They have a terrifying laugh and they often cause nightmares. List of Celtic deities - Wikipedia She represented the circle of life and was associated with both birth and death. Researchers believe they originated from a branch of the great Celtic race, which passed through Europe, rounded the continent's shores, and finally, made Ireland their resting place. Guess this is one demon you can check off your list of scary creatures to worry about this Halloween. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland. Celtic mythology [ edit] Brigit, Irish goddess of fire, poetry, arts, and crafts Aed, Irish god whose name means "fire" Grannus, god of fire, health, water springs, and the sun Nantosuelta, goddess of fire, nature, fertility, rivers and the earth Etruscan mythology [ edit] Sethlans, fire god of smithing and crafts Greek mythology [ edit] According to legend, if a human did something to offend them, they wouldnt hesitate in seeking painful revenge. While they may have been the major Celtic gods and goddesses, that does not cancel out the importance of other deities of Irish mythology, like Bres or Medb, or Epona. ; Esoteric. The beasts constant cry was said to sound like the bark of 30 dogs. The Dullahan doesnt announce the impending death by screaming, like the banshee, but by riding into a town or village and holding his head up to observe the death as it happens. All Rights Reserved. In this article we will explore Irish monsters and Celtic folklore creatures including: The Leprechaun Creatures similar to the Leprechaun The Banshee The Dullahan - The origin of the headless horseman Changelings The Pca / Pooka - The trickster spirit Failnis - Wolves in Irish folklore Fear Gorta - The Hungry man The Daoine Maithe are usually kind creatures but becomes cruel when mistreated. Aos S translates to people of the mound. Origin: Celtic Role: Goddess Symbol: Crow Husband: Dadga, possibly Children: Possibly Adair Other Names: Morrigu, Morgane, Morrighan Who Is The Morrigan? A person is a piece of the entire called by us Universe, a section restricted in existence. The nuckelavee is kept in confinement during the summer months by the Mither o' the Sea, an ancient Orcadian spirit, and the only one able to control it. No, it wont kill her, but at least youll hold her off until next year! They are fairies, usually resemble humans, and possess supernatural abilities. Often referred to as the Queen of Winter, Cailleach is one of the great Celtic mythological creatures. Photo by Shvaygert Ekaterina/shutterstock. A general term for most fairy folk, the Daoine Maithe are usually human-like, have supernatural abilities, and are usually good and kind-hearted. While Unseelie fairies have dark agendas and are known to be troublesome, Seelie fairies are helpful and happy. It is believed that whoever listened to her play would die rather sooner than later. Descriptions of her appearance vary, from an ugly old hag to a beautiful young woman, but all agree that the creatures blood curdling wail will be heard three times before someone dies. Rather than directly suck the blood of her victims, Leanan Sidhe got creative, and collected their blood in a giant red cauldron, which was the source of her beauty and artistic inspiration. Sometimes they wear white, and other times they are adorned in grey or black. The Muckie was a mysterious Irish mythical creature thats said to inhabit the Lakes of Killarney in Ireland, earning it comparisons with Scotlands Lough Ness Monster. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The fiercest and the largest bull in Irish mythology, Donn Cailnge used to roam the vast forests of the Cooley Peninsula. He was invincible and could destroy any wild beast that he crossed paths with. They are wicked, violent tricksters who are different forms depending on which part of Ireland youre hearing a Pooka story from. Sign up now for weekly facts, the latest blogs, and interesting features. [15], The nuckelavee's breath was thought to wilt crops and sicken livestock, and it was considered responsible for epidemics and drought. When you see him, he must grant you three wishes before he can be released. The Celtic deities are known from a variety of sources such as written Celtic mythology, ancient places of worship, statues, engravings, religious objects, as well as place and personal names. While typically good, the Daoine Maithe can become vengeful if they are mistreated by people. A post shared by Emlyn Boyle Artist (@emlyn_artist76) on Jan 24, 2018 at 1:50pm PST. The Story of Merlin and the Demons who made him Although youll often hear the Oilliphist described as a Celtic monster, it was said to take on the appearance of a dragon. 