Celtic/Irish Mythology Flashcards
What is the primary source of Irish mythology?
The primary source of Irish mythology is the ‘Mythological Cycle’ which includes texts such as the ‘Lebor Gabála Érenn’ and ‘The Book of Invasions’.
Who is the god of the sea in Irish mythology?
Manannán mac Lir is the god of the sea in Irish mythology.
True or False: The Tuatha Dé Danann are considered the ancestors of the Irish.
False. The Tuatha Dé Danann are considered a supernatural race in Irish mythology.
Fill in the blank: The _____ is a collection of stories about the ancient gods and heroes of Ireland.
Mythological Cycle
Who is the hero known for his battles against the Fomorians?
Lugh is the hero known for his battles against the Fomorians.
What is the significance of the Dagda in Irish mythology?
The Dagda is known as the ‘Good God’ and is a father figure, associated with fertility, agriculture, and strength.
Which mythical creature is often associated with the Otherworld in Irish mythology?
The Sidhe, or fairies, are often associated with the Otherworld.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a part of the Irish Mythological Cycle? A) The Tuatha Dé Danann B) The Fomorians C) The Celts D) The Milesians
C) The Celts
Who is the goddess of love and fertility in Irish mythology?
Aine is the goddess of love and fertility in Irish mythology.
What is the name of the epic tale that features the hero Cú Chulainn?
The Táin Bó Cúailnge, or ‘The Cattle Raid of Cooley.’
True or False: The Morrigan is a goddess associated with war and fate.
True.
Fill in the blank: The _____ are a race of supernatural beings in Irish mythology, often depicted as powerful and magical.
Tuatha Dé Danann
Who is known for wielding the spear that never misses its target?
Lugh is known for wielding the spear that never misses.
What is the role of the Banshee in Irish mythology?
The Banshee is a spirit who heralds the death of a family member.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a famous Irish mythological figure? A) Thor B) Cú Chulainn C) Zeus D) Ra
B) Cú Chulainn
What is the name of the legendary warrior who defended Ulster from invaders?
Cú Chulainn.
True or False: The Fomorians are considered benevolent beings in Irish mythology.
False. The Fomorians are often depicted as monstrous and malevolent beings.
Fill in the blank: The _____ is a legendary land in Irish mythology where the Tuatha Dé Danann reside.
Otherworld
Who is the goddess associated with sovereignty and often depicted holding a cup?
Ériu is the goddess associated with sovereignty.
What is the significance of the ‘Three Sisters’ in Irish mythology?
The ‘Three Sisters’ represent the three aspects of the goddess: Maiden, Mother, and Crone.
Multiple Choice: Which tale involves a conflict over a prized brown bull? A) The Táin Bó Cúailnge B) The Destruction of Da Derga’s Hostel C) The Cattle Raid of Cooley D) The Voyage of Bran
A) The Táin Bó Cúailnge
Who is the legendary figure known for his tragic love story with Deirdre?
Deirdre of the Sorrows.
True or False: The Celtic Cross is a symbol that originated from Irish mythology.
False. The Celtic Cross is a Christian symbol that incorporates pagan elements.
What does the term ‘Lugh’s Gael’ refer to?
It refers to the followers of Lugh, often associated with the artistic and warrior classes.
Fill in the blank: The _____ is a festival that celebrates the harvest and is associated with the god Lugh.
Lughnasadh
Who is the trickster figure in Irish mythology known for his cunning and mischief?
Lugh is often considered a trickster figure.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a form of divine punishment in Irish mythology? A) The Curse of the Morrigan B) The Blessing of the Dagda C) The Healing of the Sidhe D) The Wisdom of the Fomorians
A) The Curse of the Morrigan
What is the primary function of the Druid in Irish mythology?
Druids serve as priests, scholars, and advisors in ancient Celtic society.
True or False: The Salmon of Knowledge is a significant symbol in Irish mythology.
True.
Who is the warrior that is said to have killed the giant Ferdiad?
Cú Chulainn.
Fill in the blank: The _____ are the supernatural beings that inhabit the mounds of ancient Ireland.
Sidhe
What is the importance of the ‘Cattle Raid of Cooley’ in Irish mythology?
It is a central epic that showcases themes of heroism, conflict, and the struggle for power.
Multiple Choice: Which goddess is often associated with the land and fertility? A) Brigid B) Morrigan C) Aine D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is the name of the legendary king who was said to have been the first to rule over Ireland?
Milesius.
True or False: The Otherworld can be accessed through ancient burial mounds.
True.
Fill in the blank: The _____ is a legendary hero known for his feats of strength and bravery.
Cú Chulainn
What does the term ‘Banshee’ literally translate to in English?
It translates to ‘woman of the fairy mound’.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a festival celebrated in honor of the dead? A) Samhain B) Bealtaine C) Imbolc D) Lughnasadh
A) Samhain
What is the role of the goddess Brigid in Irish mythology?
Brigid is associated with healing, poetry, and fertility.
True or False: The Fomorians are depicted as protectors of the land.
False.
Fill in the blank: The _____ is an ancient Irish epic that tells the story of a hero’s journey.
Táin Bó Cúailnge
What is the primary source of information about Celtic mythology?
The primary sources include ancient texts, folklore, and archaeological findings.
True or False: The Celts believed in a pantheon of gods and goddesses.
True
Fill in the blank: The Celtic god of the sea is __________.
Manannan mac Lir
Who is the goddess of fertility and agriculture in Celtic mythology?
Danu
What is the significance of the Otherworld in Celtic mythology?
It is a realm where souls go after death and where gods and supernatural beings reside.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a Celtic festival? A) Beltane B) Samhain C) Yule D) Midsummer
C) Yule
Name one famous hero from Celtic mythology.
Cú Chulainn
What is a Tuatha Dé Danann?
A mythical race of god-like beings in Irish mythology.
Fill in the blank: The legendary king of the Tuatha Dé Danann is __________.
Lugh
What does the term ‘Celtic knot’ symbolize?
Eternity and interconnectedness.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a famous Celtic tale? A) The Iliad B) The Táin Bó Cúailnge C) The Odyssey D) Beowulf
B) The Táin Bó Cúailnge
Who is known as the goddess of war in Celtic mythology?
The Morrigan
True or False: Druids were the priestly class in Celtic society.
True
What is the role of animals in Celtic mythology?
Animals are often seen as messengers or embodiments of deities.
Fill in the blank: The Celtic festival marking the end of summer is called __________.
Samhain
What is the significance of the number three in Celtic mythology?
It represents completeness and is often associated with the triad of deities.
Multiple Choice: Which creature is a common motif in Celtic mythology? A) Unicorn B) Dragon C) Phoenix D) All of the above
D) All of the above
Who is the goddess associated with love and beauty in Celtic mythology?
Brigid
What is the function of myths in Celtic culture?
They explain natural phenomena, cultural practices, and the origin of the universe.
Fill in the blank: The Celtic hero known for his unmatched speed and strength is __________.
Cú Chulainn
What is the Celtic concept of fate called?
Doom or fate is often referred to as ‘dán’.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a famous Celtic artifact? A) The Rosetta Stone B) The Book of Kells C) The Dead Sea Scrolls D) The Elgin Marbles
B) The Book of Kells
Who is considered the god of the underworld in Celtic mythology?
Arawn
