at the Pratie Hole" by Sláinte.  You can find their music on the Free Music Archive.

Festivals CT053

The Religion of the Ancient Celts (1911) Chapter 17: Tabu by J. A. MacCulloch The Irish geis, pl. geasa, which may be rendered by Tabu, had two senses. It meant something which must not be done for fear of disastrous consequences, and also an obligation to do something commanded by another. Names Used in this Section geis, pl. geasa Diarmaid Ben Gulban Oengus  Fionn Cúchulainn Conaire  Cruachan Doel The Destruction of Da Derga's Hoste síd-folk   Religion of the Ancient Celts can be found on Sacred Texts. You can find out more about J. A. McCulloch on Wikipedia. Try the Celtic Myth Podshow for a dramatic re-telling of the Tales and Stories of the Ancient Celts at http://celticmythpodshow.com or in Apple Podcasts. Our theme music is "Gander at the Pratie Hole" by Sláinte.  You can find their music on the Free Music Archive.

Tabu CT052

The Religion of the Ancient Celts (1911) Chapter 16: Sacrifice and Prayer by J. A. MacCulloch The Celts offered human victims on the principle of a life for a life, or to propitiate the gods, or in order to divine the future from the entrails of the victim. We shall examine the Celtic custom of human sacrifice from these points of view first. Names Used in this Section The Semites Marseilles  Taranis  Teutates  Esus  Diodorus  Strabo Varro  Tacitus druidarum religionem diræ immanitatis Dio Cassius Dindsenchas Cromm Cruaich Dr. Joyce Nemedian  Fomorians  Fair of Taillte Perseus and Andromeda Becuma S. Oran S. Columba Vortigern Emain Macha Pausanias  Ammianus and Livy Cúchulainn Conall Cernach Emer  oppidum  Dayak Poseidonius  Artemis  Mallius Gairloch  S. Maelrubha Eilean Maree (Maelrubha) Eilean mo righ Eilean a Mhor Righ Sir Arthur Mitchell Brianniul Gruagach Compiègne Artemidorus  Deiotaurus  Dalan  Mider Imbas Forosnai Filé  Teinm Laegha Cétnad taghairm  baile fidlanna   Religion of the Ancient Celts can be found on Sacred Texts. You can find out more about J. A. McCulloch on Wikipedia. Try the Celtic Myth Podshow for a dramatic re-telling of the Tales and Stories of the Ancient Celts at http://celticmythpodshow.com or in Apple Podcasts. Our theme music is "Gander at the Pratie Hole" by Sláinte.  You can find their music on the Free Music Archive.

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The Religion of the Ancient Celts (1911) Chapter 15: Cosmogony by J. A. MacCulloch The Celts may have possessed the Heaven and Earth myth, but all trace of it has perished. There are, however, remnants of myths showing how the sky is supported by trees, a mountain, or by pillars. Names Used in this Section Uranus Gæa Kronos Dyaus Prithivi Indra Eleusinia Brigit and Patrick drochet bethad drochaid na flaitheanas Tuatha Dé Danann M. D'Arbois Senchus Mór Gargantua Partholan and Nemed Nevyd Dwyvan and Dwyfach Apollonius  Eridanus  Belenos Badb  Voluspa   Religion of the Ancient Celts can be found on Sacred Texts. You can find out more about J. A. McCulloch on Wikipedia. Try the Celtic Myth Podshow for a dramatic re-telling of the Tales and Stories of the Ancient Celts at http://celticmythpodshow.com or in Apple Podcasts. Our theme music is "Gander at the Pratie Hole" by Sláinte.  You can find their music on the Free Music Archive.

