You are likely already familiar with Ireland’s most infamous shrieking spirit. But what exactly is a banshee? Is it a ghost? A spirit? A wraith? A demon? A fairy? In a word, yes. The banshee is all of those things, and so much more.
Category Archives: History
Introducing the Irish Myths YouTube Channel
Same Celtic flavor, new bold format. You can now get your favorite in-depth explorations of Irish and Celtic mythology and folklore served up as video essays over at youtube.com/@irishmyths.
Why Do People Kiss Beneath Mistletoe?
Mistletoe has long been lauded as a “medico-magical” plant associated with fertility and divination. Learn how these Celtic connotations paved the way for solstice smooching.
Why Do People Put Up Mistletoe at Christmas?
The ancient Celts believed mistletoe was holy because it thrived in winter and clung to sacred trees, hovering between heaven and earth.
The Celtic Mistletoe Rite: A Golden Sickle, a White Cloth, and a Pair of (Unlucky) Oxen
Uncover the inner workings of an ancient druidic ceremony that paved the way for the Christmas tradition of kissing under the mistletoe.
The Top 7 Animated Irish Mythology Movies
A list of the top-rated animated feature films inspired by Irish folklore, fairy tales, legends, and myths as ranked by users of IMDb (the Internet Movie Database)
Who Were Ireland’s First Inhabitants?
Pop culture tells us that Ireland was always teeming with ancient Celts. But archaeology, and even Irish mythology, tell different stories about Ireland’s prehistoric inhabitants.
Where Did Celtic Culture Originate?
In their heyday, the ancient Celts occupied territories across Europe. But where did the Celts come from originally? And in which direction(s) did Celtic culture spread?
Who Were the Ancient Celts?
Uncover the culture behind the kilt in this introduction to the ancient Celts, Europe’s most misunderstood and misrepresented ancient peoples.
The Top 10 Irish Horror Movies
A list of the top-rated Irish horror films as ranked by users of IMDb. Surely one of these Irish-made spine-tinglers will be the highlight of your Samhain movie night.