Gael

A Gael is a member of a distinct culture existing in Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man whose language is one that is Gaelic. The word in English was adopted in 1810 from Scots gaedheal (compare Irish gaoidheal) to designate a Highlander (OED). Gael or Gaoidheal was first used as a collective term to describe people from Ireland; it was a Welsh word, meaning raiders.

Mythological Origin

The Gaels during the beginning of the Christian era (at which time Gaelic people were most likely restricted to Ireland) believed themselves to be descendants of Míl Espáine. This belief persisted in the Gaelic cultures of Ireland and Scotland up to the present day, with many if not most clan leaders in either country claiming descent from their predeccesor, back to famous historical kings going back into pre-history.

Historical Expansion

Starting sometime around the 5th century Gaelic language and culture spread from the southwest coast of Scotland where it may have already existed since Roman times, to a large part of the rest of the country. Culturo-linguistic dominance in the area eventually led to the Latin name for them, "Scotti", to be applied to the whole region. Since that time Gaelic culture rose and, in the past three centuries, greatly diminished, in most of the country.

The Isle of Man (Manx Gaelic Ellan Vannin, "Mannin's Isle", from the pre-Christian deity known as Manannan Mac Lir) also came under Gaelic influence in it's history. The varient of Gaelic spoken there was for practical purposes extinct for some time, though a large part of the island's cultural heritage is still Gaelic.