8. [26] Tammas managed to escape from the nuckelavee after he inadvertently splashed it with water from the loch he was alongside; this briefly distracted the monster, allowing Tammas to run over to a nearby channel of fresh water and jump to safety on the opposite bank. Their names and attributes varied between languages and locations, with some deities worshipped by all tribes while others were specific to a particular region or people. The Dullahan rides a black horse with flaming eyes, while he carries his severed head under one arm. The name Fomoire may mean "demons from below (the sea)," and their leader Balor had one huge deadly eye. A Guide To 12 Infamous Celtic Gods And Goddesses - The Irish Jewelry A dwarf poet and a musician, Abcn was a member of the fearless Tuatha D Danann. She can be an old woman with frightening eyes, a pale lady in a white dress, or a beautiful woman wearing a shroud. Photo by Ververidis Vasilis/shutterstock.com. In the section below, youll find Celtic creatures that have graced many a battlefield and that are known to be skilled warriors. Pookas can also imitate human voices and they use it to call them out of their houses. Irish and Celtic Gods and Monsters - Emerald Isle The Irish demon would sometimes transform into a handsome man to lure women into its trap, but a telltale sign that it was a kelpie was if that man had kelp in its hair. But most legends say the Banshee was terrifying enough on her own. Just like mermaids, merrows usually live in the water. Its here that youll find the likes of the Leprechaun and, my personal favourite, the mischievous shape-shifter known as the Pooka! Celtic deities can belong to two categories: general and local. One monster, however, managed to escape Caorthannach, the fire-spitter. Sounds a little bit like the story of Tir Na Nog, right?! Ask away in the comments section. Sign up to IrishCentral's newsletter to stay up-to-date with everything Irish! This mischievous little fella is said to bring either good or bad fortune and it can appear in various animal forms, though he always wears a dark coat. They were pastoral people of Greek or Eastern origin. These Celtic monsters were restless spirits that were said to be neither welcome in hell or heaven, so they were left to roam the lands. Ancient Origins - The Fomorians: Destructive Giants of Irish Legend. Dearg-due, an Irish name meaning red blood sucker, is a female demon that seduces men and then drains them of their blood. Patrick eventually made it to the Hawks Rock, where he waited for Caorthannach. Little is known about the religious beliefs of the Celts of Gaul. [11][b], The nuckelavee is a mythical sea-creature that appears as a horse-like demon when it ventures onto land. This destructive witch roamed around with her three evil sons: Dub (darkness in Irish), Dother (evil) and Dain (violence), destroying anything or anyone in their path. These Celtic monsters were restless spirits that were said to be neither welcome in hell or heaven, so they were left to roam the lands. Fandom Apps Take your favorite fandoms with you and never miss a beat. According to Irish folklore, Sluagh are dead sinners that come back as malicious spirits. Celtic mythology is the collection of stories and folklore from various ancient Celtic cultures like the Irish, the Welsh, and the Gauls. What Is a Hellhound? A Guide to the Demonic Dog of Mythology These evil creatures are said to appear to weary travelers, enticing them for a ride. This Celtic mythological creature is best described as a mermaid in appearance, however, this is where the similarities. The Gauls inhabited the region corresponding to modern-day France, Belgium, Switzerland, southern and western Germany, Luxembourg and northern Italy. If you are trying to manage chronic pain or stress, or just want to create a more balanced and healthy lifestyle, than this program is for you! Dearg-due means "red bloodsucker," and in Irish folklore, it refers to a female demon that seduces men and then sucks and drains them of their blood. 2. 12 Fascinating(and Scary) Irish Mythological Creatures, 12 Best Irish BeersThat You Must Try In Ireland, 6. This creature made its abode in Irish streams and rivers and any place where green life grew from water. Category:Celtic Mythology | Megami Tensei Wiki | Fandom Some versions of this legend say that the Dullahan throws buckets of blood at people he passes, while others say he simply calls out the name of the mortal that will soon die. Below, Ive popped in the most FAQs that weve received. Youve everything from scary Celtic monsters to more gentle, magical beings, below. The interesting bit to this story is that the lovers of Leanan sdhe were said to have lived inspired lives. Demons from Celtic mythology. Others, in Scottish folklore, say he used to capture bold children (a story used to scare kids into behaving). I could also sha. To prevent the Sluaghs from entering their houses, Irish families would keep their west-facing windows shut. Another snake-like evil Celtic creature is the Questing Beast, a monster with the head of a snake, the body of a leopard, the backside of a lion, and the hooves of a deer. Said to be the scariest type of fairy in Irish folklore, the Pooka are primarily creatures of the night. Privacy Policy. The original Dearg Due is said to have been a beautiful lord's daughter who fell in love with a peasant. The Morrigan frequently appears in the ornithological guise of a hooded crow. