According to legend, King Lud, ruler of the Trinovantes, a 1st century BC Celt tribe, founded London. Unsurprisingly, Celtic history can be traced through significant archaeological discoveries, such as the Battersea Shield and the Waterloo Horned Helmet, dredged from the River Thames in the 19th century.
The Battersea Shield was discovered in 1857 and purchased by the British Museum for £40. It was found near Chelsea Bridge, an area associated with Celtic-speaking peoples during the late Iron Age, just before Roman invasions began in 55 BC.
The discovery of the shield, believed to be a votive offering, connects London’s ancient Celtic past to its present, with the city’s rapid development now seen in the towering skyscrapers along the River Thames.
Elsewhere, a walk along the riverbank through central London will pass monuments like the one dedicated to Boudicca, the Celtic queen who led a rebellion against the Romans.
In modern pop culture, we can also see the influence of Celtic mythology. At the London Fashion Show in 2015, The New York Times deemed it the year of “Celtic Domination” such was the extent of Celt themes in the year’s leading designer clothing.
Celtic Mythology in Film, TV, Games and Fashion
More broadly, Celtic mythology has permeated modern pop culture in fascinating ways, from literature and film to comic books and animation.
Robert E. Howard’s Conan the Barbarian, inspired by Irish mythological figures like Conán mac Morna, was popularised by Arnold Schwarzenegger’s iconic portrayal in the 1982 film and its sequel.
Tuatha Dé Danann and gods like Lir (adapted as Leir) and the Dagda have been creatively reimagined into Hollywood blockbusters about Thor, while Guillermo del Toro’s Hellboy II: The Golden Army reimagines Prince Nuada as a cinematic echo of Nuada of the Silver Hand, a key figure in Irish mythology. Similarly, TV’s Game of Thrones integrates mythological elements, with characters like Jaime Lannister and Bran Stark echoing figures such as Nuada and Bran the Blessed.
In gaming, titles like Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice and Rhiannon: Curse of the Four Branches exemplify this trend by weaving Celtic myths into their backstories.
Hellblade distinguishes itself by acknowledging Senua’s Celtic Pictish heritage within its Norse-inspired setting, even integrating characters like Druth, who draws from real Celtic monks.
Similarly, iGaming releases such as Luck O’The Irish Big Bonus and Irish Cash Chips have become big favourites at top casino UK platforms like, for example, Rhino which hosts many slot games themed around Irish mythology.
Alongside its live casino, bingo, and sports betting, Celtic history has helped diversify the options available to iGaming enthusiasts alongside seasonal specials like Christmas-themed titles and hybrids like the bingo-slot game, Slingo.
Indeed, one of the most popular is Rainbow Riches Slot, a 5-reel, 20-payline slot that, as well as featuring iconic folklore symbols like leprechauns and pots of gold, is steeped in nostalgia with its Celtic-style visuals and whimsical Irish themes.
As well as the Celtic-influenced London Fashion Show in 2015, the 2-5 player Celtic Quest has continued the theme in board games.
At the same time, companies like Exit Athlone have developed escape rooms like Celtic Temple that bring the mythology to life in a puzzle-based physical adventure game.
The Past Is Our Present
London’s deep-rooted Celtic heritage, from King Lud’s legendary founding to archaeological treasures like the Battersea Shield, offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s past.
Today, Celtic mythology continues to inspire pop culture globally, proving that these ancient tales are timeless, enriching modern storytelling, fashion, and entertainment with their enduring magic.