A Guide to the Celtic Goddesses: Legends and Lore

PDF download Download Article
Discover famous and forgotten Celtic goddesses
PDF download Download Article

Celtic mythology is rich with powerful female deities. These goddesses tend to be complex and multifaceted, often represented by numerous symbols. We took a deep dive into Celtic legend to discover these goddesses—the beautiful, the scary, and everything in between.

Who are the main Celtic goddesses?

  • Danu: The mother of the Tuatha Dé Danann
  • Eriu: The goddess for whom Ireland is named
  • The Morrigan: Celtic goddess of death
  • Brigid: Goddess of healing, poetry, and blacksmiths
  • Cailleach: Goddess of winter and destruction
Section 1 of 5:

Fairy Goddesses

PDF download Download Article
  1. Danu is said to have been the mother of the Tuatha Dé Danann, an ancient race of deities who would later become the source of the fairy myths in Ireland. She’s depicted as a nurturing, loving goddess and is connected with wisdom and abundance. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Danu
    • Danu is the mother of Celtic deities like the Dagda and the Morrigan.
  2. Ireland itself was named for this powerful goddess, a member of the Tuatha Dé Danann who represents sovereignty. When the Milesians—druids who would eventually take over Ireland—came to the land, their leader was so impressed with Eriu’s devotion to the island that he named it after her. [1]
    • In legends, Eriu is often accompanied by her sisters Banba and Fódla.
    Advertisement
  3. The Morrigan is one of the most well-known Celtic goddesses. A member of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the Morrigan was a shape-shifter who often took the form of a crow or raven, and ruled over birth and death. She was known to incite war, taking delight in battles. [2]
    • The Morrigan is also known as Badb or Nemain, and she’s frequently depicted as a trio of goddesses. The war goddess Macha is often depicted as one of The Morrigan as well.
  4. Aiobheall was a goddess in County Clare, and she’s said to have lived nearby in the rocks of Craglea in Kincora. [3] According to legend, she had a golden harp, and anyone who heard its beautiful music would die soon—this harp may have heralded the deaths of king Brian Boru and legendary warrior Cu Chulainn. [4]
    • Aiobheall led a midnight court, where fairies judged whether husbands were satisfying their wives.
    • Aiobheall may have been the sister of Cliodhna, the Queen of the Banshees. The two sisters quarrelled, and Cliodhna temporarily turned Aiobheall into a white cat.
  5. Aine is a daughter of the Dagda, or Great Father of the Irish gods. Her name means “brightness,” and she’s the goddess of summer and wealth. It’s said that she was a beautiful maiden who played a bronze musical instrument. [5]
    • There’s a legend that says that you can still see Aine’s palace in Lough Gur, a lake in Ireland’s County Limerick, and that sometimes she and her son Gearoid Iarla ride out of the lake on their horses.
    • Aine is sometimes referred to as “Leanan sidhe,” or “Sweetheart of the Sidhe.”
  6. Rhiannon is a Celtic goddess of the Tuatha Dé Danann who’s often depicted riding a white horse. This complex deity is associated with birds and horses, fertility, the moon, dreams, death, and the Otherworld. [6]
    • Rhiannon was accused of murdering her son, and in punishment she was transformed into a horse. However, after two years, she was exonerated when her son was found.
  7. Also known as the “Shining One,” Etain was a Sun Goddess who then transformed into a Moon Goddess. She was one of the Tuatha Dé Danann, represented love and transformation, and was frequently associated with symbols like rain, butterflies, apples, and swans. She was also a healing goddess. [7]
    • Legend says that after Etain married Prince Midir, his first wife became jealous and turned Etain into a pool of water, a worm, and a butterfly.
  8. Despite the wrathful reputation of banshees, Cliodhna was a beautiful goddess of love. As a member of the Tuatha Dé Danann, she lived in the mythical land of Tír na nÓg. However, she eventually fell in love with a mortal man and came to the human world to join him, where she stayed until an enchanted wave swept her to the sea, where she died. [8]
    • Cliodhna is said to have lived in County Cork in Ireland, and her worship was centered there.
  9. Fand was a shapeshifter who was known as a legendary beauty. She married the Manannan Mac Lir, the god of the sea, and although she later fell in love with legendary hero Cu Chulainn, she ultimately remained with her husband in the fairy world. [9]
  10. Niamh was the daughter of the goddess Fand and Manannan Mac Lir, the King of the Sea. She is said to have had hair of shining gold. She left Tír na nÓg for the mortal world. She eventually chose Oisin as her husband, who lived with her in the fairy world until homesickness caused him to leave. [10]
    • When Oisin returned to the mortal world, he was shocked to discover that many hundreds of years had passed since he had left.
  11. This goddess is said to have searched humans for a partner who could satisfy her. But when none was found, she went to the fairy realm and found a giant to be her mate. [11]
    • According to legend, the goddess queen Achtland was fond of combing her giant husband’s long blonde hair.
    • Some legends say that she was born a mortal and became a goddess after she chose her husband.
  12. Ethniu was 9 ft (2.7 m) tall, a giant goddess. She is the daughter of Balor of the Evil Eye, the leader of the Fomorians, a monstrous race who appeared out of the sea and opposed the Tuatha Dé Danann. To ward off a prophecy that said he would be killed by his grandson, Balor kept Ethniu trapped in a crystal tower. [12]
    • Although she was born a Fomorian, Ethniu gave birth to Lugh, who joined the Tuatha Dé Danann and eventually killed his grandfather Balor.
  13. Tailtiu was a member of the Tuatha Dé Danann, daughter of the Morrigan and mother of Lugh. She helped establish agriculture in Ireland by clearing away vast fields of land, but the effort was so difficult that it killed her. [13]
    • To honor her death, her husband Bregon named the lands after her. Her memory was also preserved in the Tailteann Games, an athletic competition and predecessor to the Olympics.
    14. Advertisement
Section 2 of 5:

