What in the Halloween is the definition of Samhain? Where did the word come from? And why did the ancient Celts decide to celebrate Samhain on the 31st night of October?
Author Archives: I. E.
How Do You Pronounce Samhain?
Learn the authentic Irish pronunciation for “Samhain”, the ancient Celtic feast that inspired Halloween. Hint: it’s not “Sam-hane”.
Who Is the Irish God of Death? A Morbid Introduction to the Morrígan, Donn, and Bilé
Irish mythology is rife with ruthless and ritual death. So is there a god and/or goddess from the Irish pantheon who is in charge of the recently deceased, à la the Grim Reaper or Charon from Greek mythology? Turns out there’s not just one Irish god of death, there are (at least) three.
How to Celebrate Lughnasa Like an Ancient Celt
Uncover the origins of Lughnasa (a.k.a. Lughnasadh), a summer harvest festival during which “first fruits” are gathered, mountains are climbed, and races are run, all in honor of the Celtic sun-god Lugh and his foster-mother, Tailtiu.
What Is a Banshee? The Mythic Origins of Ireland’s Most Infamous Female Spirit
A brief biography of Irish folklore’s most frightening fay, the banshee. Learn why this vociferous, vatic vocalist haunts the households of those about to perish.
The 50 Best Books About Druidism and Druidic Practices
Whether you’re an aspiring druid or an active member of a druidic organization, these books on modern druidism will help you along the “green path”
The 10 Best Books About Druids
Want to learn about the history of the druids? This is a top 10 list of the best non-fiction books about druids, the intellectual elites of the ancient Celtic world
Was Merlin Inspired by Irish Mythology? The Search for the Original Celtic “Wild Man”
“Man flees to the forest” is a common motif in Celtic storytelling traditions. But which “Wild Man” came first: the Welsh Myrddin Wyllt, the Scottish Lailoken, the Irish Suibhne Geilt, or someone else?
Was Merlin a Druid?
He’s the world’s most famous wizard, but was the Merlin of Arthurian Legend based on a historical Celtic druid?
Was Merlin a Real Person? The Disputed Origins of the World’s Most Famous ‘Wizard’
Separate fact from Arthruian Legend as we explore the historical evidence for Merlin, King Arthur’s personal sorcerer.
Irish Myths 