In Celtic mythology, the Otherworld is the realm of the deities and possibly also the dead. In Gaelic and Brittonic myth it is usually a supernatural realm of everlasting youth, beauty, health, abundance and joy.[1] It is described either as a parallel world that exists alongside our own, or as a heavenly land beyond the sea or under the earth.[1] The Otherworld is usually elusive, but various mythical heroes visit it either through chance or after being invited by one of its residents. They often reach it by entering ancient burial mounds or caves, or by going under water or across the western sea.[1] Sometimes, they suddenly find themselves in the Otherworld with the appearance of a magic mist, supernatural beings or unusual animals.[2][3] An otherworldly woman may invite the hero into the Otherworld by offering an apple or a silver apple branch, or a ball of thread to follow as it unwinds.[3][4]
The Otherworld is usually called Annwn in Welsh mythology and Avalon in Arthurian legend. In Irish mythology it has several names, including Tír na nÓg, Mag Mell (or Magh Meall = Plain of Honey) and Emain Ablach. Ynis Avalach is the original of Avalon. Emain Ablach is also Inis Abhlach (Place of Apples, Isle of Apples in Old Irish) In Irish myth there is also Tech Duinn, where the souls of the dead gather. Stories also mention the Land under waves (can be sea or grass) and the Land of the Big Women.
- ^ a b c Koch, John T. Celtic Culture: A Historical Encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO, 2006. p.1671
- ^ "The Celts: The People 'At The End Of The World'". Columbia Theological Seminary. 11 May 2017. Archived from the original on 11 May 2017.
- ^ a b MacKillop, James. Dictionary of Celtic Mythology. Oxford University Press, 1998. pp.21, 205, 270, 322–3, 346, 359–60. ISBN 0-19-280120-1.
- ^ Cf. Eleanor Hull, The Silver Bough in Irish Legend, in Folk-Lore, xii.