Category Archives: History

Who Is Balor of the Evil Eye? A Brief Biography of Irish Mythology’s ‘Big Bad’

As the leader of the marauding, murderous Fomorians, Balor of the Evil Eye is perhaps the most menacing villain in all of Irish mythology. (Wait, did I mention he can kill people just by looking at them?)

They Might Be Giants: 10 Colossal Celts of Irish Myth & Legend

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?

I Just Published a New Book About Samhain. Want a Free Copy?

Book 2 of the Celtic Pocket Guides series is here! Grab your copy of Samhain in Your Pocket: A Tiny Little Book About the Celtic Origins of Halloween

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 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.