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. When he stops riding, a human dies. These creatures, especially the Merrows are amazing swimmers, and this ability is said to come from their clothing, which varies depending on which part of Ireland youre in. Once a traveler hops on, the horse takes them on the last ride of their life. How did he free himself? Take a look inside Dublin's most stylish townhouse, Number 31. Dad forced her into an arranged marriage with a rich man who treated her terribly, and eventually she commit suicide. [7] The kelpie galloped around Ireland, looking like a lost pony, attempting to trick women and children into riding on it. According to the Celtic legend, an Irish woman who was known throughout the country for her beauty fell in love with a local peasant, which was unacceptable to her father. No, it wont kill her, but at least youll hold her off until next year! Portrayed as a little person but in green, the leprechaun sports a glorious orange beard and a big green hat, usually adorned with a four-leaf clover. Today, the leprechaun has also become a mascot for St. Patricks Day, as well as a favorite design in Irish souvenirs. The ancient Celtic texts which give the most insight into their mythology and folklore are largely transcriptions of oral histories dating from the middle ages. Sluaghs were one of a handful of Irish mythical creatures that well and truly creeped me out as a child, after hearing stories about them from friends. Celtic Mythology | Encyclopedia.com According to some myths they are witches, according to others these female beings are ghosts. According to the Celtic legend, an Irish woman who was known throughout the country for her beauty, fell in love with a local peasant, which was unacceptable to her father. Rebeccas armature of Abhartach #initialproject #modelmaking #sculpy #abhartach #vampire #armature #irish #folklore #sculpture, A post shared by Model Makers (@4thyearmodelmakers) on Nov 21, 2019 at 11:12am PST. Despite their name, the changelings are not actual shapeshifters. Leanan Sidhe the evil Irish fairy-muse. @IrishCentral. Now, like many Irish mythological creatures, the form of Elln Trechend changes depending on the tale. In Irish folklore, these elf-like creatures are tricksters who cannot be trusted and will deceive you whenever possible. In the guide below, youll discover 32 Irish mythological creatures along with some snappy information on each one. The Church nicked some of their Gods for promotional sainthood purposes and thus began the conversion process. 2022 Wasai LLC. The kelpie is a monster right out of Celtic myth. Several versions of the Banshee legend say the feared ghost rode alongside the Dullahan in a black cart drawn by six black horses. [6], Stories of mythical Orcadian demons are recorded in the 16th-century Latin manuscripts of Jo Ben,[a] who may have been referring to the nuckelavee in his description of the Orkney island of Stronsay. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Caornach According to ancient Irish folklore, a Caornach is the mother of demons and deathly spirits. Marrow-men are horribly ugly male sea-creatures, while the females or the Merrows are absolutely beautiful. Celtic mythology is the collection of stories and folklore from various ancient Celtic cultures like the Irish, the Welsh, and the Gauls. The ancient Celts had. The Bodach, The Man-Wolves of Ossory, The Sluagh and Bnnach. The most important of the gods, Lugh (see Lugus), is the offspring of the marriage of a god, Cian, and the daughter of the monstrous Balor, and it is stated that originally the gods and the Fomoire were allies. 31 Irish Mythological Creatures (Tales Told By An Irishman) The Questing Beast, known to be quick, was hunted down by many a knight, and in Celtic myth was chased by King Pellinore, an Arthurian character. If a Merrow wants to walk on land, she must abandon her cap or cape. In Scottish folklore, she is said to be one with the immense ability to influence the weather. If a human emerges, he will be dragged outside and killed. She chased the Cu Chulainn one day but lost her footing while crossing the sea stacks [], 10 Best Museums in Dublin, Ireland - Ireland Travel Guides, [] to its smallest and most detailed gardens, these museums will not only showcase Dublin and Irelands hidden folklore and history but also inspire people to love and preserve the untold beauty of the emerald []. The Cailleach is one of several Irish mythical creatures that has different forms, depending on whos telling the story. [4] The same demon is called a mukkelevi in Shetland, where it was considered a nasty sea-trow or sea-devil. Some Irish mythology creatures, like the Pooka, have a nice, fun tale tied to them while others, like the Abhartach, are nothing short of terrifying! Celtic. She would share with them her creativity, intellect, and magic. Considered as an omen of death and the fear of every child, the banshee is one of the scariest creatures in Irish folklore. The saint is said to have stood on the mountain now known as Croagh Patrick and expelled all the serpents and demons out of the Emerald Isle into the sea to drown. They say that when a chicken or cow sees a Pooka, the animals become too traumatized that they cannot produce eggs or milk for weeks. She lived on Craig Liath and played a magic harp. Cat sth This mythological creature is seen mainly in Scottish folklore, although does make an appearance in Irish. Demons of the Ancient World - Sarah Woodbury The Celtic variant of mermaids, merrows have human feet instead of tails but their feet are flat and have webbed fingers to help them swim better. In fact, it was a 3-headed Celtic monster! As is the case with many tales from Irish folklore, the story behind some of these creatures differs, depending on whos telling it. They are not exactly demons, they are more like dead sinners that come