Denise Nestor is the artist behind this collection of Irish Folklore and Mythology illustrations. They were created for a 2018 calendar that was available to purchase at the Irish Design Shop. Unfortunately, the calendar is now sold out. Each piece includes a description of the story that it is based on, check out Denise’s website to see them all. I have included a few of my favorite stories below.
“We have long admired the delicate, compelling work of illustrator Denise Nestor, and were thrilled when she was so enthusiastic about producing our 2018 calendar. The theme Denise chose, ‘Irish Folklore and Mythology’ suits her sensitive, illustrative style perfectly. A mix of mythical creatures and more familiar Irish flora and fauna feature throughout the 12 months.” – Irish Design Shop
The Werewolves of Ossory
Aengus Óg
Cú Sidhe (Faery Hound) –
Faery Birds
May Day
The Horned God
In Celtic terms, the stag represented the renewal of nature and the fertility of the forest. Understood more generally as a symbol of the natural world, the stag was dangerous but also benign and beneficial. Cernunnos was the Celtic god of fertility, animals, wealth and the underworld. Sometimes depicted as a man with antlers, he was referred to as ‘The Horned God’.
Foxgloves
The Sons of Tuireann
Chasing Rabbits
The Púca
The Púca is a malevolent faery that can shape-shift into different forms. It often appears as a black horse and is sometimes seen as a dark animal that resembles a hare or a rabbit with glowing eyes and long black hair. It is most often seen at night, sitting silently on the branch of a tree. It is said that you shouldn’t eat blackberries after the 31st of October because the Púca covers them in spit on Hallowe’en Night.
Dealán Dé
Wren Day
Via: Denise Nestor