Maiden

 

Brighid

 

Not much is written on Brighid the maiden in terms of folklore and myth, however, much of her maiden aspects and information can be gleamed from her holiday of Imbolc, when she ushers spring back into the land, melting the snow and renewing life.   In many of her traditions at that holiday, she deals with new brides.  She is the Goddess of fire and water (and many other aspects, but those are better suited to her other aspects of mother and crone).  She therefore may be seen as a lover or queen.

 

Brighid does have a mate and children, but again, those stories lend themselves better to her stories of Mother.   Her story is complex, threefold, and much can be learned from her stories.  I have written my final essay on this topic.

 

Blodeuwedd

 

Blodeuwedd was a Goddess summoned from the earth to be wife to Lleu Llaw Gyffes (the son of the Goddess Arianrhod).  She fell in love with another man and she wanted to free herself from the bonds of a marriage she was not happy in.  This is what makes her a maiden – fighting for her freedom and what is right.  She states: “I had won for I had dared to act upon my own heart’s calling.  I had refused to be his creation”.    She was turned into an owl by Gwydion.  Another reason she is known as a Maiden Goddess is because she was made of flowers and the earth, which traditionally represented the maiden aspect in Celtic Tradition.

 

While her actions may seem cruel and soulless, in reality, they were necessary to help Lleu complete his destiny of death and rebirth.  Blodeuwedd is known as the Goddess of Emotions and Healing.  She was made from nine different flowers from trees known for their healing properties, to continually restore Lleu to health.

 

There are many lessons which may be gleamed from this story.  One is of Completion, for both her and Lleu, for both their actions were required for each others destinies to be met. The other lesson is one of standing up for what is right, and breaking off the shackles.  Blodeuwedd was created for the sake of a man, and her love never mattered to others.  But it mattered to her.  She stood up for her heart, embraced her Maiden aspects of Freedom and broke the chains.  She then was transformed to a wiser Goddess, and continued on in the cycle.

 

Additional Sources

http://www.druidry.org/obod/deities/blodeuwedd.html

 

Boann

 

Boann is a River Goddess, as well as a Goddess of inspiration and Fertility.  Her element is of Water.  She was wife to Nechtan, who dishonored her by keeping the well of Segais hidden from her. Boann tasted of the well of wisdom and a river rose forth to share the wisdom with the world and all those who wished to partake.  She scarified herself in the process, evolving and becoming one with the mighty river.  She understood her fate and destiny was, and was willing to sacrifice herself for truth.  This is what makes her a Maiden Goddess.

 

This story has many similarities to Eve.  She was also denied the fruit of knowledge, and she, in true Maiden form, defied that decree and tasted of the fruit to spread knowledge to the world.

 

The story of Boann teaches us that wisdom and knowledge should not be secret and protected by a few elite, rather shared with the world, for all are worthy.  I believe this is one reason why it can be inappropriate to keep Goddess traditions a secret and hidden.  Why not share Her beauty and knowledge with all who will listen?

 

Additional Sources

http://www.muinmound.org/nlarchive/boann.html

 

Sabrina

 

Not much is written on Sabrina (also known as Habrena).   She is the daughter of Locrinus and Estrildis (a captured princess).  Locrinus kept Estrildis and Sabrina secretly hidden underground because he was married to Gwendolen.

 

When Gwendolen’s father died, Locrinus brought Sabrina and Estrildis out of hiding and cast aside Gwendolen.  Gwendolen rose up against Locrinus and killed Sabrina and Estrildis, having them drowned in the River Sevren.   Gwendolen then had the river named after her.

 

Sabrina is a River Goddess, sacrificed an innocent for a sin not her own.  She becomes one with the River.  Many say it is so the land will always remember Locrinus’ infidelity.  However, I believe the river took her name to remind us of the injustice done to the Maiden Goddess for her sacrifice.

 

Additional Sources

http://www.celtnet.org.uk/gods_s/sabrina.html

 

Mother

 

Deirdre

 

It was foretold that Deirdre would be the most beautiful woman in the world, but that this beauty would bring war and death to Ulster. The king at the time, Conchobar, decided to have the child raised in solitude, and once she became of age, would marry her himself. 

 

She fell in love with Naoise (after having a vision about him) and they ran off together to live in exile with his two brothers at his side.  While Deirdre is known as a Mother Goddess, this aspect of her life is very true of a Maiden aspect.  They never had children, but Deirdre took care of him and his brothers

 

Eventually Conchobar tracked them down, and after much trickery and deceit, ended up killing the brothers.  The stories of Deirdre vary, but some say she died of grief while others say she committed suicide when Conchobar gave went to giver her to someone else.

 

Deirdre’s beauty and radiance (a gift!) is turned against her and used as a curse, and she is blamed for the destruction to the people.   There was a curse placed on the land after the tragedy, and land was made barren by those who betrayed Deirdre, Naoise and his brothers.  This is one aspect of the Mother Goddess, since she is tied deeply to the land, any disrespect and dishonor brought to her will cause the Earth to react as well.

