Wonderful post on man’s best friend from The Antlered One. Woof woof!!

Dogs: The dog is man's best friend, as such it is only natural that dogs have played an extensive part in our mythology from deities to heroes of legend and lore. The Dog has earned its place beside our bed, upon our lap and is the partner of us in spirit and in life. Dogs are often see as healing animals as they were sacred and took part in licking and healing wounds in temples related to Gaulish Nodens and Greek Asclepius, functioning as both emotional support and assistant healer to the doctors in service to the deity. Dogs also serve as deities themselves such as in the case of Cerberus, Garmr, Gwyn Ap Nudd, Simargl, Gaueko, or the daughters of Frau Gode. While other gods have dogs as attendants or sacred animals including: Frau Gode, Hecate, Artemis, Frau Frick, Diana, Nehalennia, Ares, Brigid, The Wild Huntsman, and many many gods and spirits involved from The Wild Hunt. There are untold amount of spirits of dogs in folklore two of the most well known are Grim's and Cŵn Annwn the former being the black dogs of European legend while the second is the spectral white dogs with red ears of the otherworld in Welsh lore. Both of which often follow and take part in the wild hunt. The Cŵn Annwn especially will hunt down wrongdoers (Murderers) and kill them as they had their victims. While figures such as Frau Frick and The Wild Huntsman's dogs are said to be massive and at times seem to breathe fire. These dogs or Grim/Grimhounds are the most common dog associated with the wild hunt and are the likely inspiration for both The Hounds of the Baskervilles and Sirius Black's character in the popular Harry Potter series.
Dogs even appear as powerful beings in Greek Mythology such as Laelaps who was passed along figure to figure until it began to hunt the Teumassian Fox which could never be caught, while Laelaps would catch anything it caught. It created a paradox that caused Zeus to freeze them into stone and cast them into the stars as the constellations Canis Major and Canis Minor, the former of which contains Sirius “the dog star”. While the Church Grim is a common British spirit, and others such as Dando's dogs, Black Shuck, Barghest, and more all take part in folklore especially of the British isles. Many of which are said to be the spirits of peoples dogs who continued to haunt the area to guard or look for their owner. While the Wild Hunt is sometimes said to have dogs that are actually disguised gods, spirits, or even people. The Grim is often seen as an omen of death thought it can also be helpful such as the story of Black Shuck stopping a priest from abusing a girl, functioning in their role as protective spirits. The dog is also a messenger of the gods and is a chtonic animal being the companion of deities like Hades, Hecate, Gwynn Ap Nudd, and Hel. All deities associated with the underworld or liminal spaces. The Hundlings were a legendary Germanic Tribe (Hound Clan) who fought the Wolf Clan, and in Scandinavia the “Dog King” was when a dog was placed on the throne in place of a man as a form of insult. Cu chulain took the place of a guardian hound after killing it thus gaining his name, while Finn Mccool was famous for his great dogs. Hero dogs have had their place in European legend for a long time, from the aforementioned Laelaps, Gellert the Faithful Hound, to Sgt, Stubby from WW2, The dogs who fought in warfare and those that helped find the wounded, bomb sniffing dogs, police dogs, guard dogs, therapy dogs, St, Bernards finding those lost in the alps as rescue dogs. The connection and partnership with dogs is so extensive it would be impossible to list all dogs do for us in one small post. Long after our spirits bonded and Brother Wolf became the half man-half wolf that is the Dog. The fearsome predator became part of the family beloved and warm, always there when you needed them. Never judging, never hating, always loving. Looking into our eyes and seeing how cute we are and we back at them.

I made the cut and got the Win (top 4) in Duke of Avalon's contest, super excited over making the cut-TAO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJx3cbIpTIQ

Tuonela - The Finnish land of the Dead

The European concept of the afterlife vary from culture to culture. The only way to know what is in store for us after we pass from this life to the next is a mystery, and that is not necessarily a bad thing. We should become the fullest extent of ourselves, making our ancestors and the gods proud. What will come after this life will come whether we are ready for it or not.

One of the most popular ideas in modern times is to dine with Odin in Valhalla or Freya in Folkvangr, and it is attained through a glorious death in battle where warriors await Ragnarok. Although this is misconceived by many people now, it is widely believed.

For the Celts it was Tír na nÓg, or the land of youth, an island paradise and supernatural realm of everlasting youth, beauty, health, abundance and joy, which is located over the sea, or underground, depending on who you ask.

In ancient Greece, upon death one was greeted by Charon the boatman and ferried to the gates of Hades.

One not as well known afterlife is Tuonela, literally “Tuoni's abode”, afterlife of Finnish mythology. It is described in the Finnish epic Kalevala, as gloomy, with a woman as its guardian.
She is known as “the daughter of Tuoni, Manala’s low maiden” and upon further study I found that Tuoni is the Finnish god of the underworld (Tuonela), and Manala is another word for “underworld.”

