Who were the Celtic gods and goddesses and what were their stories?

The Celtic gods and goddesses were deities worshipped by the ancient Celtic people of Europe, who believed that these divine beings controlled the forces of nature, fertility, and life and death. There were many gods and goddesses in the Celtic pantheon, each associated with a different aspect of life or nature. Some of the most well-known Celtic gods and goddesses include:

• Dagda: the god of the earth and fertility, often depicted as a man with a large belly
• Morrigan: the goddess of fate, war, and death, often associated with crows or ravens
• Lugh: the god of light and knowledge, often depicted as a youthful warrior with a spear
• Brigid: the goddess of poetry, healing, and smithcraft, often associated with fire and wells
• Cernunnos: the god of the forest and animals, often depicted as a man with antlers

The stories and myths of the Celtic gods and goddesses are varied and complex, reflecting the diversity of Celtic culture and beliefs across different regions and time periods. Many of these myths have been passed down through oral tradition, and were later recorded in manuscripts such as the Book of Invasions, the Book of Leinster, and the Mabinogion. Some common themes in Celtic mythology include the importance of nature, the cycles of life and death, and the role of heroes and warriors.

The Celtic gods and goddesses were a pantheon of deities worshipped by the Celtic peoples of Europe. They were believed to be immortal and to have control over the natural world.

Some of the most important Celtic gods and goddesses include:

• Dagda: The Dagda was the chief god of the Celts. He was a god of fertility, agriculture, and the harvest. He was also a powerful warrior and a skilled magician.
• Danu: Danu was the mother goddess of the Celts. She was a goddess of fertility, abundance, and wisdom. She was also the ancestor of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the race of gods who ruled Ireland before the coming of the Milesians.
• Lugh: Lugh was the god of light, knowledge, and craftsmanship. He was also a skilled warrior and a champion of justice.
• Morrigan: The Morrigan was a triple goddess of war, death, and prophecy. She was often depicted as a crow or raven.
• Brigid: Brigid was the goddess of fire, healing, poetry, and smithcraft. She was also a goddess of fertility and childbirth.
• Cernunnos: Cernunnos was the god of the forest, the hunt, and fertility. He was often depicted as a horned god.

The Celtic gods and goddesses were often associated with specific animals, plants, or places. For example, the Dagda was associated with the boar, the oak tree, and the river Boyne. Danu was associated with the swan, the cow, and the river Shannon. Lugh was associated with the sun, the eagle, and the city of Tara. The Morrigan was associated with the crow, the raven, and the battlefield. Brigid was associated with the fire, the well, and the city of Kildare. Cernunnos was associated the stag, the oak tree, and the forest.

The Celtic gods and goddesses were worshipped in a variety of ways, including through rituals, sacrifices, and feasting. They were also the subject of many myths and legends. These myths and legends often told the stories of the gods and goddesses' adventures, their relationships with each other, and their interactions with humans.

The Celtic gods and goddesses continue to be important figures in Celtic culture today. They are often invoked in prayers and rituals, and they are the subject of many works of art and literature.