Cosmogony CT050

The Religion of the Ancient Celts (1911) Chapter 14: Tree and Plant Worship by J. A. MacCulloch Animal worship pure and simple had declined among the Celts of historic times, and animals were now regarded mainly as symbols or attributes of divinities. Names Used in this Section Tarvos Trigaranos Esus, Juppiter, and Vulcan Táin bó Cuailgne Cimbri Hallstadt and La Tène Donnotaurus  Deiotaros  Cúchulainn  Medros  Haguenau Meduris Boeuf Gras Moccus  Diarmaid Twrch Trwyth Cruachan  Dionysus  M. Reinach Thracian Dionysos-Zagreus Cernunnos Loeg  Berne Artioni Licinia Sabinilla Dea Artio(n) Andarta Die (Drôme) Welsh Arthgen, Irish Artigan, from Artigenos, "son of the bear." Matugenos MacMahon, Mac-math-ghamhain Epona  Rudiobus Each Labra Damona  damatos, "sheep," cognate to Welsh dafad, "sheep," and Gaelic damh, "ox." manitou Bibroci  Eburones Fir Bile Ossory Lughaid mac Con Cattraeth  Cinel Gabran, "Little goat clan," and Cinel Loarn, "Fox clan." Cruithne  Dispater Artigenos, Matugenos, "son of the bear" (artos, matu-); Urogenos, occurring as Urogenertos, "he who has the strength of the son of the urus" Cúrói Tadg  Lug mac Ethnend, Conchobar mac Nessa, Indech, son of De Domnann, Corpre, son of Etain Fer Tlachtga   Religion of the Ancient Celts can be found on Sacred Texts. You can find out more about J. A. McCulloch on Wikipedia. Try the Celtic Myth Podshow for a dramatic re-telling of the Tales and Stories of the Ancient Celts at http://celticmythpodshow.com or in Apple Podcasts. Our theme music is "Gander at the Pratie Hole" by Sláinte.  You can find their music on the Free Music Archive.

Animal Worship CT049

The Religion of the Ancient Celts (1911) Chapter 13: Tree and Plant Worship by J. A. MacCulloch The Celts had their own cult of trees, but they adopted local cults. This chapter also details how the Celts made their sacred places in dark groves, the trees being hung with offerings or with the heads of victims. Names Used in this Section Fagus Deus Sex Arbor Toulouse Dea Arduinna Dea Abnoba Fatæ Dervones Pliny Maximus of Tyre daur, dia Dr. Evans Marseilles The Irish bile Dindsenchas Fir Bile bile maighe Adair Maelocohlen  Borrisokane Eburones  Bituriges  Guidgen (Viduo-genos, "son of the tree"), Dergen (Dervo-genos, "son of the oak"), Guerngen (Verno-genos, "son of the alder") Cyperissa Naisi and Deirdre Bailé Mac Buain Aillinn Amator, Bishop of Auxerre S. Martin of Tours Cúchulainn  sùgh an daraich, "sap of the oak," Druidh lus, "Druid's weed." Selago  Diancecht  Mag-tured   Religion of the Ancient Celts can be found on Sacred Texts. You can find out more about J. A. McCulloch on Wikipedia. Try the Celtic Myth Podshow for a dramatic re-telling of the Tales and Stories of the Ancient Celts at http://celticmythpodshow.com or in Apple Podcasts. Our theme music is "Gander at the Pratie Hole" by Sláinte.  You can find their music on the Free Music Archive.

Tree and Plant Worship CT048

The Religion of the Ancient Celts (1911) Chapter 12: River and Well Worship by J. A. MacCulloch Among the Celts the testimony of contemporary witnesses, inscriptions, votive offerings, and survivals, shows the importance of the cult of waters and of water divinities. This chapter also details the many fairies and folklore creatures associated with water.   Names Used in this Section Mr. Gomme aurum Tolosanum Lake Gévaudan Bormanus, Bormo or Borvo, Danuvius (the Danube) Luxovius Acionna, Aventia, Bormana, Brixia, Carpundia, Clutoida, Divona, Sirona, Ura Icauna (the Yonne), Matrona, and Sequana (the Seine) Dubrogenos Enigenus Virdumarus Conchobar Nessa Deuona Deus Nemausus Nimes Nemausus Nemesa Moselle Nemh Tara Nimis Appian Matrona (Marne), the Moder, the Madder, the Maronne and Maronna Sirona Grannos Apollo, Æsculapius, and the Nymphs Dea Sequana Niskas Lerano, Dibona, Dea Peisgi Connla Sinend Banffshire Loch na piast Dracs Each Uisge Manannan Epona Goborchinn Eochaid Echchenn Tarbh Uisge Tarroo Ushtey Uruisg Boand Nechtain Slán Vicarello Clitumnus St. Thenew Saône Fynnon Elian in Denbigh   Religion of the Ancient Celts can be found on Sacred Texts. You can find out more about J. A. McCulloch on Wikipedia. Try the Celtic Myth Podshow for a dramatic re-telling of the Tales and Stories of the Ancient Celts at http://celticmythpodshow.com or in Apple Podcasts. Our theme music is "Gander at the Pratie Hole" by Sláinte.  You can find their music on the Free Music Archive.