Similar to Greece’s Hades, there is a boatman that ferries the recently dead across the black river of Tuonela or one can reach it by a narrow bridge after departing life.
There is eternal darkness in Tuonela, but not in the evil sense, I believe, but can be seen as the inverse of the land of the living, being underground as well.

The Finnish demigod and hero Väinämöinen journeys to Tuonela to gain insight and magical power, but escapes from great peril from the deities who call it home.

Väinämöinen’s trek is so detailed in the Kalevala that it can be seen as a mythological map of the typography of Manala.

Good information on Brigid from The Antlered One.

Brigid “The High One” “The Shining One” is a Celtic goddess of immense importance. Born on her holy day of Imbolc with divine flames emanating from her head. She then suckled a cow of the Otherworld with red ears and white fur. From there Brigid became a protector of domestic animals, and the goddess of the divine flame, hearth, and need-fire. Being both the physical flame of the forge and hearth but also the inner flame of divine inspiration. Brigid was a talented poetess and became a patron deity of bards and was regarded as the mother of invention, as the inner flame she embodied became the font through which creativity flowed. Brigid is also at times considered a triple goddess. Being three distinct figures: Brigid the Smith, Brigid the Physician, and Brigid The Female Sage. Due to this many conflicting spouses, parents, and children appear in tales, as such, which Brigid is discussed gets rather confusing at times. Though Brigid herself is often considered the daughter of the Dagda and the Morrigan, or at times the goddess Danu. In one tale during the war with the Fomorians her son Ruadan, died trying to kill Goibniu the Smith God. After his death Brigid invented Keening to grieve for him. In doing so those who were warring lost the will to fight while she did so. Since then Keening became something Irish women did when they lost their loved ones.
Brigid is often conflated with numerous other Celtic goddess such as Scottish Bride, and the Gaulo-Roman Brigantia. It is unclear though if these are the same goddess or just similar ones. Her importance in the British Isles is especially pronounced with the Britonic tribe Brigantes in what is now Northern England being especially devoted to her. In her aspect as a patron goddess of domestic animals she was involved with the production of Milk especially during Imbolc. She also had numerous mythic animals as her companions. Including the Oxen Fe and Men, Torc Triath “The King of Boars” and Cirb “The King of Sheep”. The Women of Ireland also use to keep an eternal flame lit in their house and tend to it as a way of honoring Brigid and asking for her protection and aid. Brigid's role as a physician was seen in her association with healing, of which she has a healing cloak that would heal any illness or injury, in times of great need she would expand this cloak to cover all of Ireland. Protected in the hands of their beloved goddess. Wells were also sacred to Brigid and many in Ireland carry her name.

She was so beloved that when Christianity came they were unable to get rid of her completely. Instead, they created the figure of St. Brigid of Kildare “The Mary of Ireland” and “The Foster Mother of Christ” to replace her and in many ways carry on her legacy. She maintained her association with the Hearth and healing, among other aspects. Even St. Brigid's Cross is a triskele or Sun wheel shaped for Imbolc, that came from the goddess Brigid. In this way albeit demoted and twisted the goddess' veneration continues to this day. Even as the goddess herself she never truly went away. A shrine to Brigid was in operation until the 18th century, after which it was shut down by force. Numerous revivals of the old ways have allowed Brigid to be one of the few gods to have never truly been forgotten or be lost to their kin. Like most European deities, Brigid is considered a divine ancestor as much as a goddess, and when she is asked for help in regards to wisdom or knowledge she may possess she is likely to deliver a harsh lesson so as to truly learn what you wish to know. Yet to this day she is found in the girls name Brigitte, in any place that still bears her name across Europe and the Diaspora, in the hearth kept in our homes, in the heart of every Irish man or woman who holds her fire in their hearts. Within the modern holidays of Candlemas and Groundhog Day is found the continuation of her sacred holiday of Imbolc. Brigid never left us, she has been with us burning deep within and without around us. We merely need to look to the fire in our homes and in our hearts to find her there with outstretched hands to welcome us home.

The people have spoken! We will pay homage to the deep and extensive myths and lore of the Celts!

Fionn mac Cumhail - Mythical hero of the Celts

One of the greatest heroes in the lore of the ancient Celts is Fionn mac Cumhail, or
Finn MacCool, as he is better known in modern times.

Finn MacCool is spoken of as a warrior-hunter who was leader of the warrior band called the Fianna and is a central character in the Fenian cycle of Irish mythology. In early Irish law the Fianna were referenced as a group of young men known as the ‘Fiann’ who were said to be ‘landless’ / without a home.

During the winter months, the Fianna were given shelter by nobles in exchange for defending their lands and assets. When the summer months came, they roamed the land hunting for their food, which came easy to them as they were skilled hunters.

He was as smart as he was physically powerful, which enabled him to overcome any obstacle he encountered. He was especially wise, as he had eaten the Salmon of Knowledge on one of his adventures, but that is a tale for another post.

