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!
The history of Boudica
Beautiful coin. Would be super nice to win this.
First off I have to say, gorgeous coin. I’m always glad to see my heritage kept alive in pieces of art like this. As for my favorite mythology though I’d have to go with the tales of Fenrir. The Norse really knew how to tell a tale.
My fave= The Legend of the Spartan 300.
Provident comes thru again with another great series
well done and keep up the great designs
I was born on saint Patrick’s day I’M not sure if that means anything. but I seem to be connected some how, anyway it’s a nice coin to add to your collection.
My favorite mythology is the story of the Aztec people wandering the country looking for their homeland. The Mexican Libertads display the symbol the Aztecs were seeking.
Celtics are my favorite basketball team!
Being of Scottish- Irish decent, I appreciate the Celtic symbols. I have a tattoo of the Triquetra. Thank you for honoring the Celtics.
Very Nice Coin. Was do really well
Great coin!
The Celtic Singers on PBS, represent the spirit of these coins, lore, and heritage, a people close to the land and one another.
Pegasus the flying horse is my favorite.
I appreciate combining the history with the coin(s), which is beautiful. Thanks for the contest.
The Norse mythology is my favorite series because of Nidhoggr. This dragon is so well done. I have collected the entire series from Provident and now I am starting the colorized series. I have already started collecting the Celtic mythology series in proof and winning this would require me to collect the entire colorized series. Win win for all right lol. Thank you for the chance at a great round.
I’ve become interested in Celtic history. The more I read, the more interested I get. These coins look great.
Ah ! Such a beautiful coin !
Looks great! Thanks for the contest!
Out of Celtic Tales I like ” A prophet before his time”.
My favorite is usually egyptian legends, the pharoahs an of course cleopatra.
There are so many of us that are decendents of that history! Paying tributes to that era is a privilege and personal thrill.
Beautiful coin. My 8 year old nephew spotted my silver coin collection this weekend and was entranced by it.
I would love a chance to win and they’re beautiful coin. For another
King Arthur and the Round Table has always intrigued me as well as Merlin.
Crossing my fingers. Beautiful coin.
My favorite myth is the story of the Egyptian sun god Ra. Every day, Ra is reborn in the morning, becomes strong by noon, and dies by evening. Ra’s daily cycle corresponds with the sun at sunrise, noon, and sunset. Ra takes the form a different god depending on the time of the day. Everyday, Ra rides on a boat across the sky. When Ra is reborn in the morning, he takes the form of Khepri, a beetle headed god. Khepri represents the morning sun. Later in the afternoon, Ra takes the form of Horakhty. Horakhty is the god of the horizon and he represents the sun at its strongest in the afternoon. Horakhty is often depicted as a hawk headed man wearing a solar disk on his head. By the evening, Ra turns into an old man, Atum. Atum is the god of the setting sun, and he later dies. After dying, Ra enters the Underworld. In the Underworld, Ra must face his arch-enemy, Apep. Apep is a demonic dragon that aims to devour Ra. Ra transforms into a cat and beheads Apep. Ra then makes his way out of the Underworld, only to be reborn again. Thus the cycle of the sun continues…..
A coin that I would display on a shelf for all to see not in the depths of a safe.
i like Jules Vern’s Journey to the Center of the Earth, or Legends of the American Indian tribes. i have been a loyal customer for many years, and appreciate your quality products, easy to use website and great customer service.
It’s been a hard days night
And my wife’ been working
For my puppy!
Good Pup!
Is there a better combination , free silver and celt mytholdgy