The frightening aggressive features of the boar, as well as its ability to defend itself to the death, were admired by the Celts. The Celts were known for their tenacity, bravery, and ferocity, and this became a symbol for them.
The wild boar was regarded as a sacred animal throughout the Celtic culture. Boars were a wonderful and wondrous entity as well as a wicked and vicious power.
Many Celtic myths mention and emphasize the importance of the wild boar, illustrating the animism prevalent in Celtic belief. The Celtic boar is related with the following symbolism:
- Celtic iconography of the boar
- Fearlessness
- Wealth \sFertility
- Stubbornness
- Abundance
- Health and Happiness
- Courage
- Danger
- Strength \sWarriors \sTransformation
- Extraterrestrial Encounters
The boar symbolized divine combat, burial rites, and divinely sanctioned feasts. This is supported by numerous artifacts of boars found on standards, coinage, altars, graves, statues, and other images. It’s obvious that some of the items were temple treasures.
Images of armed soldiers were frequently accompanied by statues of boars, and depictions of boars decorated swords, shields, and helmets. When going into battle, many warriors would wear boar skins. Carnyx, a large bronze trumpet used as a war cry, was likewise adorned with boars’ heads.