The Celts (1987 TV series)
A 1987 BBC series on Celtic culture and history.
A 1987 BBC2 documentary, The Celts: Rich Traditions and Ancient Myths, explores Celtic culture’s origins, spread, and impact across Great Britain and Europe. David Richardson directed the series, which Frank Delaney wrote and presented. A companion book by Delaney includes four Irish myths. The series came out on DVD in Europe and North America in 2004.
Quick Facts
- Genre
- Documentary series
- Writer
- Frank Delaney
- Director
- David Richardson
- Opening theme
- "The Celts"
- Composer
- Enya
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Language
- English
- Series
- 1
Facts from the source article.
Episodes
The first episode, "The Man with the Golden Shoes," examines archaeological and historical findings about the Celts, covering their widespread presence across Europe and focusing on the Hallstatt and La Tène cultural phases. "The Birth of Nations" traces how the modern Celtic nations emerged following the Roman conquest and the empire's decline. "A Pagan Trinity" explores Celtic mythology, legends, and religious beliefs, then moves to the arrival of Christianity in Ireland and Scotland.
"The Open-Ended Curve" highlights the unique visual art of the Celts, spanning both ancient and contemporary works. "The Final Conflict" returns to historical events, detailing the subjugation of the modern Celtic nations by England and France, including the suppression of the Welsh language, Irish uprisings and revolution, and the migration of Irish and other peoples to North America. The final episode, "The Legacy," considers how modern individuals identify as Celts, showcasing contemporary Celtic-inspired traditions such as military practices, the Welsh Eisteddfod, Irish music and art, and the language preservation efforts of Bretons and Cape Bretoners against assimilation. Part of this episode was shot in Portmeirion, Wales, and includes nods to the 1960s show The Prisoner.
Soundtrack
The 1987 television series The Celts brought Irish singer Enya to a much larger audience. Enya, who had previously been part of the group Clannad, was asked by David Richardson to write the show’s music. Every episode opens with the theme song “The Celts.” Two episodes contain music videos of Enya performing “I Want Tomorrow” and “Aldebaran,” and she can be seen singing the title track at the end of the opening credits in each episode.
The DVD release features an interview with Enya along with several modern musical performances by her. The soundtrack album first came out in 1987 on BBC Records under the name Enya, peaking at number 69 on the UK album chart. Atlantic Records later reissued it in North America. In 1992, Reprise Records, which had licensed Enya’s later hits like “Orinoco Flow,” acquired the rights, remastered the album, and re-released it as The Celts, where it climbed to number 10 in the UK. A new music video for the title song and a CD single of the theme were also issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes of The Celts (1987 TV series) are there?
The Celts has 6 episodes across 1 season.
When did The Celts (1987 TV series) first air?
The Celts first aired on 14 May 1987.
When did The Celts (1987 TV series) end?
The Celts last aired on 18 June 1987.
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