 

But even in death, new life emerges, as one story says that a fir tree grew over Deirdre’s grave.

 

Additional Sources

http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/cft/cft12.htm

 

Branwen

 

Branwen (meaning White Raven) sister of Bran, was wed to Matholwch of Ireland against her wishes.  Her half brother, upon hearing the news, mutilated Matholwch’s horses. To make peace with the events, Branwen bestowed a magical cauldron to Matholwch, which could bring the dead back to life. Branwen was taken back to Ireland, gave birth to Gwern and as the resentment grew, Branwen was treated like a servant, forced to cook, clean and weight upon the palace.  She trained a bird to fly to Bran and tell him of the events.

 

Bran came to her rescue and a great fight ensued after her half brother Efnisien killed Gwern.  He later snuck into the caldron, breaking it and dying.  Most people on both sides of the fight died, including Bran, although his head survived due to magic.  Once she returned to her home and realized that two kingdoms and lands were destroyed in her rescue, she died of grief.

 

Branwen’s story as the Mother Goddess aspect is not one of the loving compassionate one that we generally think of as the Mother.  It is one of destruction and transformation. Because her very essence of Mother and Womanhood was disrespected and disgraced, great tragedy came upon the land.  In this story we see the time transforming to that of the Crone as she waits for her time to renew the land.

 

But her story is also one of hope, as even as she toiled in her mistreatment, she nurtured herself and sought a way to restore her freedom. She is a Goddess of Sovereignty, and is also associated with the Goddess of Love and Beauty.  She is one of the Five Goddesses of Avalon.

 

The story of Branwen speaks of unconditional love and grief associated with that love.  Despite the fact that Bran gave Branwen away without permission, she so loved her brother and the land that she died of grief in its destruction.  We can also learn about patience from Branwen, as she spends years training a starling to help secure her freedom.   

 

Additional Sources

http://www.angelfire.com/wa3/ravenna/branwen.htm

http://www.sisterhoodofavalon.org/tradition/goddesses.html

 

Brighid

 

Brighid is well known for her Mother aspects.  The most documented history we have of her Celtic Goddess attributes are from the Lebor Gabála Érenn , a collection of stories and prose.  It is here that we learn about her life as a mother and the betrayal she faces by her son.  (This has been done in further detail in my Brighid essay). Brighid is the Goddess of Inspiration, Hearth and Forge.  Her holiday is Imbolc, which lends itself to her mother aspect.  She is a fire goddess, as well as a water goddess.

 

Brighid has many lessons to teach.  Her mother lessons teach us of unconditional love and the bonds of family.  She also teaches us of sacrifice and endurance. 

 

Macha

 

Macha is a sidhe, daughter of Sainrith mac Imbaith and wife of Crunnchu.  She pursued him and they lived a pleasant, yet mostly solitary life.  She warned him not to speak to others of her heritage, and when she was pregnant, he went off to a Great Assembly to meet with other farmers.  In a drunken stupor, he bragged about how his wife could beat the King’s horses in a race.  The King sent for her at once, saying he would kill her husband if she did not race.  She was nearly term and ready to give birth at any moment.  She begged and pleaded with the king to allow her to wait running, then begged the crowd but to no avail.  She finally ran the race, won, then gave birth to twins on the field.  No one came to her aide.  In her rage at this disrespect and horror, she cursed the warriors of Ulster to feel the bangs of woman’s labor for five days when they would go to war.

 

Macha’s story teaches us the solemn lesson of what happens when the Mother is disrespected and shamed.  She is known by some as a Sun Goddess, and bringing of fertility and warmth.  Her story also teaches us about love, and her willingness to sacrifice her wellbeing for her husband’s life, regardless of the fact that he broke his promise and put her life (and the life of their children) at risk. 

 

Historically speaking, this tale shows us how, while women still possessed great power, the fact that she was forced to race in her condition showed how women were starting to be disregarded and treated with disrespect by the men at that time.  This shows how the Goddess era was starting to wane.

 

Additional Sources

http://inquirer.gn.apc.org/craft-three.html

 

Rhiannon

 

Rhiannon has a few stories which encompass her mother aspects.  They teach us of undying love, perseverance, and standing up for what is right.  We first see her in a very maidenly aspect of denying her arranged marriage and courting Pwyll instead.  Together they plan a way to get her out of her other forced obligation.

 

They had a son together, and one night he was stolen by a beast of the otherworld and her maids claimed she murdered him.  She was punished for this act, the entire time claiming her innocence. She was forced to tell her story to all who passed and carry them to the castle on her back. One day her son and his new father came after hearing her story and shared how he became to the fathers care.  She wept tears of joy, never once complaining of the pain she endured and was reunited with her son.

 

After the battle of Branwen, she remarries Manawyddan (a friend of her sons) and together they (along with her son’s wife), roam the countryside.  There is much to this story, but she ends up being wrongly cursed, and freed.

