Irish Central's top ten gods and goddesses from Celtic mythology - PHOTOS

From the god of war to love and youth --ancient Irish tales

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KERRY O'SHEA,

IrishCentral Intern

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Cuchulainn

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PHOTOS - Irish Central's top ten gods and goddesses from Celtic mythology

Celtic mythology offers a rich history into the origins of an Ireland long ago, with fascinating details and surprising associations.

1. Morrigan
Morrigan is known as the goddess of war, with her name loosely interpreted to mean “Great Queen,” “Phantom Queen” or “Queen of Demons.” She was believed to hover over a battlefield in the form of either a crow or a raven, and supposedly influenced or predicted the outcome of the battle. She appeared to Dagda on the feast of Samhain, had sex with him, and promised to aid him in the upcoming battle. With her aid, Dagda was victorious in his battle.

However, the Celtic god Cuchulainn did not recognize the power of Morrigan when she appeared to him as a beautiful maiden and offered her love to him. When Cuchulainn died in battle, a crow manifestation of Morrigan settled on his shoulder.

2. Aonghus
Aonghus, also known as Angus, Aonghus, or Oengus of the Bruig, is believed to be the god of love and youth. He is associated with the valley of the River Boyne.
His story is that he searched all of Ireland for a beautiful maiden. Aonghus eventually found Caer, who along with 150 other maidens who were destined to turn into swans on November 1st, the feast of Samhain. Aonghus transformed himself into a swan so he could be united with Caer, who followed him back to his palace on the River Boyne, now modern day New Grange.

3. Danu
Danu is best known for being the matriarch of the power Irish god family Tuatha de Danaan (People of the Goddess Danu). Some point to Dagda as her father.

4. Dagda
Dagda is known as ‘The Good God.’ He is portrayed as having both super-human strength and appetite. Dagda is paired with goddesses Morrigan and Boann, and is father of Brigit and Aengus Mac Oc.
His attributions were a large club which had the dual power of killing men, as well as bringing them back to life, a set of two pigs - one roasting and one growing, a harp used to summon the seasons, and a great cauldron which provided an endless source of food.
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Read More:
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The 10 scariest monsters and demons from Celtic myth

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5. Cuchulainn
Cuchulainn was known as the ‘Hound of Ulster.’ Originally named Setanta, he gained the name Cuchulainn after having killed the guard dog of Cullan the Smith. He’s remembered as the “tough guy” of many adventures, and thought he could out play mortality. When the goddess Morrigan offered him immortality, he rejected her offer believing that it shouldn’t be a gift bestowed. Thus, Cuchulainn was visited by the crow version of Morrigan upon his death.
http://www.godchecker.com/pantheon/celtic-mythology.php?deity=CUCHULAINN

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