Celtic MythologyDiploma Course

Setting the scene for the religious belief system, the course begins with an examination of the Celtic people of the Iron Age. We’ll then look at the two surviving strands of Celtic mythology, the Goidelic (Irish) and Brythonic (Welsh) and examine their distinctions and overlaps.

You’ll discover the main deities in each of the Celtic regions and what they represented, and be introduced to the four main religious Celtic festivals. We’ll also consider the influence the arrival of Christianity had on Celtic culture, the ways in which the pagan and Christian religions combined, and what happened to Celtic mythology during this period.

The course then takes you through the specifics of each of the regions that followed Celtic mythology – Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, and Brittany – explaining how the myths differed and were defined in each.

The course concludes with an exploration of the Celtic revival that began in the 17th century and continues to this day. It also takes a quick look at how Celtic myths have continued to influence modern culture.

By studying this course, you will:

• Discover where the Celts came from and what influenced their religious beliefs
• Be aware of who the important gods and goddesses are
• Learn how many strands of mythology still exist
• Understand the distinctions and overlaps between myths
• Be familiar with some of the most important characters in Celtic mythology
• Discover some of the most thrilling and fascinating Celtic myths