Myth & Folklore
Geis: The Binding Taboo in Irish Myth
What is a geis? A binding taboo in Irish myth whose breaking, as with Cú Chulainn, spells doom.
Section
Category: <span>Myth & Folklore</span>
Celtic legend, gods, heroes and spirit beings — each story traced to the tradition it belongs to, the text it was first written down in, and its date.
Celtic Legends
The Salmon of Knowledge (An Bradan Feasa), Honestly Sourced
The Salmon of Knowledge honestly sourced: the hazels of wisdom, Finnegas, and how young Fionn burned his thumb, from the medieval text…
Myth & Folklore
Celtic vs Norse Mythology: The Key Differences
Celtic vs Norse mythology differs above all in sources: scattered Celtic manuscripts against a comparatively unified Norse corpus.
Celtic Legends
Ceridwen and the Cauldron of Inspiration, Honestly Dated
The Ceridwen cauldron story: the brew of Awen, Gwion Bach, the shapeshifting chase, and the rebirth of Taliesin, honestly dated.
Spirit Beings
Abhartach: The Irish Undead and the Dracula Question
The abhartach is an undead tyrant of Co. Derry lore, recorded in 1875 - and the claim he inspired Dracula is a…
Spirit Beings
Bean Nighe: The Washer at the Ford
The bean nighe is the Washer at the Ford, seen laundering the grave-clothes of the doomed - a death omen, honestly sourced.
Celtic Legends
Aengus Og: The Irish God of Love, Honestly Sourced
Aengus Og honestly sourced: the Irish god of love and youth, son of the Dagda, his home at Bru na Boinne, and…
Myth & Folklore
Sidhe vs Fairies: What the Words Actually Mean
Sidhe vs fairies is a translation problem: sidhe names the Irish mounds and their people, while fairy is an English umbrella.
Celtic Legends
Blodeuwedd: the Welsh Woman Made of Flowers, Turned to an Owl
Blodeuwedd, conjured from oak, broom and meadowsweet in the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi, betrays Lleu and is turned into an owl.
Spirit Beings
Merrow: The Irish Mermaid and Mermen of Irish Folklore
The merrow is the Irish mermaid and merman of folklore - defined by the red cochaillin druith, and distinct from the selkie.