River and Well Worship CT047

The Religion of the Ancient Celts (1911) Chapter 11: Primitive Nature Worship by J. A. MacCulloch McCulloch talks about animism, where everything was a person and the greater objects of nature were worshiped for themselves alone.   Names Used in this Section Gildas Loegaire Da Derga's Hostel MacCecht Gara Morrigan Fomorians Bres meisi Milesians urtrochta guidemain siabra Táin bocânachs, banânaichs, and geniti-glinni Feast of Bricriu Dr. Johnson accouchements Lausanne Camden Manannan, Morgen, Dylan M. Jullian M. D'Arbois St. Lunaire Tuirbe Trágmar Cúchulainn Muireartach Battle of Ventry Cael Conwy Clidna's, Tuaithe's, and Rudhraidhe's Magounos Magonia Bishop Agobard   Religion of the Ancient Celts can be found on Sacred Texts. You can find out more about J. A. McCulloch on Wikipedia. Try the Celtic Myth Podshow for a dramatic re-telling of the Tales and Stories of the Ancient Celts at http://celticmythpodshow.com or in Apple Podcasts. Our theme music is "Gander at the Pratie Hole" by Sláinte.  You can find their music on the Free Music Archive.

Primitive Nature Worship CT046

The Religion of the Ancient Celts (1911) Chapter 10: The Cult of the Dead by J. A. MacCulloch The custom of burying grave-goods with the dead, or slaying wife or slaves on the tomb and other grave customs is the subject of this chapter. McCulloch also talks about the role of fairies and the festival of Samhain.   Names Used in this Section King Cottius brownie, lutin, or pooka M. Dechelette Lar Laribus augustis Kilranelagh Taillti Lug Tailtiu Leinstermen Carman, King Garman Tuatha Dé Danann fylgjur disir Modranicht Disablot Dr. Frazer   Religion of the Ancient Celts can be found on Sacred Texts. You can find out more about J. A. McCulloch on Wikipedia. Try the Celtic Myth Podshow for a dramatic re-telling of the Tales and Stories of the Ancient Celts at http://celticmythpodshow.com or in Apple Podcasts. Our theme music is "Gander at the Pratie Hole" by Sláinte.  You can find their music on the Free Music Archive.

The Cult of the Dead CT045

The Religion of the Ancient Celts (1911) Chapter 9: Gods and Men by J. A. MacCulloch In this chapter, he examines the Gods of the Celts and their relationships to man. How kings adopted divine names and characteristics.   Names Used in this Section Bran Fionn Fians Tuatha Dé Danann Manannan Goibniu Boduogenos Camulognata Morgen, from Morigenos Boii Nuada Airgetlam Irél Fáith Nudd (Nodons) Brennus (Bran) King Conchobar día talmaide Drunemeton Deiotarus Pessinus Boudicca semnotheoi succedaneum Bile Namnite   Religion of the Ancient Celts can be found on Sacred Texts. You can find out more about J. A. McCulloch on Wikipedia. Try the Celtic Myth Podshow for a dramatic re-telling of the Tales and Stories of the Ancient Celts at http://celticmythpodshow.com or in Apple Podcasts. Our theme music is "Gander at the Pratie Hole" by Sláinte.  You can find their music on the Free Music Archive.

Gods and Men CT044

The Religion of the Ancient Celts (1911) Chapter 8: The Fionn Cycle by J. A. MacCulloch The story of the mighty hero, Fionn and his warband, the Fianna. McCulloch examines the origins of the Fionn myth and asks how much of the Epic McPherson poem is truly ancient.   Names Used in this Section Cumal Oisin Diarmaid Fergus Caoilte mac Ronan Conan Goll mac Morna Kalevala Lonnrot, in Finland MacPherson Michael Comyn Tir na n-Og Fians Keating, O'Curry, Dr. Joyce, and Dr. Douglas Hyde Cúchulainn Oengus Manannan Leinster, Ulster & Connaught Lochlann Llychlyn Charlemagne Professor Zimmer Asvin and Asgeirr Conn the Hundred Fighter Muirne Tadg Demni Camulos Tuatha Déa Finnéces Saar Diarmaid and Grainne Uirgrenn Michael Comyn Heldensage Agallamh na Senorach Caoilte Dean of Lismore anima naturaliter Christiana Chateaubriand, Goethe, Napoleon, Byron, and Coleridge   Religion of the Ancient Celts can be found on Sacred Texts. You can find out more about J. A. McCulloch on Wikipedia. Try the Celtic Myth Podshow for a dramatic re-telling of the Tales and Stories of the Ancient Celts at http://celticmythpodshow.com or in Apple Podcasts. Our theme music is "Gander at the Pratie Hole" by Sláinte.  You can find their music on the Free Music Archive.