Goddesses of Magic, Healing, and the Afterlife

PDF download Download Article
  1. The daughter of Dagda and the Morrigan, Brigid is a goddess of light and fire, ruling over the hearth and smithing. She is also a goddess of healing and physicians, as well as poetry and art. She was celebrated in the festival Imbolc, a winter festival celebrating the upcoming approach of spring—still recognized as Candlemas today. [14]
    • Brigid is also known as Brigit, Brighid, Bride, and Briggidda. Her stories embody elements common to the Roman goddess Minerva and the Egyptian goddess Isis, and she is sometimes represented as a trio of goddesses.
    • St. Brigid of Ireland is often associated with this goddess, and some believe that they are the same figure.
  2. Airmid was a healer of the Tuatha Dé Danann. She’s said to have used herbs and spells in her craft to help heal the wounded Tuatha Dé Danann after their legendary battle with the monstrous Fomorians. [15]
    • Airmid was the sister of the alchemist Miach, and the two worked together to create a new arm for King Nuada. This angered their father Dian Cecht, who wanted to make the arm himself, so he killed Miach. Airmid gathered the herbs that grew from Miach’s grave in her cloak and used them for healing.
  3. Adsagsona was worshipped in France’s Aquitaine region around 100 AD. Her name means “weaver of spells,” and a tablet was found showing that her followers invoked her to curse their enemies. [16]
    • It’s believed that the devotees of Adsagsona inscribed the tablet as a curse against Severa Tertionicna, a local priestess, and her coven—likely in response to a previous spell cast by Severa. [17]
  4. Arianrhod is a goddess of the sky, moon, and reincarnation. She’s a powerful figure in Celtic mythology, caring for departed souls on their journey to the Otherworld and spinning the threads of fate on her Silver Wheel. [18]
    • Arianrhod was tricked into bearing two sons—Llew, god of the Sun, and Dylan, a sea god.
  5. Originally worshipped by an Irish cult, Sirona’s followers became widespread after she was assimilated into Roman mythology. Sirona is associated with healing and medicine, fertility, and purity. She is often depicted as being accompanied by dogs, snakes, eggs, or bowls of water. [19]
    • A number of sanctuaries dedicated to Sirona have been found, often located near springs or thermal pools.
  6. Worship of Ataegina was widespread—36 inscriptions have been found across Western Iberia that are attributed to her. She’s linked with Proserpina, or Persephone, so she may have been seen as a goddess of the Underworld or associated with the changing seasons. [20]
  7. Ceridwen was a shape-shifting goddess of the Underworld. She was said to have witch-like powers and she possessed a cauldron that was the source of knowledge, rebirth, and inspiration. [21]
    • Ceridwen had two children—a beautiful, good daughter named Creidwy and a hideous, wicked son named Morfran. They represent light and darkness.
    • There’s a Welsh legend where she chased her servant Gwion Bach throughout the land, with each taking the form of various animals and items. This tale is thought to represent the changing seasons.
  8. Branwen’s name means “White Raven.” She was a Welsh goddess, the daughter of Llyr and sister of the giant Bran the Blessed. She married King Matholuch of Ireland, but when the king treated her badly, she taught a starling to speak and sent it back home to tell her brother of her troubles. [22]
    • There’s debate on whether Branwen is a mythical goddess or an actual historical figure.
    9. Advertisement
Section 3 of 5:

