Celtic Mythology in Yorkshire: The Ancient Sites Everyone’s Suddenly Talking About
While not as prominent or adapted as many of the other ancient mythologies – like those from Egypt, Greece, Italy, Scandinavia, China, Japan, and Mesoamerica – Celtic myths continue to be a feature of the British Isles. Some people even still partake in the traditional practices and events of the Iron Age peoples.
Increasingly, however, you can see people looking to explore the ancient myths of the Celtic people, particularly when it comes to the Gaelic elements from Scotland, the Hebrides, and, especially, Ireland. Here in Yorkshire, one of the most important sites with ties to Celtic culture can be explored and still welcomes Gaelic festivals each year.
A Growing Buzz Around Celtic Mythology
As the great mythologies of old have become more and more prominent across entertainment media, we’ve seen a few more looks at Celtic myths in recent years. One of the most highly rated across all media is the Hellblade duology. Based on Celtic culture, its dark fantasy setting makes for a unique story in the realm of gaming.
Of course, on the big screen, one aspect of Celtic lore has been present for a long time, even if the outings haven’t been overly successful or lauded. This is, of course, the leprechaun. The little folklore creatures commonly associated with Irish myth were made cult hits by the zany Leprechaun film series.
The Gaelic part of the Celtic culture is certainly at its most prominent in the modern day through Irish-themed media. Nowhere is this more apparent than among the bingo slots online. Irish Coins Hold & Win, Pots O Loot, and Leprechaun’s Luck Cash Collect lean heavily into the theme and hold down a place among the most popular slots.
Those are the more cheery takes on the myths, complete with rainbows, pots of gold, rolling fields, and fairies. The takes get a little darker in The Watchers from 2024, in the book and TV adaptation of American Gods, and the British show Britannia, which certainly put a dark twist on the spells and powers of the more devout Celtics.
Finding Celtic Sites in Yorkshire
With all of these takes on Celtic myths making their way to the mainstream through entertainment, more people are looking to explore the real sites across Britain that tie back to the ancient culture. Across the Ure-Swale plateau of North Yorkshire, you can find a grand Neolithic complex that features two prominent points of interest.
Up in Thornborough, you’ll find three monuments that make up the Thornborough Henges. For a long time, they couldn’t be visited by the public, but since 2004, that has gradually changed. First, Beltane, a Gaelic festival, was welcomed to the site, and since 2024, English Heritage has been keen to welcome the public.
Some believe that the henges are the first monuments in the world to align with the Orion star constellation, being put up at least 1,000 years before the likes of the Great Pyramids of Egypt and the Pyramids of Teotihuacan. However, little is known about the use of these sites by the Celtic people of the age.
Not far away, just outside of Boroughbridge, you’ll spot the Devil’s Arrows. The three standing stones are among the talents in the country, being unusual in that they’re in the lowlands. Thought to line up with the summer moonrise to the south, they’re a key part of the Ure-Swale plateau Neolithic complex.
Celtic mythology as a theme is rising in prominence, making now a great time to visit the historical sites dotted around North Yorkshire.