Celtic Mythology The Otherworld - 1739 Words

When it comes to celtic literature, the ‘Otherworld’ is a common theme found throughout various genres of literature which represents a sort of ‘heaven-like’ place. In Celtic mythology the Otherworld is depicted as a supernatural world that provides abundance, joy, and everlasting youth and beauty. We typically see the Otherworld as being very elusive, but in Celtic literature some mythical heroes get the opportunity to visit the Otherworld, sometimes by invite from one of it’s inhabitants or just by a lucky chance. While the Celts themselves do not believe in the specific idea of heaven, there are many parallels between heaven and the Celt’s idea of the Otherworld. Historically, the Celts generally viewed the idea of ‘heaven’ as boring†¦show more content†¦On their voyages they experience various different hardships that they must overcome and involve a character going out and seeking revenge, but coming back and learning of forgiveness. Evidence of the concept of the Otherworld existing in Celtic literature is even seen throughout other historical narratives, with the idea of an island off the coast of Ireland existing, referred to as ‘Brasil’. This idea embodied the Irish idea of a perfect place that had a perfect climate and abundance of lavish luxuries. This idea began to extend to other countries, where explorers and conquistadors would set out in search of these mystical lands. This was the pull factor for Columbus beginning his expedition in order to find these lands which promised luxuries and perfect weather. Despite the fact that this island did not actually exist, it reiterates the concept which the Celts had instilled in their history of this idea of the Otherworld. These concepts surrounding the Otherworld are reiterated throughout Celtic literature, with the Otherworld and human world being able to coexist, with the two groups of people regularly being able to interact with one another, often times with grave consequences. However, those who inhabit the Otherworld naturally have an advantage over those in the human world and usually always win and get the revenge that they seek out. Realistically speaking, weShow MoreRelated Scandinavian Mythologies Essay1222 Words   |  5 PagesFrom three different sources The Faerie Queene, The Mabinogion and Beowulf two concept, one from each Celtic and Scandinavian Mythologies can be seen. The first concept is from Scandinavian mythology and is that of the idea of redemption or dying well. The second is from Celtic mythology and is the use of the Other or Otherworld. 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