Celtic Irish Animal Symbols:

According to their particular characteristics different animals were used as symbols for different powers, attributes or gifts. To the Irish Celtic they are often connected with the world of spirits and gods, and their sacred nature is reflected in the hunting tales of shape-changing and magic.

THE BOAR

artistic inspiration / cunning / introspection / healing

Once common throughout the British Isles the Boar was known to be fearless, cunning, strong and ferocious. To Celtic warriors, therefore, it was the symbol of victory and bravery, and they often wore boar amulets to protect themselves in battle. The battle horn of the Celts sported the figure of a boar's head, their shields were decorated with engravings of the boar in warfare, and figures of this animal were mounted upon their helmets. The boar was said to lead the Celts in battle and show direction for their warriors. The skin of the boar was also believed to heal wounds.

The boar was depicted on coins and artefacts more than any other animal except for the horse, and generally displayed extremely large and spiky bristles, suggesting that the power of the wild boar resided here. Many Celtic myths, in fact, emphasise the important feature of the bristles.

Celtic Mythology

In Celtic mythology the wild boar was sacred to the goddess Arduinna (of the Ardennes Forest of Belgium and Luxembourg); in some Celtic myths it had the role of leading its hunters to the Otherworld. The boar was a symbol of fearlessness and strength. In the hunt the boar was not an easy prey; it was courageous, fierce and difficult to kill, and naturally commanded the respect of its hunters.

Celtic Cross---Celtic Spirals---Celtic Ogham Alphabet

Celtic Animals---Celtic Magic---Druid History

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