Celtic Myth: Gods and Heroes
CELTIC MYTH: GODS AND HEROES
OVERVIEW
Celtic Background: Introduction to Celtic culture and mythology.
The Gods: Discussion of various Celtic deities and their significance.
The Battle of Magh Tuireadh: A key battle narrative in Celtic mythology.
The Ballad of Tam Lin: Exploration of this Scottish folk tale.
The Heroes: Examination of significant heroic figures in Irish mythology.
The Ulster Cycle: Study of epic tales associated with the kingdom of Ulster.
Themes: Identification of central themes prevalent in Celtic myths.
In class writing: Scheduled activity for Wednesday.
IMPORTANT TERMS + PRONUNCIATIONS
Conchobar (Conor) mac Nessa: Pronunciation and significance of a hero-king in Ulster.
Connaught (Kon + awt): Region in Ireland, connected to various mythological tales.
Medb (Maeve): Warrior queen of Connacht, central to several stories.
Sétanta (sheh-DAN-da) / Cú Chulainn (Coo-Hul-len): The name of the hero Cú Chulainn before he took on his heroic title.
The Wooing of Emer (EE-mer): A tale of love related to Cú Chulainn.
Scáthach (Skah-hahk): A warrior woman who trained Cú Chulainn.
Cattle Raid of Cooley: Major epic involving Medb and Cú Chulainn.
Ailill (AL-il): Medb's husband, involved in the Cattle Raid.
Fer Díad (fer DEE-a): A close friend and rival of Cú Chulainn.
Death of Aífe's Only Son (EE-fa): A tragic tale involving Cú Chulainn's son, Connla.
Celts: Ethnic group with a rich cultural and mythology background.
The Book of Invasions: A historical narrative of Ireland's origins.
Tuath(a) Dé Danann (Tooah Day Danaan): A group of deities and supernatural beings in Celtic lore.
Fomorians: Antagonistic supernatural beings in Irish mythology.
Fir Bolg (FEER-bolg): An ancient people involved in Ireland's mythic past.
The Battle of Magh Tuireadh (Moy Turra): A primary conflict in Irish mythology involving the Tuatha Dé Danann.
Nuada (NO-uh-duh): King of the Tuatha Dé Danann.
Bres (Bress): A leader among the Fomorians and also part of the Tuatha Dé Danann.
Lugh (Looh): A prominent deity associated with arts and craftsmanship.
Milesians / Sons of Mil: Legendary ancestors of the Irish people.
aes sídhe (eye-shee): The fae or fairy folk in Irish mythology.
Tam Lin: A character from Scottish folklore with ties to the fae.
The Ulster Cycle: A major body of work in Irish mythology.
THE CELTS
6th Century BCE: Time period during which the Celtic civilization was widespread.
Celtic Groups: Not a unified people but various independent communities engaged in farming, trading, and warfare.
Conflict with Romans: Historical interactions and conflicts with the Roman Empire.
Insular Celts: Surviving groups including the Gaels (Irish, Scots, Manx) and Britons (Welsh, Cornish, Bretons).
Celtic Polytheism: Limited information available, possibly animated through animism.
Druids: Religious and magical leaders who conducted rituals at natural sites.
CELTIC ART
Torcs: Ornamental neck rings indicative of status found in archaeological sites such as the Vix Grave (480 BCE) and Snettisham Great Torc (150–50 BCE).
Notable artifacts: Wandsworth Shield (2nd Century BCE), Mšecké Žehrovice Head (150–50 BCE), Gundestrup Cauldron (200 BCE – 300 CE).
LEBOR GABÁLA ÉRENN - "THE BOOK OF INVASIONS"
11th Century CE: Compilation of the mythological history of Ireland.
Six Generations of Irish People: Narrative involving six groups of invaders including the Tuath(a) Dé Danann and Milesians.
Mix of Christian Pseudo-history and Polytheistic Myth: Records traced back to biblical origins, including Noah's flood.
Contextual Importance: Examines other historical narratives in comparison.
TUATH(A) DÉ DANANN
Nature: Supernatural beings representative of pre-Christian gods.
Otherworld Concept: A parallel realm inhabited by gods and souls of the dead, accessed through specific terrestrial features.
Centerpiece Battle: Cath Maige Tuired (The Battle of Magh Tuireadh) concerning the conflicts to obtain land in Ireland.
Artistic Representation: Illustrated in John Duncan's artwork, such as "Riders of the Sidhe" (1911).
