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!
Old Norse mythology is my favorite.
I have already purchased the start of this series and others series in the past few months. Would love to add this one to my collection due to my interest in the series and my Celtic heritage. A beautiful piece indeed.
I’ve already purchased two of this coin in proof and antique, Merlin as well. Very nice coins, don’t miss out.
You guys are awesome. Nice and easy site to view. And fast shipping.
Thanks
Sword and the stone of course
I will always do business with you guys. I love the free shipping!
Been collecting silver for a while, can’t wait to start my gold collection!
Nice collection and price.. keep up the good work.
would love to win this
The Morrigan i love the bird of prey he has with him.
Nifty. Collect em all!
Merlin all the way !!
I love all the Celtic series. So not anyone in particular but the Odyssey. You guys rock.
MORRIGAN=MORE GAIN!
I like you economy watch articles.
Beautiful colorization
The story of Prometheus tricking Zeus, dying over and over, day after day for humans.
I don’t recall any of those stories but the silver rounds look great …. Maybe that could be my first introduction to these legends
i have always been a big fan of heroes, my favorite in the Irish mythology would have been Finn Mccool. he saved his village by killing the “pan” dude that would kill everybody on samhain.
I’ve followed Celtic lore since childhood.
I will use no other provider for my silver purchases!! You folks are THE best!
I always thought I might be saying this incorrectly:
SAY THIS
Three times, with your eyes shut
Mothuighim boladh an Éireannaigh bhinn bhreugaigh
faoi m’fhóidín dúthaigh
And you will see
What you will see
Without Provident Metals my life would be incomplete, thanks.
The Blade
I love Vikings and Silver!!!
Haha
My son and his wife loved the story of the Viking Ragnar so much that they named their favorite Rooster Ragnar, He is absolutely beautiful and majestic. His head is copper colored and he has copper, white gray and black on his body, but his tail feathers are a beautiful teal color.
He is a warrior like the Viking Ragnar and he protects the rest of the flock from the predators on their property. He also protects the Guinea hens and turkeys.
King Odin and his 8-legged Horse Sleipner have always triggered thoughts of Viking battles and hedonistic lifestyles.
Every Viking movie,I can think of,always Portrayed Odin as a strong,fearless leader.
Great stuff to take you away from the days reality and then clean my car.lol
Love doing buisness with you guys. Our orders are processed quickly. Shipping is fast. Even emailing questions, we get a fast response. Such a pleasure to be a customer.
Fairytales count! Check out The Fate of the Children of Lir,” a haunting narrative of four children turned into swans by a wicked stepmother
My favorite has got to be the tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Come to think of it, I don’t know if it’s already been done but the characters of Camelot might make for a nice series of silver rounds.
I would say Egyptian lore, like Heka (god of magic) and other Gods like Osiris, Isis, Set, Nephthys, and Horus