Author Archives: I. E. (IrishMyths.com)

The Top 10 Best-Selling Irish and Celtic Mythology Books

I just ran the numbers: here are the top 10 Irish and Celtic mythology books IrishMyths.com readers are buying, starting with the number one best-seller, The Mammoth Book of Celtic Myths.

The Mythology of Samhain: 6 Stories That Give Samhain Added Significance

Did you know that Samhain served as the backdrop for many of Irish mythology’s greatest battles and events? Here are 6 Samhain myths for celebrating the year’s spookiest season.

A Brief History of Samhain: When (and Where) Did Halloween’s Celtic Predecessor Get Its Start?

No history of Halloween would be complete without a history of Samhain. Uncover the archaeological and historical evidence behind Samhain’s ancient Celtic origins.

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.

Lughnasa Explained: 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 Shrieking 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.