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!
Blue faces win all the battles!
The artwork is truly beautiful and captivating! Would like to add this piece to my collection!
I love the look.
Neat
thanks
Comment!
Thanks for the GAW!
The legend I love is only a local one. There’s a tall tale that is spoken of about an old miner who hid all his gold from the California rush in a mountain cave nearby, and died before he could pass on the information. Great story to keep young kids outside exploring, even if the real location might be a lot farther than the hill nearby!
Comment!
My favorite is the story of King Midas who when he touched everything it turned to gold.
Beautiful design. I hope to see more fantastic looking coins to add to my collection.
Interesting read!
King Arthur
love the celtic lore series… classic and artistic, beautiful !
knights templar!!!
The harp of the dagda is a favorite of mine. Beautiful coins memorializing these classic tales!
leprechauns and their stories of pots of gold 🙂 thanks for entry
Wish me luck.
Pick me!
Silver is kind of money still, FRN is currency only.
Celtic Lore series are nice looking coins
Amazing to know historical facts from 1000’s of years ago !!
The Journey of Odysseus was a dynamic, full story. I like it because it is about a relatively ordinary man who lives an extraordinary story of a life. If ordinary men have ambitions, let them be extraordinary.
Michael
Great looking coin. Plus it’s my heritage.
Beowulf! Saxon heroes slaying monsters is my cup of tea. 😉
Very good looking coin!!
Nice coins
Awesome looking!
Finally Celtic legends are being remembered in an elegant, valuable way! Thank you!,
Your colorized coins are the BOMB! Love them all.