Iron Forge 1772 Joseph Wright of Derby
SMITHCRAFT was highly regarded by the Celts, and a smith god is certainly known from various sources. The triple goddess Brighid was patroness of inspiration, therapy and smithing, and the craft of the smith or metal worker was developed to a high degree by the Celts. Romano-Celtic carvings of a smith god, sometimes bearing tongs and hammer, are known in Britain; he is also associated with Mars, or with Celtic gods similar to Mars such as Toutates.
THE SMITH was always associated with magical powers, for they mastered the primal element of fire and moulded the metals of the Underworld through skill and strength. There is a close connection between concepts of smithcraft and concepts of the creation of the world, in which the Elements of Air, Fire, Water and Earth are fused together in a new shape. Smiths are frequently associated with supernatural powers, including therapy, in folklore, so it is no surprise that the ancient smith gods were credited with similar magical abilities.
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