Skál

Almost all cultures have special words or toasts to acknowledge the activity of bonding with others over drinks. The Celtic and Norse tribes were no exception. Fermented beverages played an important role in rituals and sacrifices. It brought people together to help create a sense of comradery and community. Mead and ale took on an almost supernatural power as they are often referenced in sagas and mythology. Mead was referred to as the “nectar of the gods.” Much of the Saxon epic poem Beowulf is set in a mead hall. So raise your drink, and toast to the long held traditions of the past. Skál! Sláinte! Cheers!

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Huginn & Muninn, Odin's Ravens

Huginn and Muninn (“Thought” and “Memory” respectively) are pet ravens of the Norse god, Odin. Odin’s ravens fly all over Midgard (Earth) collecting all of the information they can in order to report it back to Odin. In my interpretation, Huginn and Munnin are surrounding a magical stave named Ægishjálmr (Helm of Awe or Helm of Terror). It’s one of the most mysterious and powerful symbols in Norse mythology.

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Thor Odinson, God of Thunder

Thor, son of Odin, god of Thunder, protector of Midgard. Thor was a popular Norse god among the common farmers of Scandinavia and other Germanic speaking cultures as he was a protector of the people. Thor’s magical war hammer, Mjölnir, is the centerpiece of my artwork here. Mjölnir pendants were worn by many including the Vikings in the Middle Ages as a symbol of Thor’s protection and strength. Thor continues to be a popular figure in modern culture.

Fenrir Viking Shield

This Viking shield design builds on my most popular artwork of the wolf Fenrir. Fenrir is an enormous, monster wolf from Norse mythology, and is the father of all wolves. You’ll see Fenrir painted on the circular Viking shield. The shield is accented with two heavy-duty Viking axes that are decorated with wolves and Viking-style knot work. The shield is also accented by knot work and Elder Futhark runes.

Full Color Version:

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Banshee (bean sí)

The banshee (bean sí in Irish) is a ghoulish figure from ancient Celtic fairy lore. She is said to appear as an omen of death, wailing and crying outside of the home for a loved one in the house who is soon to die. She is a pretty terrifying figure. Legend has it that the banshee only wails for five different Irish families. I am a descendant of one of those five families, so I felt compelled to portray this wailing wench in all her spooky glory!

I used the Celtic knots and spirals to represent both the banshee's hair and ghostly, whispy lower limbs. Her body is meant to look kind of androgynous. I'm a fan of engraving style artwork, so I used lots of lines on her body to create some depth, but they also look like they could be scars or tattoos of some kind. Basically, I tried to make her look creepy. Hopefully, I achieved that through mixing the engraving style into this.

Initial sketch

Sketch continued

Final product!

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Celtic Harvest Reaper

It’s the busiest time of the year, HARVEST! The days are slowly getting shorter. The smell in the air starts to change. It’s becoming cooler at night. Summer is winding down. The Oak King is aging, and the Holly King is becoming stronger. The Holly king is waiting patiently for his strength to return so that he may challenge the Oak King on Samhain (Halloween), and DEFEAT him, thereby ushering in winter.

So you must stay busy. Harvest your crops and store them in preparation for the winter ahead. There’s still time. Hard work during the Harvest will be rewarded.

Mjölnir: Odin vs Thor

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THREADLESS

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DESIGN BY HÜMANS

TEEPUBLIC

Vikings and Norse warriors would wear the Mjölnir (Thor's Hammer) amulet to invoke the thunder god's strength and protection. In Norse mythology, Odin, the Allfather, is the father of Thor. This depiction of Mjölnir is adorned with Odin and Thor locked in battle. What's causing this domestic dispute? I'm not sure. Maybe Thor drank Odin's last bottle of mead!

Fenrir: Ragnarok Viking Monster Wolf

Fenrir: Ragnarok Viking Monster Wolf

Fenrir (or Fenris) is a gigantic, monster wolf of Norse Viking folklore. Fenrir is a child of the Norse god Loki, and is responsible for gobbling up the god Odin WHOLE during the events of Ragnarok. Fenrir is so ferocious that only a magical chain forged by the dwarves can bind him. The god Tyr (represented by the rune that looks like an arrow in this image) had his right hand bitten off by Fenrir. This image shows Fenrir breaking free of the magical dwarven chains that bind him.

Fenrir Men's Tee. Much more apparel and accessories available in the online store!

This is my original sketch of this design.

Cú Chulainn: The Irish Berserker

Cú Chulainn is one of the most famous of all Celtic Irish mythological heroes. He rose to fame from his exceptional skills at the Irish sport of Hurling. He then solidified his legend by killing the monstrous hound of Culann. Cú Chulainn is most famous for his great berserker rage in battle; turning himself into a giant rage monster that would slaughter men by the hundreds!

