What is Celtic polytheism?
Q: What is Celtic polytheism?
A: Celtic polytheism is the name for a set of beliefs or religion that was originally held by the European people called Celts. It was practiced roughly one millennium, in the La Tène period and the Roman era.
Q: When did this set of beliefs first appear?
A: The first findings relating to this set of beliefs can be dated to about 500 BC.
Q: Who are some of the gods associated with Celtic polytheism?
A: Some of the gods associated with Celtic polytheism include Teutatis, Taranis and Lugus. People involved in comparative mythology have also added figures from medieval Irish mythology to this list.
Q: Was human sacrifice part of their religion?
A: According to Roman historians, the Celts practiced human sacrifice as part of their religion.
Q: Who were druids?
A: Druids were a caste of "magico-religious specialists" who were found in Gaul, Britain and Ireland. Little is known about them today.
Q: How did Christianity influence later mythology?
A: After Christianity became dominant in the 5th and 6th centuries, it replaced earlier religions but influenced later mythology.
Q: What is Celtic Neopaganism?
A: In the 20th century, a new religious movement called Celtic Neopaganism appeared which revived some aspects of ancient Celtic pagan practices and beliefs.
