No history of Halloween would be complete without a history of Samhain. Uncover the archaeological and historical evidence behind Samhain’s ancient Celtic origins.
Tag Archives: Irish folklore
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?
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”.
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.
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.
Introducing the Hardcover Collector’s Edition of Neon Druid: An Anthology of Urban Celtic Fantasy
Feast your eyes on the new and improved cover art for Neon Druid. Same great urban Celtic fantasy stories, new hardcover format.
The Search for the Celtic Themyscira: Was There Really an Island of Celtic Warrior Women?
Classical writers regale us with eyebrow-raising tales of wild, island-bound Celtic women. But are any of them true?
I Just Published a New Book About Irish Mythology. Want a Free Copy?
Introducing Book One of the Celtic Pocket Guides Series, Irish Myths in Your Pocket: A Tiny Little Book About Irish Legends, Folklore, & Fairytales for Impressing Friends & Family on St. Patrick’s Day and Other Special Occasions
Irish Myths 