It’s a tall tale as old as time: warrior and the giant. But who are the most famous giants from Irish mythology? And are they *really* giants, or wizards in disguise?
Category Archives: Definitions
Here Be Dragons: 5 Kaiju-Sized Monsters From Irish Mythology
Do Irish myths feature dragons and other mountain-sized monsters? Here are 5 contenders for Irish mythology’s biggest baddie: the oillpheist, the Cata, the Muirdris (a.k.a. Sinach), Ellén Trechend, and Aillén.
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.
What Is Samhain? (Definition and Etymology)
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?
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.
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.
What’s the Difference Between a Bard, a Vate, and a Druid?
The ancient Celts divided their intellectual elites into three categories: druids, bards, and vates. Learn about their differences (and similarities) as recorded by Greek and Roman historians.
Irish Myths 