Pies w wierzeniach plemion celtyckich
A dog in beliefs of the Celtic tribes

Summary/Abstract: A dog has very quickly become one of the most faithful man’s companies. It has entered the mythology of Indo-European people equally fast in view of its characteristic feature. It played a special role in myths and Celtic beliefs. Celts appreciated dogs’ faithfulness, as well as adored their regenerative abilities and protectiveness. The very features made dogs a company of many Celtic gods and, in certain situations, a sacrificing animal. It appeared as a company of forest and hunting gods, but a more important role played accompanying healer’s gods and goddesses. Because of its features, it became an integral attribute of mother-goddesses connected to death and the beyond. In line with them, it performed the function of a guide and an intermediary with the beyond. The popularity of this animal contributed to the appearance of many dogs with supernatural skills accompanying heroes, and a group of animals announcing misfortune or death in the Celtic saga. The role of a dog in Celtic beliefs is underlined by numerous votive statues representing this animal, and archeological finds from the areas of sanctuaries or necropolis where many dog burials were found.

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