I think part of it is generational -- your references are primarily 21st century, but late 20th century fiction, particularly fantasy, was so Celtic-centric that I think there was a backlash against it. Having said that, the one Celto-centric SciFi series I can think of Patricia Keneally's KELTIAD novels, which are Science Fantasy:
Thanks for pointing that out and sharing these! When I was doing research for this post, I was having trouble finding examples since I didn't know these series by name. Both would likely be the grounds for more in-depth reviews.
An interesting read, Ethan. I sometimes slip some Gaelic names or cultural elements into my sci-fi, e.g. in a recent short story I called the dog Dìleas, both for the meaning ("faithful") and because it was a very common name for dogs, especially sheepdogs, when I was growing up in the Hebrides. I don't imagine very many of my readers will pick up on things like that, but I have fun putting them in anyway! I know that's a bit different from the Celticism you're talking about here though.
That's a good way to do it! I think there is something to be said for normalizing Celticism in stories without making it a primary focus but still using it in ways that make sense.
Just a couple of notes on 40k. The Eldar (as they were in my day) always struck me as the closest to a Celtic faction. In addition to the Howling Banshees, there are the Craftworld Biel-Tann and Saim-Hann (obvious corruptions of Beltaine and Samhain, including a reference in one of the older codexes to a disagreement between an Inquisitor and his acolyte about the correct pronunciation of Saim-Hann). They also have the closest to a 'Celtic' aesthetic, although maybe nothing specific you could point rather than just a general feel.
There is also the Storm Wardens Space Marine chapter introduced in the Deathwatch rpg. I won't go into all the details of how they reference pop-culture ideas about Celtic culture, but they essentially are to the Celts what Space Wolves are to the Norse. Probably most blatant is a former chapter master called Owin Glendwyr.
Most of my searches haven't turned up much. I need to sit down at some point and come up with the motivation (and funds) to paint my Grey Knights that I have yet to even assemble! Storm Wardens would be next on the list, however.
I think part of it is generational -- your references are primarily 21st century, but late 20th century fiction, particularly fantasy, was so Celtic-centric that I think there was a backlash against it. Having said that, the one Celto-centric SciFi series I can think of Patricia Keneally's KELTIAD novels, which are Science Fantasy:
https://www.wikiwand.com/en/The_Keltiad
And Julian May's "Plieocene Saga" takes a different tact, arguing the tales of the Tuatha de Danaan and Firbolg are memories of ancient aliens:
https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Saga_of_Pliocene_Exile
Both series were extremely popular in their day.
Thanks for pointing that out and sharing these! When I was doing research for this post, I was having trouble finding examples since I didn't know these series by name. Both would likely be the grounds for more in-depth reviews.
Both are wonderful but I think the Keltiad will be right up your ally
An interesting read, Ethan. I sometimes slip some Gaelic names or cultural elements into my sci-fi, e.g. in a recent short story I called the dog Dìleas, both for the meaning ("faithful") and because it was a very common name for dogs, especially sheepdogs, when I was growing up in the Hebrides. I don't imagine very many of my readers will pick up on things like that, but I have fun putting them in anyway! I know that's a bit different from the Celticism you're talking about here though.
That's a good way to do it! I think there is something to be said for normalizing Celticism in stories without making it a primary focus but still using it in ways that make sense.
Just a couple of notes on 40k. The Eldar (as they were in my day) always struck me as the closest to a Celtic faction. In addition to the Howling Banshees, there are the Craftworld Biel-Tann and Saim-Hann (obvious corruptions of Beltaine and Samhain, including a reference in one of the older codexes to a disagreement between an Inquisitor and his acolyte about the correct pronunciation of Saim-Hann). They also have the closest to a 'Celtic' aesthetic, although maybe nothing specific you could point rather than just a general feel.
There is also the Storm Wardens Space Marine chapter introduced in the Deathwatch rpg. I won't go into all the details of how they reference pop-culture ideas about Celtic culture, but they essentially are to the Celts what Space Wolves are to the Norse. Probably most blatant is a former chapter master called Owin Glendwyr.
https://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/Storm_Wardens
Thanks for pointing this out! I'm still relatively new to 40k so I'm not familiar with most of the finer details.
I'm very interested in the Storm Wardens now. It'd be a very fun custom project to paint some miniatures with their colors.
I'm a nerd for the fine details of 40k, although I haven't read anything from GW for about a decade.
Not sure anyone has ever done Storm Wardens for the tabletop. Would be great to see you have a go at it!
Most of my searches haven't turned up much. I need to sit down at some point and come up with the motivation (and funds) to paint my Grey Knights that I have yet to even assemble! Storm Wardens would be next on the list, however.