Archaeology and Myth in Early Medieval Europe: Making the Gods of Early Ireland

Recent research into early medieval Ireland reveals that many deities associated with iconic sites like Tara and Brú na Bóinne were likely invented during the 8th century for political, allegorical, or exegetical purposes rather than reflecting prehistoric cult practices. This challenges traditional assumptions about pre-Christian cosmologies, highlighting a creative process tied to the flourishing of saga literature and monumental architecture. The study critiques the use of mythology, place names, and folklore in reconstructing mentalities, emphasizing the need for systematic scrutiny of such methods across European medieval archaeology. By analyzing case studies from Tara, Brú na Bóinne (Co Meath), and Nenagh (Co Tipperary), the research underscores the complexities of linking medieval evidence to pre-Christian beliefs.

Gleeson, P. (2020). Archaeology and Myth in Early Medieval Europe: Making the Gods of Early Ireland. Medieval Archaeology, 64(1), 65–93. https://doi.org/10.1080/00766097.2020.1754646