Ancient Celtic Civilization

 Ciarán was born in the early 5th century. This is an account of the tribes that came before him, those listed in the mythical cycles, up to and including the early part of                      the Cycle of Kings.

Irish mythology was composed of four distinct cycles, each set at a different period in Irish history or prehistory. Take a peek here to discover what these cycles were and what was contained in each.

COMING SOON

Each new day began with the setting of the sun in early Irish culture. This is an explanation of the celebrations that took place during the year.

An example of what village life might have been like in fifth-century Ireland, around the time Ciaran was born and lived.

While the number of colors a person could wear was determined by their place in society, the items of clothing could be much the same, albeit more elaborate for the upper classes.

The Celts were well known for adorning themself with items of glass, metal, and precious stones. This will give examples of the kind of jewelry they wore. 

The Celts were also fond of tattooing their bodies. Ciarán and his brothers had a number themselves. This section explains what some of those tattoos were and what they symboliz

The Celts believed each tree held its own attributes, some beneficial and some not. Learn about Celtic Tree Lore here.

Ogham is the ancient writing system used in Ireland, especially from the 4th to the 6th century. Many examples can still be found today on old stones.

 When an Irishman speaks of the fae or the wee folk, they're not talking about the small, winged creatures of fairytale fame. They are referring to the aos sidhe, who are said to be descendants of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the ancient race that once populated the Emerald Isle. 

Read some of the myths that  Ciarán might have been acquainted with as he grew to adulthood in fifth-century Ireland, though to him, they would have been stories of real events that had taken place in the past.

Everyone has heard of Tír na nÓg, but to the Irish Celt, the Otherworld was made up of far more than that. Take a peek to see some of the other lands that made up the afterlife.

COMING SOON

Some items I included in the books are mytholical in origin, such as the Goblet of Truth. I've included images of what they were supposed to look like.

 Ciaran's priesthood is an imaginary priesthoodd, though I've tried to incorporate the myths and legends of the  period. Check here to learn more about the hierarchy of the order.

Rank within the priesthood was important, and just like the general populace, their clothing identified the man, or in this case what their status or rank was.

A list of Irish and Latin words used in the series and their meanings. Most can also be found in the back matter of the book they were used in as well.

A list of who's who to help you navigate the books in the series. I will try to keep it up to date, but please bear with me if I get a little behind. 

Just my idea of what some of the characters might look like, but feel free to use your imagination.

  Ciarán was born in early 5th century Ireland and grew to adulthood just as St. Patrick began his ministry. This is just a few words on the saints that have a close association with Ireland.

Though many places named in the series are imaginary, there are some that do exist. I've tried to point out some of them here, though their connection to Ciarán is purely fictional. 

Some of the items and places I mention don't exist anywhere but in my head. Others are taken from mythology. Either way, this is a peek at them, wiith descriptions of what they were supposed to do.