The Fionn Cycle CT043

The Religion of the Ancient Celts (1911) Chapter 7: The Cúchulainn Cycle by J. A. MacCulloch The story of the mighty hero, Cuchulainn, Queen Medb and the Cattle-Raid of Cooley.   Names Used in this Section Conchobar Book of the Dun Cow Book of Leinster Táin bó Cuailgne Dechtire Ailill and Medb Fergus, Conall Cernach Cúroi, Deirdre, and the sons of Usnach día talmaide Cathbad Nessa Lug Sualtaim Emania Emer, daughter of Forgall Donall in Alba Dornolla Scathach Aife Conla Sohrab and Rustum Theseus and Hippolytus Westermarck Macha Findbennach Brown Bull of Cuailgne Ferdia Morrigan Calatin Niamh Lugaid King Loegaire Devorgilla Enbarr ingen rig richis garta M. D'Arbois Conall Cernach smérthain, Smertullos Kervadel Tarvos Trigaranos Trèves Badb Setantii Setanta (Setantios) Menapii and Brigantes Dond tarb Garbh mac Stairn   Religion of the Ancient Celts can be found on Sacred Texts. You can find out more about J. A. McCulloch on Wikipedia. Try the Celtic Myth Podshow for a dramatic re-telling of the Tales and Stories of the Ancient Celts at http://celticmythpodshow.com or in Apple Podcasts. Our theme music is "Gander at the Pratie Hole" by Sláinte.  You can find their music on the Free Music Archive.

The Cuchulainn Cycle CT042

The Religion of the Ancient Celts (1911) Chapter 6: The Gods of the Brythons by J. A. MacCulloch In this chapter, J A McCulloch looks at the nature and origin of the Welsh, Brythonic Gods as seen mainly in the Mabinogion.   Names Used in this Section Taliesin Geoffrey of Monmouth's Historia Britonum Professor Anwyl Dyfed and Gwent Anglesey Gwynedd Pryderi, Branwen, and Gwydion Kulhwych Dôn Llyr Branwen Matholwych Evnissyen Bran Caswallyn, son of Beli Rhiannon Manawyddan Llwyt Gwawl Nissyen Penardim Eurosswyd Llyr Marini Cordelia Lludd Llawereint Creiddylad Alloid Nodons Black Book of Caermarthen Y Werydd M. Loth Manannan Diarmaid Bendigeit Vran Urdawl Ben Cernunnos Uthr Ben Urien, Bran, and Uthr Yama Brennus Belinus Lludd and Caswallawn Caradawc Prydein Mr. Nutt Brangwaine Tristram Ynys Bronwen Gwydion, Gilvæthwy, Amæthon, Govannon, and Arianrhod Dylan and Llew Tuatha Déa Govannon (= Goibniu) Llew (= Lug) Gwydion Gilvæthwy Goewin Arawn, king of Annwfn Llew Llaw Gyffes Blodeuwedd Gronw Math Hen Gweir Amæthon amæth Battle of Godeu Dr. Skene Lám fada Curoi's wife, Blathnat ruddroawc Govannon and Gavida (Goibniu) Dylan Eil Ton Eil Mor Havgan Teyrnon Gwri Rigantona Tigernonos Pen Annwfn Dream of Maxen Lludd, Caswallawn, Nynnyaw, and Llevelys Cassivellaunus Gweirydd Lodens Lamargentios Caer Ludd (London) Glastonbury Tor Hanes Taliesin Tegid Voel Creirwy, Morvran, Avagddu Morvran Porcus Troit (the Twrch Trwyth) Igerna Dream of Rhonabwy March, son of Meirchion Merlin, or Myrddin Viviane Kei Gwenhyvar (Guinevere) Mabon Nantlle Brigantia, Brigit; Belisama Camulos Belatucadros, Cocidius, Corotiacus, Barrex, and Totatis Anextiomarus Arvalus, Mogons   Religion of the Ancient Celts can be found on Sacred Texts. You can find out more about J. A. McCulloch on Wikipedia. Try the Celtic Myth Podshow for a dramatic re-telling of the Tales and Stories of the Ancient Celts at http://celticmythpodshow.com or in Apple Podcasts. Our theme music is "Gander at the Pratie Hole" by Sláinte.  You can find their music on the Free Music Archive.

