Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
The raven also has a prominent role in the mythologies of the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast, including the Tsimishians, Haidas, Heiltsuks, Tlingits, Kwakwaka'wakw, Coast Salish, Koyukons, and Inuit. The raven in these indigenous peoples' mythology is the Creator of the world, but it is also considered a trickster God.
The name has sometimes been interpreted as meaning "of the ravens" [2] or "knowledgeable"; [3] cf. the Proto-Celtic roots *wesāko-'raven, grebe' (cf. Old Irish disyllabic fiach, Welsh gwyach) and *witsu-'knowing'.
The connection can still be seen in several Celtic languages, in Welsh brân means crow, and bran means raven in both Cornish and Irish. Several scholars have noted similarities between Brân the Blessed and the Arthurian character the Fisher King, the keeper of the Holy Grail.
Bran and Sceólang ("raven" and "survivor" [1]) are the hounds of Fionn mac Cumhaill in the Fenian Cycle of Irish mythology.. The dogs are described as being mostly white, with purple haunches, a crimson tail, blue feet, and standing as tall as Fionn's shoulder. [2]
The Celtic Helmet from Satu Mare, Romania (northern Dacia), an Iron Age raven totem helmet, dated around 4th century BC. A similar helmet is depicted on the Gundestrup cauldron, being worn by one of the mounted warriors (detail tagged here). See also an illustration of Brennus wearing a similar helmet.
However, the name has no meaning in the Irish language, and was absorbed from the Old Welsh breenhin, meaning "prince" or " chieftain." [contradictory] In the instance of the Welsh "Bran" as the origin, meaning "crow" or "little raven", there is also a general Celtic nebula of related words and names across the European continent. [3]
In Welsh mythology, the Otherworld is usually called Annwn or Annwfn.The Welsh tale of Branwen, daughter of Llyr ends with the survivors of the great battle feasting in the Otherworld, in the presence of the severed head of Bran the Blessed, having forgotten all their suffering and sorrow, and having become unaware of the passage of time. [11]
However, some etymologies suggest it derives from the old Irish for "raven", a bird laden with mystical meaning for the Celts, and often used to mean "legend" or "legendary". [citation needed] Similarly, it might refer specifically to Corb, one of the legendary Fomorians of Irish mythology. Today the name is typically listed in baby names books ...