Galician mythology

Galician mythology, rooted in the ancient culture of Galicia, is a blend of Celtic, Roman, and Iberian influences enriched by centuries of oral tradition. Galicia's myths and legends reflect a mystical view of the world, closely tied to its rugged landscapes, mist-covered mountains, dense forests, and the Atlantic coastline, which together create an atmosphere of enchantment and mystery. Some of its defining elements are the Mouros and Meigas, who are seen as both protectors and mischief-makers. The Mouros are associated with Galicia's many ancient megalithic structures, such as dolmens and hillforts, and are often depicted as guarding hidden treasures or wielding magical powers.
Galician mythology remains influential in contemporary Galician culture. Folklore about supernatural beings, nature spirits, and the Santa Compaña continues to be passed down through stories, and modern Galician literature and music often draw on these themes. The mythology also attracts academic interest, with scholars exploring its roots and similarities to other Celtic and Iberian traditions.
Galician mythology has strong ties to Celtic culture, which spread across the Atlantic regions of Europe, including parts of northern Spain. The ancient Celtic Gallaeci tribe inhabited Galicia as early as the 1st millennium BCE, establishing cultural practices that resonate with other Celtic societies in Ireland, Scotland, and Brittany. Central to these Celtic influences was the veneration of nature and a belief in spirits that inhabit the natural world, especially rivers, mountains, and forests. The Celts in Galicia are thought to have worshiped deities associated with these natural elements, practiced rituals tied to the agricultural cycle, and held a profound respect for animal symbolism, all of which are key themes in Galician mythology.
With the Roman conquest in the 1st century BCE, many of Galicia’s original religious practices began to merge with Roman beliefs. The Romans introduced their pantheon, adapting Galician deities into Roman counterparts and building temples and altars dedicated to both Roman and local gods. However, the Galicians maintained many of their indigenous traditions and stories, leading to a unique fusion of Roman and Celtic elements. The persistence of animistic beliefs—spirits connected to the natural world, stones, rivers, and ancient structures—is a legacy of this blend.
As Christianity spread throughout Galicia in the early Middle Ages, many of the region’s pre-Christian beliefs were incorporated into Christian practices. Pagan deities and spirits were reinterpreted as saints or demonic figures, and traditional festivals were adapted to align with the Christian calendar. For example, festivals such as Samaín, the Celtic harvest festival, transformed into All Saints’ Day but retained its connections to the spirit world and the remembrance of ancestors. Witches, or Meigas, also evolved during this period, often blending roles as both village healers and suspected agents of evil in Christian eyes. This syncretism between pagan beliefs and Christianity contributed to the survival of many Galician myths.
Mouros and Mouras are magical, enigmatic spirits tied to the earth. These figures are associated with the ruins of dolmens, pazos, hill forts, and other megalithic sites across Galicia, often linked to the pre-Roman past. Mouros, typically depicted as male, and Mouras, as female, are known for their beauty, wisdom, and connection to underground treasures. The Mouras, in particular, are often portrayed as enchanting maidens who guard hidden riches and appear near wells, rivers, or caves. They are said to weave, spin, or comb their golden hair, occasionally offering gifts or granting wishes to those who help or free them from enchantments.
This spectral procession is said to be composed of the spirits of the dead, cloaked in robes, silently wandering the countryside at night. The eerie parade is led by a living person carrying a cross and a cauldron of holy water, who is cursed to walk until another unfortunate soul takes their place. The Santa Compaña is often seen as a harbinger of death or misfortune, visiting homes where someone is soon to die. Those who witness the procession are advised not to look directly at it or cross its path, lest they fall under its curse. To avoid being chosen as the procession's leader or to protect oneself from its effects, Galicians have traditionally used protective charms or prayers. A cruceiro (calvary) is believed to offer protection against the Santa Compaña as well. These roadside crosses, commonly found at intersections or paths, are sacred markers where the living can seek refuge from supernatural entities.
Galician mythology includes beliefs in witches, known as meigas, who are thought to possess magical powers. In Galician culture, the meigas can either be malevolent or benevolent, serving as both healers and sorceresses. The tradition of the meigas is deeply rooted in rural life, where they were often called upon for folk remedies, blessings, or curses. The phrase “Habelas hainas,” meaning “They exist, they do,” reflects the belief in the presence of witches despite skepticism from some.
Animals seen as spiritual or symbolic, such as wolves, crows, owls, and stag beetles, which are believed to act as guides or omens. They are often connected to both life and death, conveying wisdom or warnings to those who encounter them.