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Black and White Version

Color Version

My vision for my Cú Chulainn portrait was to try to sum up all the different components to his mythology in a single image. So Cú Chulainn himself is at the center carrying a hurley which he used to slay Culann's hound, and, thereby, earning the name Cú Chulainn which is Irish for Culann's hound (Cú Chulainn agreed to replace Culann's guard hound after killing it.) He is also carrying the magical barbed spear named Gáe Bulg.

The Morrigan: Irish War Goddess

INITIAL SKETCH OF "THE MORRIGAN"

The Morrigan plays a prominent role in Irish mythology. She is associated with war, and is a shape-shifter, often taking the form of a battle crow. In the form of the battle crow, she is said to control fate; predicting which warriors shall live or die. In this capacity, she is quite similar to the Norse Valkyries. 

Poitín Outlaw Irish Whiskey

Pronounced “poteen”, poitín is the Irish version of American moonshine or white lightning. Poitín was generally produced in remote rural areas, away from the interference of the law. Since it was the Irish and Scots-Irish who settled the American South, it stands to reason that they brought their traditions of distilling with them, making poitín the direct ancestor of American moonshine traditions!

The more I explore different components of culture and history, the more I realize how many American traditions have their roots in Ireland and/or Scotland. I was aware of how Celtic music had a huge influence on American music, from bluegrass to country to blues and rock. I also thought it was really cool how tap dancing was born in America from a combination of African rhythms and Irish step dancing.

There are lots of connections like these, but learning about poitín was a new one to me. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that rural Ireland would have similar distilling traditions as rural United States, but it still fascinates me how so many of the things we hold up as "American" have very direct roots in the old countries.

Some of my favorite Irish folk and Old Timey songs reference the "mountain dew." This is a reference to the clear liquor they were producing in secret in the hills of their respective countries. It's amazing to me to hear and see the similarities of cultures existing 3,000 miles from each other.

Dead Rabbit Brawler Tees

The Dead Rabbits were a notorious Irish-American gang that roamed the streets of old New York in a notorious slum known as the Five Points. It was a time when only the tough could survive.

Personal grievances, business competition, and even political differences were often settled with fists.

The Dead Rabbits’ nemesis would be a Nativist gang known as the Bowery Boys. Violence was golden as America struggled to define itself, but the struggle helped shape the character of the USA, and came to define the hard-working, hard-fighting, hard-drinking American immigrant.

'Grunge' Celtic Cross

"GRUNGE" CELTIC CROSS

   The Celtic Cross is one of the most recognizable symbols of Celtic culture. In this design, the Dark Ages meet the Modern Age by combining the Celtic cross with some stylish "grunge" effects. Splatters and smears create a stylish weathered look to the Celtic Cross.

'The Green Man', or 'Jack o' the Green'

Is he a symbol of nature, and the rebirth of nature once winter has retreated and the sun has returned, or is he a symbol of Anglo Saxon resistance to Norman invaders....

THE GREEN MAN

The mysterious Green Man continues to captivate people

This latest design is of the GREEN MAN! This frondescent fellow is very much a mystery, but it is widely accepted that he is a pre-Christian, Celtic nature spirit representing the cycle of life, and the rebirth of plants and nature in the Spring. The green man went into hiding with the spread of Christianity, but vestiges of his viny visage continued to appear in the carvings of churches, chapels, and cathedrals. In fact, there are more than 110 green men carved into the crevices of the esoteric Rosslyn Chapel (the cryptic chapel associated with the Knights Templar after they were disbanded and went into hiding). 

Celtic Harp

While the shamrock gets most of the glory in modern times, it's actually the Celtic harp that has been the major emblem of Ireland throughout history! The history of this emblem of the Emerald Isle stretches back into ancient times. It was the most sought after instrument throughout all of the Celtic lands, not just Ireland. Scotland, Wales, Brittany, anywhere there were vestiges of Celtic culture you would find the Celtic harp.

Celtic Cross - Hammer!

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   I've always thought Celtic crosses looked cool. The image of stone crosses with the intricate medieval ornamentation dotting the rolling hills of Britain and Ireland is almost eerie. It makes me think of a time when the "magic" of the old pagan ways was just meeting the new Roman Christianity. They are like a window into the past; remnants of an older, mysterious world. Not to mention the artwork on the crosses is incredible.

   I have also been captivated by the art work of the Vikings and Medieval Germanic peoples. Their interaction with the Celts over previous centuries led to similar styles in ornamentation (for example, when you see Celtic artwork that incorporates animal motifs, this is actually Germanic/Norse in origin rather than Celtic, but the Celts adopted the style and used it extensively in their own works. These motifs are now often identified as Celtic as much as they are Norse/Germanic).

   I have also been particularly captivated by the Mjolnir symbol worn since the Vikings were haunting the high seas. I love it's simplicity and the strength and protection that it represents.