Finn encounters Niamh, who comes from the Otherworld, or Tír na nÓg, but I’m not going to spoil that one for you either. You can enjoy the story for yourself, or wait patiently for the story to be presented.

He is credited with the creation of the Giant’s Causeway in northern Ireland as to make a passage to Scotland to fight the giant Benandonner, who follows him back to Ireland, where Finn hides, disguised as a baby, but once again.. I will not spoil that exciting tale.

It is said that he never died, but sleeps in a cave surrounded by the Fianna, awaiting the day when he will awake and defend Ireland in her hour of direst need. Another account says he will awaken when the hunting horn of the Fianna is sounded three times, where he will spring up, refreshed and ready to defend the land.

There are many stories about this epic hero and his valiant adventures. I highly suggest looking into the legends of this famous Celtic warrior and his exploits.

Finn MacCool and the Salmon of Knowledge
As a young lad, the youth Demne had to leave his home after his father was killed in a clan battle to live with a wise sage called Finegas.
The old man lived in a cabin or cottage by the River Boyne for quite some time, and was grateful to have the company.
The youth was named “Finn”, which means “fair-haired” after proving to be the strongest and most skilled player at the sport of hurling with other youths near where he lived.
Finn made the decision to reclaim his birthright as the rightful leader of the Fianna by fighting Mac Morna, the man who killed his father, but he knew that he must first become the greatest hunter and wisest poet. So he stayed, for the moment, and studied with Finegas, the wisest man in Ireland.
Finegas had been living by the Boyne, patiently looking seven years for the mythical Salmon of Knowledge. It is said that whoever eats the divine fish would behold all secrets of the world, and absorbing all knowledge.

As the legend goes, Finn was receiving lessons from Finegas when the old man saw a large pink shape coming downstream in their direction. It was none other that the fabled Salmon of Knowledge.
The old sage caught the passing fish, avoiding direct eye contact with it, as looking in its eyes were purported to put a person into a deep slumber. He instructed Finn to tie a piece of cloth around his eyes and Finegas did the same, lest they fall victim to the sleeping gaze.
Now Finegas had caught the legendary Salmon, but was quite exhausted. After the struggle to get the salmon out of the river, he instructed Finn to clean and cook the legendary fish, while Finegas caught a quick nap, and Finn preceded to do so, blindfolded.
So Finn MacCool proceeded to build a fire and set a roasting station for the day’s catch. After a time, turning the spit above the fire upon which the great salmon was roasting, Finn thought to himself that the fish was perfectly cooked.

He called to Finegas to come over to taste the fish, but as he was turning around a small drop of burning fish oil landed on his thumb. As any of us would do in when our finger is burned, he stuck it in his mouth to stop the pain!
The Salmon was brought over to Finegas, and he immediately he noticed that Finn had a difference about him. There was a light behind his eyes that had not been there before, and a fire burning in his cheeks that shone brightly.
“Did you eat the salmon?” The old man asked.
“I did not eat the salmon” replied Finn, and he explained how he had tasted the Salmon first by sucking on his burned thumb.
It was then that it dawned upon Finegas that it was not his destiny to possess all the knowledge and secrets given by the sacred fish, but that of Finn MacCool’s.

Danu - Mother of the Celtic gods

Next to the the winter goddess Cailleach, Danu is the oldest, most ancient of the Celtic deities.
She is alluded to as their mother as can be seen in the name Tuatha Dé Danann, which means “Tribe” or “people” of the gods of Danu, and this is first attested to in Lebor Gabála Érenn, or the Book of Invasions.

Although she makes no direct appearances in the larger Celtic myths, hints of her presence can be found through the names of some of the lands and bodies of water in the British Isles.

The Danube River, one of Europe’s longest bodies of water, may have been named in her honor.

Being a matronal goddess, she is believed to have suckled the Tuatha Dé at her breast, instilling in them a sense of wisdom.

Many neopagan traditions have added much to Danu’s myth that is not present in traditional Celtic lore, as there is not much there to go on in the first place.
It is this lack of historical information that casts doubt on the claim that she is a “triple goddess”, and apparently she is a blank slate to use as they see fit.

I encourage readers to appreciate her for who she is.. The mother of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the Celtic gods.

Nicnevin - The Scottish Witch Mother

First appearing in a 16th century poem by Alexander Montgomerie, Nicnevin, known as the Scottish Witch Mother, is often viewed as a witch, the queen of witches, and a fairy queen to boot.
Montgomerie describes her as such in his poem:
"Then a ready company came, soon after close,
Nicnevin with her nymphs, in number enough
With charms from Caithness and the Canonry of Ross
Whose knowledge consists in casting a ball of yarn...
The King of Fairy, and his Court, with the Elf Queen,
with many elvish Incubi was riding that night.”

Considering that fairies with wings and good nature are are not accurate to what fairies truly are, Nicnevin can be seen as a very powerful goddess indeed.