THE BATTLES OF MAGH TUIREADH
Battle 1: Arrival of the Tuatha Dé Danann; attempts at diplomacy fail, leading to conflict with the Fir Bolg. - Outcome: Nuada's victory results in him appointing Bres as king.
Battle 2: Conflict against the Fomorians, with Bres as a traitor among the Tuatha Dé Danann. - Key Figures: King Nuada, Lugh (god of truth and kingship) ultimately defeat Bres and the Fomorians.
WHAT HAPPEN TO THE TUATHA DÉ DANANN?
Aftermath: Explore the fate of the Tuatha Dé Danann post-conflict, including their retreat to the Otherworld.
THE MILESIANS (SONS OF MIL)
Arrival and Conquest: The Milesians' arrival leads to conflict but eventually results in a truce. - Supernatural Elements: Attempts to confront the Tuatha Dé Danann with a magical storm, followed by a victorious battle. - Conclusion: The Tuatha Dé Danann retreat to the Otherworld/underground.
AES SÍDHE- “FAE, FAIRIES, ELVES”
Redefinition: Representations of the earlier gods and deceased heroes who now hide.
Abode: Reside in underground forts, acting as guardians of nature.
Vengeful Spirits: Present danger to humans through changelings and kidnappings, particularly at twilight.
TAM LIN: SCOTTISH BALLAD
Plot Summary: The story follows Margaret (Janet) and her connection to Tam Lin who has been captured by a fairy queen.
Fairy Tithe: Tam Lin's fate tied to fairies offering him to Hell, specifically at Halloween.
Resolution: Janet’s determination ensures Tam Lin’s safety, showcasing the strength of human will against supernatural forces.
WHY DO HUMANS DEFEAT THE GODS?
WHY DO THE GODS GO UNDERGROUND/ BECOME FAE?
THE IMPORTANCE OF LANGUAGE
Cultural Reflections: Highlight on the significance of language in narrating myths and preserving cultural identity, as exemplified by the comment from Caitriona Balfe.
Manchan Magan: Reference to "Thirty-Two Words for Field", which captures the lost lexicon relating to the Irish landscape.
CELTIC HEROES
THE ULIAD
Middle Ages Gaelic Kingdom: Set within the timeframe of pastoral, polytheistic warrior societies.
Conflict Dynamics: Description of battles between Ulster’s King Conchobar and the forces of Connacht.
Ulster Cycle: Collection of heroic legends capturing the essence of Irish valor and endurance in the face of conflict.
CÚ CHULAINN
Mythic Origins: Son of the god Lugh and Dechtire, with significant traits of strength and valor.
Transformation: Originally known as Sétanta, who took on the name Cú Chulainn after slaying the family dog.
TOCHMARC EMIRE ("THE WOOING OF EMER")
Courtship Narrative: Cú Chulainn’s desire to marry Emer leads to conflicts with her father and rigorous training.
Key Relationships: Development of friendship with Fer Díad and conflict with Aífe, strengthening Cú Chulainn's reputation.
THE TÁIN BÓ CÚAILNGE OR "CATTLE RAID OF COOLEY"
Central Conflict: Queen Medb's quest for the brown bull leads to significant war narratives and character exploration.
Climactic Battle: Cú Chulainn versus Fer Díad; dynamic character interactions revealing deeper themes within the story.
MAKING PEACE
Resolution: Cú Chulainn emerges victorious yet critically wounded as Connaught manages to capture the bull, leading to a resolution of the conflict with Queen Medb after proving her superiority.
AIDED ÓENFIR AÍFE ("THE DEATH OF AÍFE'S ONLY SON")
Tragic Encounter: Cú Chulainn is faced with an unforeseen tragedy when he meets his son, Connla, under dire circumstances due to protective vows.
WHAT CODE DOES CÚ CHULAINN FULFILL?
THEMES?
Combat: Examination of warfare and its significance in mythic narratives.
Succession: Exploration of themes surrounding kingship and heritage.
Gods vs Humans: The enduring conflict between divine forces and humanity.
Gods vs Gods/Supernatural: The internal dynamics of divine powers and their impact on the mortal realm.
“Otherworld”: The mystical representation of realms and their implications in myth.
Heroes & Heroic Ideal: Reflection of the archetypal hero and the values they represent.
Historic and Heroic Queens: Recognition of female figures in positions of power.
History and Myth: The interplay between true historical events and mythological storytelling.