Irish culture – Page 3

Was There an Irish God Named Samhain?

image created with Craiyon using the prompt "god of Samhain"

Yes. No. Sort of. Look, this is gonna be one of *those* posts, because while there is a character from Irish mythology who bears the name “Samhain,” he’s not what you think.

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

image created with Craiyon using the prompt "samhain mythology"

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)

image created with Craiyon using the prompt "ancient Celtic Samhain"

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?

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”.

What Is a Banshee? The Mythic Origins of Ireland’s Most Infamous Shrieking Spirit

Bunworth Banshee, Fairy Legends and Traditions of the South of Ireland, by Thomas Crofton Croker, 1825

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.

What’s the Difference Between a Bard, a Vate, and a Druid?

three illustrations, side by side: 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.