Celtic Knots

Celtic knots are really mis-named. They appear in Roman mosaics, and were made by Vikings and Saxons as well as Celts. They are patterns representing ropes or threads tied in a knot. These are often continuous, with no loose ends, so they are sometimes called Gordian knots or Gordic knots. This refers to the myth of the knot of Gordias. It was said that only a future leader of the world could undo it. Alexander the Great cut it in two with his sword, showing that he would conquor the world by force.

Here are some examples of Celtic knots and how to draw them yourself.

I recommend the following books: Celtic and Anglo-Saxon Painting by Carl Nordenfalk - buy UK or USA Mosaics of the Greek and Roman World by Katherine M. D. Dunbabin - buy UK or USA Design your own Celtic knots using a special technique by cutting paper - very clever! You can also buy software for creating Celtic knots as a font.

You may also be interested in my website on mazes or mosaics or Greek keys or any of my other websites.