Pies w wierzeniach plemion celtyckich

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.