back from the grave and roam the kind of the living as malicious spirits. But the strange thing about this pony is that its mane would always be dripping with water. As with Dearg-due, to prevent the undead Leanan Sidhe from rising, one must put a cairn of stones over her resting place. Unfortunately, that is not uncommon given how often people take them for Far Darrig or other malevolent creatures. Oct 28, 2022 . As with similar malevolent entities such as the kelpie, it possibly offered an explanation for incidents that islanders in ancient times could not otherwise understand. They believed in a life after death, for they buried food, weapons, and ornaments with the dead. A famous Irish creature that some say teams up with the Dullahan is the Banshee. Some of the Celtic monsters were originally gods but were later demonized as pagan creatures when many of the Celts became Christians. A particularly gruesome detail is that the nuckelavee has no skin;[19] black blood courses through yellow veins, and the pale sinews and powerful muscles are visible as a pulsating mass. The Banshee is one of the better-known of the many Irish mythological creatures / Irish monsters, mainly due to the popularity of storytelling in Irish culture. Another snake-like evil Celtic creature is the Questing Beast, a monster with the head of a snake, the body of a leopard, the backside of a lion and the hooves of a deer. The product soda ash was an alkali mainly used to treat acidic soil,[5][14] although as time went on its commercial importance in soap and glass manufacture increased. Failinis was a dog who fought in many battles. and when the villagers forgot, I put the stones on her grave. Just like vampires, the Abhartach walked the land at night, killing folks and drinking their blood. The only way to stop him was to kill him again, and to bury him vertically and upside down. Celtic mythology - the top gods and goddesses - IrishCentral Now, its widely known that Bram Stokers Dracula has close ties to Ireland. The leader of supernatural creatures called the Fomorians, Balor of the Evil Eye, one of many Irish demons, was, unsurprisingly enough, a giant with a large eye. A post shared by Tami Wicinas (@twicinas) on Oct 10, 2019 at 11:59pm PDT. I think the one I'd be more afraid to see would have to be The Far Darrig,because of it seems that he like's to play his food be for he attacks his prey and finish him/her off and that why I feel afraid of The Far Darrig, also could you give facts about why it is a myth. Elln Trechend is known to emerge from a cave and embark on a rampage of destruction in a tale called the Cath Maige Mucrama. The creature is scared of the substance, so any lonely travelers would be wise to have some on him in case they have a run-in with this headless horror! However, eerily, the sonar encountered a large solid mass, which has fuelled speculation that the lake is inhabited by one of the last remaining Celtic mythological creatures. Were building the worlds most authoritative, online mythology resource, with engaging, accessible content that is both educational and compelling to read. [15], No tales describe what form the nuckelavee takes when in the sea,[4] but its appearance on land has been recounted in graphic detail. The one that appears the most describes the fairy Leanan sdhe as a beautiful woman. The Dullahan rides a headless black horse with flaming eyes, carrying his head under one arm. Her name literally translates as Red Bloodsucker and shes said to lure men by seducing them in the night before biting them and sucking away their blood. Some versions of this legend say that the Dullahan throws buckets of blood at people he passes, while other say he simply calls out the name of the mortal that will soon die. The Questing Beast, known to be quick, was hunted down by many a knight, and in Celtic myth was chased by King Pellinore, an Arthurian character. Several versions of the Banshee legend say the feared ghost rode alongside the Dullahan in a black cart drawn by six black horses. Though theyre not so much demons, Sluagh are scary creatures that hunt down souls. Perhaps itd be a good idea to stay away from any bodies of water this Halloween! The leanan sidhe would seduce them and would offer to be their muse, fueling their creativity by using her magic. Now, if youve spent any time reading about Irish folklore, youll know that there are quite a few Irish mythological creatures out there, and that they, ehm,vary in their type. Instead, they are the children of fairies, such as the Far Darrig or often even adult fairies that look like babies. Fomoire, also spelled Fomhoire, in Irish myth, a race of demonic beings who posed a threat to the inhabitants of Ireland until they were defeated by the god-race, the Tuatha D Danann. The Leanan Sidhe will then take their dead lover back into her lair, collect their blood into a cauldron, which is the source of her youth, beauty, and artistic inspiration. Photo by Khomenko Maryna/shutterstock.com. Leanan Sidhe the Evil Irish Fairy-Muse, A post shared by Emlyn Boyle Artist (@emlyn_artist76), A post shared by Alison Johnstun (@alisonjohnstun), A post shared by Amelia Leonards (@amelialeonardsart), A post shared by Morgana das Fadas (@morgana.das.fadas), A post shared by Tami Wicinas (@twicinas). You cant talk about Irish mythological creatures without