“Celtic 'is a magic bag, into which anything may be put, and out of which almost anything may come... Anything is possible in the fabulous Celtic twilight, which is not so much a twilight of the gods as of the reason.” ― J. R. R. Tolkien
A wonderful quote by a wonderful author. However; it is not quite what it seems, perhaps even himself being unaware of its true depths. While in essence and by casual observance it appears to be quite true and literal, this quote however is lacking both context and nuance. 'Celtic' is indeed a 'magic bag' however it is not a bag 'into which anything may be put, and out of which almost anything may come'. There are rules. Very strict rules. There is not only cultural context but the through line of the many stories which must be accounted for.
The quote is more a comment on the vastly rich and complex stories which compliment and describe the Celtic nature. Vast worlds into which one might throw themselves, worlds with countless possibilities and boundless depths where a man might lose himself. It is not, despite common perception a 'make it up as you go along' fantasy realm where one might do or say as they wish with complete abandon where everything and anything might happen, with any figures one might wish, in any time or any place. There are rules. Rules which cannot be broken nor bent.
The lands of Albion 'modern day Engaland' and Hibernia are the heart of the modern 'Celtic Empire'. 'But Engaland is not Celtic! It's Germanic!' you might say. However, if you but look at the stories, the stories that capture the hearts of the people, the stories that take hold of the mind. These stories are most certainly Celtic in nature. Stories from Puck and Brigid; beloved across these lands, to tales of King Arthur and those of Robin of the Hood! Retellings of Brave Heart, Sir William Wallace and The Pirate Queen Grace O'Malley! The Lands where the Faerie run free and Trolls, Giants, Pixies, Trixies and Sprites abound! To say the native inhabitants of Britannia are not of Celtic or Gaelic inclination. Why it is a bald face lie! The Welsh, the ever proud Cornish, Manx, Scots, and more, those descendants of the thousand thousand tribes native to these mystic lands, her isles and with the Blood of the Gods pounding in their veins crying out to be free! All are of shared traditions, shared glories, shared heartbreak. They who are brothers who hate each other more than any other!
Yet there is a love there too. A love of the unseen. A love only shared history can forge. A love of the land where their people have lived and have died for countless generations. A love built upon the bones of their ancestors.
These people dwell upon lands which could not be conquered by any other but themselves. 'Beware, for to bring war to one of these brothers is to bring war to all!', and one would be best warned not to forget the Heroes and Gods who still walk these ancient lands, forevermore alongside their people wherever they might roam.
This is the land where Wights flit across the open moors on dark moonless nights. Where the Banshee wail can be heard upon the wind. Where Trolls peer curiously from their ancient burrows or Wulver might bring you a fish in the night. Where Brownie may put your best shoes upon the neighbors cow or the hungry Mermaid might drag the unwary to the depths below. A land of mystery and danger. A land of home, and of comfort, knowing that all will be well should the sun rise but one more time.
Now journey with us as we delve into the mysterious. The dark and frightening. The light and joyful. Join us as we discover the many Gods and Spirits of this ancient land and her ancient people who have dwelt here since before the dawn of time.