Gods of the Brythons CT041

The Religion of the Ancient Celts (1911) Chapter 5: The Tuatha Dé Danann by J. A. MacCulloch In this chapter, J A McCulloch looks at the nature and origin of the Gods of the Tuatha De Danaan, the tribes or folk of the Goddess Danu.   Names Used in this Section Tuatha Dé Danann Danu Fir Dea Brian, Iuchar, and Iucharbar fir tri ndea Dôn Cúchulainn Fionn Fomorians and Milesian Dagda Flann Manistrech Gilla Coemain Bodb Dearg Manannan Eochaid O'Flynn dei terreni or síde King Loegaire Dr. Joyce and O'Curry Mesca Ulad Fand and Liban, and Labraid Connla Mider Cenn Cruaich Penn Cruc, Pennocrucium Egyptian Neith, Semitic Ishtar Anu mater deorum hibernensium Black Annis' Bower Demeter and Persephone Professor Rhys Anoniredi Vaucluse Buanann Brigit Minerva Belisama and Brigindo Dea Brigantia Brigantes Kildare Cleena and Vera Clota, the Clutoida Dirra, Dirona Aine Knockainy in Limerick Eogabal Oilill Olomm and Ferchus Aillén, Eogabal's son Morrigan, Neman, and Macha Badb Badbcatha Cathubodua Haute-Savoie Boduogenos Fomorian Tethra Nét Neton Mag-tured Dr. Stokes Adamnan Boudicca bangaisgedaig, banfeinnidi Romano-British inscription at Benwell to the Lamiis Tribus Keres Matres Arm, Danu, and Buanan Battle of Ventry Conncrithir Be find Eriu, Banba, and Fotla tri dee Donand M. D'Arbois MacCuill, MacCecht, and MacGrainne Dagda, Lug, and Ogma Cian The Children of Tuirenn ogham Babylonian Marduk Ogmíos, Herakles grianainech Goibniu, Goba Hephaistos Soma, Haoma Creidne Luchtine Diancecht Miach, Airmed Grannos Cóir Anmann Cera Ruad-rofhessa Eochaid Ollathair Oengus Elemar Dr. MacBain Dispater Cromm Cruaich Vallancey Crom-eocha Crom Dubh Boand (the Boyne) Cethlenn Conaire Mac Ind Oc Tammuz and Adonis Etain Fuamnach grianan Diarmaid Bri Léith Isle of Falga, Isle of Man Bláthnat Aitherne Medros Nuada Argetlám, Sreng Açvins, Vispala Llûd Llawereint Creidylad Gwythur Gwyn Nodons Nechtan Nudd Hael Ler The Children of Lir Llyr, Shakespeare, King Lear Manannan mac Lir Orbsen, son of Allot Cóir Anmann Agallamh na Senorach Manawyddan King Fiachna Mongan Barintus Enbarr Lug Ethne MacIneely Gavida Tara samildánach Irish Louth (Lug-magh) and in British Lugu-vallum Lugudunum (Lyons), Lugudiacus, and Lugselva Lugudunum Convenarum Uxama O'Davoren Lugnasad Lleu   Religion of the Ancient Celts can be found on Sacred Texts. You can find out more about J. A. McCulloch on Wikipedia. Try the Celtic Myth Podshow for a dramatic re-telling of the Tales and Stories of the Ancient Celts at http://celticmythpodshow.com or in Apple Podcasts. Our theme music is "Gander at the Pratie Hole" by Sláinte.  You can find their music on the Free Music Archive.

Tuatha De Danaan CT040

Readings from the Classic Celtic books - everything for lovers of the Lore and stories of the Ancient Celts. We will cover the Celts, Fairies, Myths, Legends, Folklore and stories from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and other Celtic realms. If like us, you have seen all those wonderful books that were once published about Celtic Mythology, Folklore, or the Fairies and wished that you had the time to read them, then you have found the right podcast to bring them to your fireside.