 

Rhiannon is a horse Goddess and Goddess of the moon and inspiration.  She was said to later be known as the Lady of the Lake and keeper of Excalibur.  She is wronged and undergoes hardship in many of her stories, but always maintains unconditional love and compassion for those in her life.  Her story can give us strength to persevere when we are in hard times.

 

Crone

 

The Morrigan

 

The Morrigan is the Goddess of war, and has been known as the Great Queen, or Phantom Queen. She plays a role in the Ulster Cycle.  She is known as a triple goddess with her sisters, although there is much unknown about this aspect.  She is also known as the Keeper of Death, and tells prophecies of warriors demise.  She also represents the complete cycle, as she is a transporter from life to death to life again.

 

She is seen by many to be a dark goddess, but she strongly represents the teachings of the Crone, and teaches us about strength, overcoming fear, wisdom and understanding death.  One of her stories shows her changing shape from young to old, and we can learn about life’s lessons and transitions.  The crone is not to be feared, for she is just a natural part of nature.  Her animals are the crow and cattle, the latter being one of fertility, again showing the cyclic nature of the Goddess.

 

There is speculation that She is the mother of Brighid, as the Dagda was her consort, but not much mention is made of this in the myth.  The Morrigan is a powerful Goddess, who teaches us about the necessity of the life/death/life cycle, and in many ways can represent aspects of the All Goddess.

 

Additional Sources

http://druidry.org/obod/deities/morrigan.html

http://www.wikipedia.com

 

Medbh

 

Medbh’s story is one of sovereignty, freedom and fighting for justice.  She had several husbands, and had a strong desire to not give up her right for sexual freedom.  Her husband, Ailill, challenged her, saying she was better off under his protection.  Medbh was not one to be ‘owned’, as she was a power, wealthy Queen prior to her marriage.  This started a feud, which escalated and became the start of the Cattle Raid.  Her story is intertwined in this regard with The Morrigan.

 

This Raid/War was fought with much death and destruction, but she ended up with the Bull she sought.  When paired with her husbands bull, they killed eachother, but Queen Medbh was left with the more power and acclaim.

 

While there was great destruction done during this war, it was done with just intentions, not of power and greed.  She was fighting to keep the power of women upheld in marriage, and not give way to the trend of being owned in marriage.

 

Arianrhod

 

Arianrhod is known as a Triple Goddess, and we can gain insight into her maiden, mother and crone aspects.  While she is a sexual women, she represents how virginity and maidenhood is not linked to sexual relations, rather to freedom and self-ownership.  This fact is largely misunderstood by patriarchal realms, and she endures hardship as a result.

 

She is forced to test her virginity to ‘prove herself’ worthy to be the virgin foot holder for Math.  She ‘fails’ the test, and immediately gives birth to a son, and a ‘formless blob’ who later becomes Lleu Llaw Gyffes (from the story of Blodeuwed).  In this aspect, she becomes a mother goddess as well.

 

But she is also well known for her Crone aspects, where she teaches of destiny, challenges and strength.  She is kept from her son for 4 years, and gives him three challenges he must overcome to become King. Some telling’s say this is done out of spite and anger, but when examined in light of the Crone teaching of wisdom, we learn that these are challenges which must be overcome so he can reach his destiny.  

 

Arianrhod is a Moon Goddess, and her name means Starry Wheel and she is linked to the constellation, the Northern Crown.

 

As with the stories of most Crone Goddesses, we learn about wisdom, death, understanding and the cycle of life.  Here, Arianrhod is attempting to prepare her son for his destiny, and in doing so arms him with the very weapon (spear) which will later take his life.  This is not done out of anger or spite, but rather part of the understanding that the natural cycle must take place. 

 

Ceridwen

 

As with Crone stories and myth, Ceridwen teaches us about the cycle of life/death/life with the story of her magic cauldron and the potion of wisdom and knowledge (equally fitting that the Crone would be keeper of these attributes).  By accident, the servant helping her stir the liquid ingested the first 3 drops, and gained the wisdom, inspiration and knowledge of the brew. 

 

She chased him as he became a hare, fish, rabbit and grain of corn.  She changed into a greyhound, otter, hawk and hen, and finally ate the grain of corn, became pregnant and gave birth to Gwion, showing us the cycle of life/death/life(rebirth).  This was a magical rebirth, and he later became the Bard of Taliesin. 

 

We learn of sacrifice, love and the Great Cycle of Nature.  We see similarities between Brighid’s well and Ceridwen’s Cauldron, both able to bring about inspiration, wisdom and knowledge.   She is known as the Goddess of Transformation, and we can seek her for inspiration as well as knowledge.

 

Brighid

 

Brighid is associated with the Crone aspect as well, denoting a time of ending (Mother time ending, for example, after the battle of Mag Tuireadh).   She becomes the keeper of knowledge, and retreats into the shadows as the mother time wanes.

 

Imbolc (her holiday) is also divided.  It is the gateway from the harsh Crone aspects of winter, to the new maiden aspects of spring.

 

She is said to have helped bring about rights for women, the whistle for protection/calling for help, and she has the gift of prophecy.  She is also a gateway between faiths, much as her holiday is a gateway between aspects.