When one thinks of creatures from Celtic Folklore, the two main images that pop up, due to widespread knowledge and familiarity, are of the Banshee (weeping woman that brings death), the Leprechaun (shoe-maker faerie) and Changeling (hideous faerie child). This may be because of famous films and literature that feature these creatures such as W.B Yeat's poetry, the TV Series Grimm, St. Patrick's Day, the horror movie series Leprechaun, and many more. However, Celtic Folklore is a massive entity with tales of hundreds of creatures that spans decades. Hopefully this Take will introduce you to such creatures that you may otherwise have never heard of before.
I loved sitting down with my late Uncle, from the city of Cork, and hearing his tall tales (we call them "yarns"). He'd mention the faeries and told me to never tread off the path because they would take me away and replace me with a Changeling.
So, here are some lesser known creatures of Celtic folklore.
The Nuckelavee - Devil of the Sea
These horse-like demons, incredibly ominous in appearance, are said to exist around the seas of Orkney. The word "Nuckelavee" is derived from the Orcadian word meaning "Devil of the Sea". The Nuckelavee is described as having one eye burning like fire, a head and torso in the shape of a man but with a huge head and a large mouth protruding out like that of a pig.
The Bugul Noz - The Lonely Shepherd
The Bugul Noz , also known as the "Night Shepherd", roams the woodlands of his native Brittany. Despite it being a rather benevolent and non-harming creature, its ugliness often causes death if a human witnesses one roaming around. Other creatures avoid the Bugul Noz and therefore it tends to live alone in the wilderness.
The Ankou - Deliverer of Souls
The Ankou, a hideous lanky figure from the mythology of Brittany, is the personification of death. While wearing a large brimmed hat, a long coat, and carrying a scythe over his shoulder, he appears on a full moon to collect souls. The rattling of his rickety cart can be heard during the night as his two skeleton companions help him load it with the dead.
The Gwyllgi - Hounds of Destiny
The Gwyllgi, resembling humongous Mastiffs, stalk the winding lanes of Wales during twilight.They are usually described as having black, shaggy fur, and ferocious glowing red eyes. Some areas of Britain, however, describe them as having blood red fur. If a wandering human witnesses one they are immediately paralyzed with fear.
The Sluagh - The Restless
Unrepentant sinners, according to Irish myth, return as the dreadful wraiths called Sluagh (meaning "host" in Irish Gaelige). Descending down from westerly winds, these malevolent creatures kidnap and steal souls from unsuspecting humans while on their deathbeds. Those that believe in folktales, in certain cities of Ireland, close windows and doors on the western sides of their homes in order to prevent the Sluagh from entering. They come, during the darkest of the night, in such force that they resemble a black mist or a flock of ravens.
The Púca - Nature Spirit
Even though the name Púca, from the Old Irish, means "goblin", the creature itself is a shape-shifter and can take many forms; there are several sources stating that it will take the shape of a black horse, goat, dog, cat, or rabbit. Among the most feared of the Irish mythological beings, the Púca enjoys creating mayhem wherever it goes; they're known to be pranksters. For example, while in horse form, they will purposefully buck off unsuspecting drunkards. They can be found in rural communities, open regions, and along lakes or rivers. Actually, in Ireland, there are mountainous lakes called "Pooka Pools/Pollaphuca" due to the fact that the Púca enjoy wading in them.
Cailleach Béara - The Veiled One
Every Beltane, a Celtic festival that occurs in May, the Cailleach Béara emerges in the form of a woman. With just the touch of her staff, she can turn things into frozen rubble. According to the Book of Lecan (c.1400AD), the Cailleach Béara was the chief goddess of the Corcu Duibne people of Kerry. Considered to be the personification of winter, she is in a continuous battle with Spring and enjoys freezing the earth. In her book, “European Mythology,” Jacqueline Simpson describes the Scottish version, the Cailleach Bheur, as “a tall, blue-faced crone” who is “both a personification of winter and a protectress of wild animals.”
In West Cork Ireland, there is a formation of rocks that are named after the Cailleach Béara.
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