Céltérians

The Céltérians are a fictional ancient culture commonly depicted in speculative fiction and gaming as a seafaring, Celtic-influenced people of the western Atlantic and European maritime zones during the late Bronze Age through early Iron Age. They are used as a narrative device rather than a historical population; portrayals vary by author.

Geography and settlement typically place the Céltérians along the Atlantic fringe of Europe—coastal Brittany, western Britain, and neighboring islands—with seasonal voyages to river estuaries and offshore isles. Their settlements range from hill forts to cliffside villages, often centered on thriving coastal markets and shipyards.

Society centers on confederations of tribes governed by assemblies and chieftains. The economy combines metallurgy, woodworking, agriculture, and extensive seafaring. They built durable ships for exploration and trade and mined metals from inland sources, developing trade networks that in some depictions link Atlantic communities with Iberia and beyond.

Culture and religion emphasize nature spirits and solar or agricultural deities, with ritual calendars marking seasonal events. A priestly or bardic cast—frequently rendered as druids in fiction—preserves lore, poetry, and genealogies. Material culture features stone circles, decorated pillars, and intricate metalwork used in tools, weapons, and ceremonial objects.

Language and writing are portrayed as a Celtic-related tongue with a rich oral tradition; fictional scripts appear in some works, ranging from ogam-like inscriptions to runic-inspired writings.

Representation and reception: Because the Céltérians are a fictional construct, they appear primarily in novels, role-playing games, and speculative histories. Critics note they reflect modern interests in Celtic heritage and Atlantic seafaring, rather than any verified archaeological culture.