   So, I am always looking for ways to emulate the Celtic and Norse styles into my own designs. The new design below is no different. It combines the Celtic symbol of the Celtic cross with the Nordic symbol of Mjolnir to create a powerful image that pays homage to the past while keeping the spirit of the symbolism alive in the present day.

The Men's tee is pictured below, but, as always, we have styles for the girls and zip hoodies available HERE!

Celtic Cross/Hammer Combo Tee

"Patrick was a Saint, I AIN'T!"

Just in time for Saint Patrick's Day!

I created this evil looking leprechaun dude for some unique designs to celebrate the most fabulous of all the holidays, SAINT PATRICK'S DAY! Take a look and share with friends and family. I actually think these shirts would be pretty cool to wear year round, but obviously you will be ESPECIALLY awesome wearing it during the St. Patrick's Day season. Check it OUT!

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"Luck of the Irish!"

"Luck of the Irish" apparel now available in the CHC store!

Feeling lucky? This original, one of a kind design features one of the most iconic slogans of the Irish people, but why are Irish people considered to be “lucky”? When Irish immigrants came to America, they faced so much adversity and hardship that the term “luck of the Irish” became popular as a sort of sarcastic joke to describe the poor Irish immigrants’ decidedly bad luck.

Since then, the slogan has taken on new meaning, and the four leaf shamrock is considered a particularly lucky symbol for the Irish and Irish culture.

This design can be a fun way to express your Irish pride any time of the year, but it would also make a particularly great gift for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations!

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Irish Gangland Designs

Two new designs!!!

These two are inspired by two different Irish gangs that were active in the Eastern United States during the 19th Century. The Dead Rabbits and the Molly Maguires.

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DEAD RABBITS                   MOLLY MAGUIRES

The Dead Rabbits

The Dead Rabbits were a notorious Irish gang that dominated the nefarious Five Points neighborhood of New York City during the mid to late 1800’s. The Dead Rabbits became part of popular culture when they were portrayed in Martin Scorsese’s 2006 film “Gangs of New York” with Leonardo DiCaprio playing the fictional leader of the well known gang.

The Dead Rabbits Gang was easily identified by the red striped shirts they wore to show their affiliation with the gang. This design incorporates the red stripes that look almost like blood or paint smears across the background of the image of a rabbit’s skull, and some Celtic Knots to reflect the Irish culture associated with the Dead Rabbits gang.

Also, The words “Dead Rabbits” and a reference to the historical and notorious Five Points neighborhood surround the rabbit skull in a vintage biker club style. This was done to tie in the old with the new to create a truly original design.

Original Dead Rabbits Design by Celtic Hammer Club

The Molly Maguires

The Molly Maguires were a secret society of Irishmen that were active in the anthracite coal region of Pennsylvania during the late 19th century, and by active I mean they used physical violence to fight back against the coal bosses whose treatment of their workers were nothing short of oppressive. In fact, some consider the Mollies to be a direct precursor to organized labor in the United States.

The design is done in a vintage “chalk board” style which fits perfectly for the Molly Maguires design since the style is a throw back to the 19th century saloon signs. If you look closely at all the different text on the design, you’ll see references to Molly Maguire history. The “coffin notes”, a quote from a Molly Maguire, and the legendary hand print of Alexander Campbell is imprinted on the shamrock in the middle.

Original Molly Maguires Design by Celtic Hammer Club

If you like these designs, but you would rather have them as a poster, coffee mug, travel mug, sticker, phone case, etc. ALL of those items and MORE are now available!!! Click the link to check out everything that is available.

"CHC Logo Distressed" NEW DESIGN!

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Back again with a new design!

The Celtic Hammer Club (CHC) logo has a lot of history and meaning behind it. 

Mjolnir Amulaet as worn by Vikings of the Middle Ages

One, the hammer shape at its center is styled after Mjolnir, the name of the war hammer wielded by Thor, the Norse god of thunder. Mjolnir amulets were worn by Vikings of the Middle Ages, and thousands have been recovered by archaeologists in the British Isles.. It represents strength. 

The Book of Kells Showing extensive Celtic artwork

Second, the insular style knot work and spirals that decorate the hammer were popular in both Celtic and Germanic cultures, but has become synonymous with Celtic culture. Basically, it serves as a visual cue to the Celtic themes and artwork on CHC apparel. 

A drawing of a tattooed or painted Celtic warrior
The blue Cirlce around the CHC logo represents this 
element of Celtic history/culture

Finally, the blue circle that surrounds the hammer that looks like a paint smear. It ties the whole thing together into a neat circular logo, but I chose to use the color blue after the blue war paint that some Celtic tribes wore when going into battle. Again, its just another little representation of Celtic history and culture.

This particular version of the CHC logo is "distressed". It gives it a vintage look, and makes it look almost like a shield that's been through a war. Even if you don't have ancestors from Northern Europe, it's still a pretty cool image to rock on a shirt, and definitely unique. Check out both men's and women's apparel in the shop.

CHC Logo "Distressed"