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!
Very nice pocket history of the Celts. These rounds are beautifully executed.
One of the reasons why the Celts were able last so long was because of their knowledge of metals and making swords. They had a knowledge of making celtic steel swords that has been lost now. The swords were as good or better than the Viking Ulfberht or the Damascus steel swords out of what is now Iran. That’s why King Arthur had his sword Excalibur which was most likely Celtic steel is why he was able to cut bronze and metal swords and wooden shields in half, it just simply wouldn’t break like lesser swords. He was a mighty chieftain that lives around the late 590’s AD that rallied all the tribes together basically.
The Wooing of Olwen
Jason & the Argonauts
I love the history behind this. What a great item for the collection. Provident Metals is always my go-to for unique collections and series pieces!
I will soon be ordering a roll of 2017 Silver Eagles! Please consider me in your drawing?
I like anything involving King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.
This Celtic coin looks fantastic!
Looking forward to receiving my very first silver purchase in a few days. Based on reviews, Provident Metals was who I decided to make that purchase from.
Viking King!!!
I like reading all the Vikings tales
The legend of King Arthur!
The tale of Loki teasing Thor for not being able to lift his cat, which is actually Jormagunder, the great serpent encircling the world.
I like the story of Dagda’s Harp. I can almost hear the beautiful music as the harp is making the whole castle laugh or cry.
My ancestors also came from ancient Celtic lands.
Thor and his hammer Mjollnir!
Love the celtic knots on the reverse.
Hello, would be really nice to win this coin considering my Irish heritage! Good luck everyone!
I enjoy all of the variations that we have spun around the legend of Arthur into modern variants and how they all roughly match the same plot line with the sword and the knights of the roundtable. Although there are many other tales that are yet to be popularized.
The Earl of Sandwich
Great selection of coins at an excellent price!
Female warrior. Doesn’t get better.
I’m a big fan of Greek mythology!
Wish me luck
I am half pict and half celt. There just are not enough pictures or engraved stones to make a known mythology for the picts.
My Irish half loves these coins.
Personally, I really liked the Second Battle of Mag Tuired. I just love the humor and the setting and well… just everything about it.
I appreciate the chance to win!
Pretty much all of Norse mythology! Has lots of parallels to Greek and roman mythology.
I attend and volunteer each year at the Maryland Irish festival to help all charities who benefit from the festival. Every year I learn more about Celtic folklore and am proud to know that I come from Irish heritage. Thank you for the opportunity to win and may the luck of the Irish be on my side!!!
I love it.
I was so happy when Morrigan came out. She is my favorite and our dog is named after her too.
Awesome coin series
The knights of the round table
Look forward to collecting this series. Looks fantastic