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Birds: Messengers of the Otherworld - Their Celtic Symbolism


As I commented on previous posts, animal worship was very common amongst the ancient Celts.

According to their inward meaning, which may of course undergo transformations, they regarded animals as human souls or their embodiment, and also held totemistic and hunting cults.

This association of Spirit Animals or "Totems" is based upon the ancient Celtic belief that all life is related, the spirits of earth, water, air, and fire, the spirits of a place, the trees, the flora and the animals that they lived with side by side. Many ancient stories tell how the Druids could "shapeshift" into animal form even present on legends like the one of Ceridwen and Taliesin.

In the practice of their tribal religion Celts have chosen to adopt a personal spirit animal helper, which has special meaning to them. Normally this belief is accompanied by a totemic myth.


We may also consider certain shamanistic practice by druids for employing swan feathers to make the ritual cloak of the Bards probably considering the swan as  “assistant spirit,” or even“guardian spirit” , clear reference to the shamanic ability of flight.

This connection to the realm of spirits and the gods, undoubtedly led their path in search for secrets and wisdom.


Other ways to enter the other world are by charm, like the song from magical birds (Ford, 71), or by spell, like the mist descending over land (Ford, 77). Wells, springs, rivers, and earthen mounds are some of the magical places that border with or co-exist in the other world. In these places, magic is much more prevalent and sometimes even time passes differently there.

Specific animals have specific associations depending on the characteristics of the type of animal. Birds, fish, serpents, deer, cattle, swine, and so on all tend to be used as symbols.

Animals in Celtic mythology are tied in with fertility and vitality, because they are living, moving, and growing. They also provide vitality and continued life for the tribes through their meat, skins, and bones. 

Celts have a particular connection with Birds, amongst other species. Birds are usually used to represent prophetic knowledge, bloodshed, and skill.

They play an enormous role in Celtic mythology, figuring as divine emblems and as messengers of the gods. Chief among the sacred birds of the Celts were the raven, the swan, and the crane, although numerous other birds including geese, ducks, and even owls were held sacred at various times. Many early images of Celtic deities depict them with birds in the place of hands, emphasizing the importance of the birds as divine servants.

In an omen, birds can be either the message or the messenger. For example, Morrígan came in the shape of a bird to warn the Brown Bull. The interpretation of their calls and movements can lead to knowledge of future events. Birds, especially ravens and crows, usually presage bloodshed and battle, when they are associated with it, sticking with the theme of prophesy. 

Birds can also be used to demonstrate a warrior's prowess by their method of capture. Lleu Llaw Gyffes was so skilled he could hit birds with a stone without killing them outright. Cúchulainn demonstrated even more prowess capturing birds skillfully, but his son, Connla was still more skilled. He could not only stun them with a stone, but also with only his voice.

Exceptionally magic or ancient animals speak the language of humans and can pass on their wisdom through speech. By and large birds are associated with speech. Branwen took an ordinary starling and taught it to understand enough speech to find her brother. Gwyrhyr & Arthur's messengers conversed with an eagle, an owl, a stag, a blackbird, and a salmon to learn ancient knowledge from them. 

A special understanding of the speech of animals can yield a great advantage. Some heroes have gained knowledge of the speech of birds, enabling them to be warned of danger or told secrets by the birds. Davidson mentions a less mythical middle-Irish manuscript describing how to determine the approach of visitors through interpretation of bird calls.

Animals appear as an omen by their appearance and activity through a symbolic message. The type of animal and their activity is the substance of the message. On the eve of his battle with Sir Mordred, King Arthur dreamt of being devoured by serpents, dragons, and other water beasts. The serpents and dragons alone mean great troubles within the land. King Arthur was destroyed by this mass of troubles, because the next day, he was defeated in a battle during the civil war with Sir Mordred (Baines, 497-498). 

Another example of an omen is Deirdre's dream of the three great birds. They arrived bearing honey and left with blood, symbolizing treachery on the part of king Conchobar (Pilkington, 177). Movements of smaller animals, such as birds and rabbits, have also been interpreted to divine the future (Davidson, 11, MacCulloch, 219, 247).

Celtic Bird Allies

·        Blackbird (Druid-dhubh, Lon Dubh):

·        Crane (Corr):  

·        Crow (Badb, Rocas):

·        Owl (Cailleach, Oidhche, Comachag):

·        Raven (Fitheach):
·        Seagull (Faoilleann):

·        Swan (Eala):

·        Wren (Dreathan-Donn, Dreòlan):


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