The Celts were once a powerful group of people living in the 1000s BC in an area that spread from the British Isles to what is now Turkey. They were not a nation nor a race; rather, the Celts were a group of people tied together by customs, religion, and language. They had no centralized government, yet Celtic society had a defined structure and each tribe or group had a hierarchy of classes.
Beginning around 225 BC, the Celts began experiencing a series of defeats by the Roman Empire until they were essentially conquered. Only a few areas remained free and were able to pass down Celtic mythology and legend in its traditional oral form. Fortunately, medieval Irish and Welsh monks recorded many of these stories beforehand. It is from these texts, along with retellings as written by the Romans, that we are able to study this lore in modern times.
The early Celts created a mythology comprised of hundreds of tales involving gods, heroes, and villains. A major theme of much of this lore is magic and the supernatural, including the iconic cauldron that is often associated with Merlin. Another major theme involves the physical landscape, with many adventures centering around nature and trees.
Celtic mythology can be broken up into four cycles, or groups of connected stories. The Mythological Cycle details the battles of Celtic gods as they fought to gain control of Ireland. The Ulster Cycle tells of the deeds of Celtic warriors and heroes. The Historical Cycle centers around stories based on real kings of the region. Lastly, the Fenian Cycle centers around a group of warriors led by Finn Mac Cumhail and how they protected the Irish and Scottish lands.
Some of these famed legends are celebrated in Provident’s new Celtic Lore series of silver rounds, featuring five designs by Howard David Johnson. The Morrigan, the second design in the series, was recently released and will remain available while supplies last. But now is your chance to win big!
Out of all the legends and mythological tales you’ve heard, which is your favorite? You’re not limited to only Celtic tales here. Commenting below will serve as your entry for our September giveaway. But remember to keep it classy; inappropriate comments will be deleted and disqualified. Submit your comment (one comment only please) by September 17, 2017. One winner will be randomly selected on September 18, 2017 to receive a Morrigan 1 oz colorized silver round from our Celtic Lore series.
Good luck to all entrants!
My favorite has always bean Achilles being dipped in the river and dying to an arrow in the only spot the water did not touch.
Love the options you provide and always best quality for the best price! 🙂
King Arthur is my favorite.
Good Story….
The Story Of Tyr.
Winter is coming.
Although it’s at the intersection of legend and history, the story of Queen Boudicca rebelling against the Romans has always been a favorite. Celtics coins of that era are very intriguing.
Fionn mac Cumhaill
I prefer the Greek Mythology series. I loved the high relief and the two ounce size, Cleopatra was my favorite.
I have the Merlin coin in the 5oz proof version just waiting to pick this one up nezt
I love this series!!! I can’t wait to get them all.
My go to site for gold and silver
Clíodhna
Love this series..u guys do great coins..thanks
A story of Icarus from Greek Mythology.
Hercules! The 12 labors coins were fantastic!
Go vikings
Always love your design work on any topic.
Silver bug fever lol,thanks you all are the best love dealing with ya 🙂
Looks great!
nice round!!!
Arianrhod
“The Silver Wheel”, “High Fruitful Mother”. Celtic (Welsh) Goddess, the sister of Gwydion and wife of Donn. Deity of element of Air, reincarnation, full moons, time, karma, retribution. The palace of this sky Goddess was Caer Arianrhold (Aurora Borealis). Keeper of the Silver Wheel of Stars, a symbol of time and karma. Her ship, Oar Wheel, carried dead warriors to Emania (Moon-land).
Nessie, of course. Nothing beats riding the waves of Loch Ness still hoping to catch a glimpse of something moving in the waters.
Merlin for me!
Ok here it is, 1 comments.
You guys are awesome! I love collecting from you! Perhaps you could do a Universal Monsters series of rounds?
Love doing business with you guys~
Just glad for my ancestors who came over from County Mayo, Ireland.
The story of the Viking Ragnar
The Odyssey