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?)
Tag Archives: Irish history
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
Was There an Irish God Named Samhain?
![Kian's Magic cow and red-haired boy (Balor in disguise).―illustr. by Stephen Reid, in T. W. Rolleston (1910) Myths and Legends.[1]](https://i0.wp.com/irishmyths.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Myths_and_legends_the_Celtic_race_1910_14596782139.jpg?fit=1000%2C645&ssl=1)
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.
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?
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’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.
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?
Were There Female Druids?
Historical evidence suggests druidesses not only existed but were just as if not more powerful than their male counterparts.
Who Were the Druids? Demystifying the Mystics of the Ancient Celtic World
Druid is a title that gets bandied about with the reckless abandon of an inebriated bard. Let’s separate druid history from druid mythology, shall we?