Irish Mythology

The many myths and legends of Ireland form the basis of early Irish history and the structure of Gaelic society. Yet unlike much Celtic mythology, the mythology of Ireland, its legends, its folklore and mythical figures have stood the test of time spreading elements of Irish culture throughout its history.

The survival of Irish mythology and folklore owes much to the Romans and the fact that they decided Ireland was too distant a territory to conquer and left the country undisturbed. This allowed the Celts of Ireland to develop a Gaelic society of their own that even with the conversion to Christianity, held a certain autonomy from the rest of Christian Europe. Indeed, though they altered the religious significance of the mythologies, the religious clerics of the Dark Ages and Medieval Period transformed much of Ireland's ancient oral history into texts such as the Annals of the Four Masters and the Book of Leinster, which are found at Trinity College.

Irish mythology, folk tales and history are separated into four cycles - the Mythological Cycle, the Ulster Cycle, the Fenian Cycle and the Historical Cycle. These cycles define  important events in Irish history, from the Invasions of Ireland by the various Celtic tribes, to the division of the country into the five Gaelic provinces of Ulster, Leinster, Meath, Connacht and Munster, which (with the exception of Meath) are still used in the administration of Ireland. Within the early cycles are the stories of legendary heroes such as Cu Chulainn and Fionn Mac Cumhaill, while the historical cycle outlines the lineage of the High Kings of Ireland up to Brian Boru in the 11th Century.
As well as illustrating the origins of Irish History, many of the legends and folktales have influenced the writings of some of Ireland's most prominent literary figures such as W.B. Yeats and Seamus Heaney and even today the folktales and legends of old are taught in Ireland's schools.

I have chosen to approach the topic of Irish Mythology because, as part of Ireland’s culture, it is a genuine path to understanding the beliefs, behaviour and habits of Irish people. However, mythology is also a study that some people pursue. For example, people who study the Irish mythology learn all about the beliefs and rituals of the ancient Irish. Alan Dundes was a folklorist; he was the one who defined the study of myths as a sacred narrative. Dundes believed so because mythology narrated the precise evolution of the world and humanity to what they became today. More accurately, Dundes stated that those sacred narratives were a direct definition of how the world viewed cultures. Mythology explains different aspects of the world as well as the social and psychological practices.

On the other hand, a scholar once described mythology as a presentation of ideas in a narrative form while others referred to mythology differently. Thus, the word mythology can actually refer to a lot of different meanings, depending on your perspectives and culture. Nonetheless, the way you define mythology does not change its significance in tales telling and unfolding history of cultures.