mentioning the fairies. She works as the chief editor of Symbol Sage but also takes the time to write on topics that interest her. She holds a Masters degree in Linguistics and Education, and has also studied Political Science, Ancient History and Literature. List of love and lust deities - Wikipedia The Kelpie is an evil water spirit, typically portrayed as a white horse that swims in rivers or lakes. The pursuit was a long one, and Caorthannach knew St. Patrick would need water to quench his thirst along the way, so she spit fire as she fled, and poisoned every well she passed. As with most evil forces, the Dullahan has a weakness gold. If a woman hopped on, the monster would then run into the water, drowning its victim, and then would take her to its lair to eat her. Some Irish families would keep their west-facing windows shut at all times to keep the Sluagh out of their homes. They can also take the form of a dark eagle, some boogeyman character, or goblin. In this article, well be going over some of the most legendary Celtic mythological creatures. But the strange thing about this pony is that its mane would always be dripping with water. Like the evilest creatures in Irish folklore though, the Dullahan has a weakness and it is gold. In fact, their name translates as Red Man from Gaelic. Though the saint was desperately thirsty, he refused to drink from the poisoned wells and prayed for guidance. The banshee often appears as a young woman, a matron, or an old hag, that wears a white cloak. Today, she is remembered yearly in a festival that marks the start of harvest in Leinster in Irelands Great East. The malevolent monster had only one eye and a single huge leg, yet it held the title of . In old Irish folk tales, Glas Gaibhnenn was a magical cow with green spots that could produce endless supplies of milk for its owners. The Daoine Maithe are the fairy folk in Irish mythology. The Leanan Sidhe appear to these hapless souls, offer inspiration by asking them to be her lover. The Gaels inhabited Ireland and parts of western Scotland. Usually black, these mythic horses ride across the fields of Ireland at night, stampede over crops, fences, and peoples properties, they scare farm animals from producing milk or eggs for weeks, and they cause a lot of other mischief along the way. Both have a very strong desire to return to the sea when they are on land, so when someone traps them on land they usually try to hide their red-feathered hat or sealskin cape. The Kelpie myth is very common in Scotland but it also exists in Ireland. Also referred to as Dwarf King, these Irish folklore creatures are little yet powerful tyrants When he died, he rose from his crypt and fed on the blood of his victims. Celtic mythology is so rich that even though we have access to just a fraction that has survived through the ages, that fraction still contains dozens of different unique and fantastic myths and mythological creatures. The scariest monsters and demons from Celtic mythology. Balor can kill someone just by staring at them with his evil eye, so he kept it closed most of the time, so as not to constantly be tripping over dead bodies. Celtic mythology is full of unique creatures, many of which have influenced modern day pop culture and are still mentioned in books, movies, video games and songs. The demon slid down a mountain away from the saint, but Patrick spotted her, and chased her down upon the fastest horse in Ireland, which was brought to him. The ancient Celts had hundreds of Irish mythical deities, but as with most cultures, they had their demons as well. The Irish demon would sometimes transform into a handsome man to lure women to its trap, but a telltale sign that it was a kelpie was if that man had kelp in its hair. [1] The only entity able to control it is the Mither o' the Sea, an ancient spirit in Orcadian mythology who keeps the nuckelavee confined during the summer months. In this guide, we tell the story of this Celtic mythological creature, and offer insight into where in Ireland it roamed (and where its now buried). 10. Those who werent repulsed by the protruding bones and blueish skin of the walking dead and gave them food, were rewarded with prosperity and wealth. Dearg-due, an Irish name meaning red bloodsucker, is a female demon that seduces men and then drains them of their blood. Descriptions of her appearance vary, from an ugly old hag to a beautiful young woman, but all agree that the creatures blood-curdling wail will be heard three times before someone dies. She would make the artist her lover, sharing with them her intelligence, creativity and magic, but when she left, the men would be so depressed, theyd die. Another key difference between the Dullahan and the banshee is that the headless horseman does not hesitate to harm onlookers with his whip. Celtic MythologyCeltic Mythology in ContextAdventure, heroism, romance, and magic are a few of the elements that make Celtic mythology one of the most entrancing mythologies of Europe. Regardless of how she looks, its her wail that sends shivers up the spine of many, as it signals impending doom. One of the most recognizable Celtic creatures, having made a guest appearance in Darby OGill and the Little People and all, the Banshee is a female spirit whose wail, if heard outside of a house, foretells the death of one of its inhabitants.