Warrior Goddesses

PDF download Download Article
  1. Aife was a beautiful warrior of the Underworld who lived in Scotland, where she had a brief affair with Cu Chulainn. After she bore his son, Connla, Cu Chulainn abandoned Aife and his son. Aife was consumed by anger and the need for vengeance. [23]
    • Connla and Cu Chulainn eventually met in battle, and although Connla realized during the battle that Cu Chulainn was his father, it was too late, and Cu Chulainn struck Connla and killed him. Afterward, Aife’s rage turned to sorrow.
    • Another story says that Aife married Lir, but she was jealous of Lir’s love for his children from his first marriage, so she turned them into swans. As punishment, Aife was turned into a crane-like demon and banished to live in the skies forever. [24]
  2. Banba was a fair-eyed goddess of great beauty. She is one of the daughters of Delbáeth and Ernmas, members of the Tuatha De Danann. Together with her sisters Eriu and Fódla, she helped protect Ireland, fighting in several notable battles. [25]
  3. Andarta was an armor-wearing goddess who carried a shield and a spear. She emphasized the importance of remaining honorable and courageous in battle, giving her blessing to warriors who embodied these traits. She was often depicted as having the form of a bear. [26]
    • Andarta appeared to the warrior Brennus in a sacred grove, gifting him a divine spear and instructing him to unite the various Celtic tribes to strengthen them.
  4. This goddess is associated with battle, slaughter, and strife. Her name is derived from the river Aeron, and she’s also associated with crops. [27]
  5. Medb was the queen of Connacht, but she’s often depicted as a goddess. She had several husbands and many lovers, and is noted for being a strong-willed, independent woman.
    • Medb plays a large part in the legendary Cattle Raid of Cooley—she desired to own the mythical bull Donn Cúailnge, and when its owner refused, she raised an army to take it by force. Her army was led by famed Irish hero Cu Chulainn.
    6. Advertisement
Section 4 of 5:

Nature Goddesses

PDF download Download Article
  1. The Cailleach is a divine force of nature. Taking the form of a one-eyed hag with blue skin and red teeth, she rides storms and sweeps down from the mountains. She’s credited with shaping the Irish landscape and was said to protect animals during the winter months, but she’s also seen as a destructive force. [28]
    • Each year as winter turned into spring, she would drink a potion that made her young again but would age again once winter returned.
  2. This Celtic goddess was celebrated each year at the spring equinox, and she represented rebirth and fertility. Many of the traditions from her festival are echoed in today’s Easter rituals—for instance, she is said to have rescued a frozen sparrow, and to show its gratitude, the bird laid colored eggs for her. [29]
    • Eostre is also associated with the moon and air.
  3. According to legend, the goddess Blodeuwedd was created by magic from oak, broom, and meadowsweet flowers. She married Llew, a Sun God and son of Arianrhod. But after she fell in love with another man, Gronw, the pair attempted to kill Llew, and Blodeuwedd was turned into an owl for punishment. [30]
  4. Ancamna was a water goddess who is depicted as having long hair that flowed like water, often with a crown of seashells and water plants. She was a protector of healers and sacred water, as well as a fertility goddess. She taught that all things are connected and that protecting the water and aquatic creatures is essential to preserving life. [31]
    • Ancamna was a kind goddess, earning the loyalty of devoted followers like Lirin the fisherman and Eira the healer.
    • Worship of Ancamna was centered in Trier, a city in Germany on the Moselle river. [32]
  5. Sulis, or Sulevia, was a goddess of healing, prophecy, and blessings. She’s associated with the sun and fire, and her symbols are antlers, the sun’s rays, eyes, and owls. [33]
    • The goddess Sulis or Sulevia is often referred to in the plural form of Suleviae, and inscriptions to her are widespread throughout the Celtic regions.
  6. Arduinna was worshipped in the Ardennes Forest of northern Gaul, which was located near present-day Belgium and Luxembourg. Much of her mythology has been lost, but it’s said that she was both a hunter and a protector of the forests, and she’s associated with boars and the moon. [34]
    • After the appearance of the Romans, Arduinna became associated with the goddess Diana.
  7. Also known as “The Great Mare,” Epona was worshipped by the early Gauls. She’s said to have been the daughter of a divine mare, and statues of the goddess are frequently discovered in ancient stables.
  8. There are a number of minor goddesses who were said to protect or rule over a specific area, like a certain mountain, river, or stream. There’s often little known about these goddesses—in many cases, only a small inscription or statue remains as evidence of their worship.
    • Abnoba: The goddess of the Abnobaei mountains, worshipped in the Black Forest [35]
    • Acionna/Axona: Goddess worshipped around 100 AD at the well called Fontaine l’Etuvée at Loiret in central France. [36]
    • Adsullata: Goddess of hot springs, with shrines along the river Savus in Austria, Brittany, and Bath. [37]
    • Belisama: A protective regional goddess worshipped in southern France and linked to the Roman goddess Minerva. [38]
    • Bergusia: Goddess of Mount Auxois, located northwest of present-day Dijon. [39]
    • Boann/Bóinn: Goddess of poetry and prophecy who ruled over the Boyne River in Ireland. [40]
    • Bormana: Goddess of sacred springs in Gaul. [41]
    • Bricta/Brixta: Goddess worshipped near Luxeuil, France, possibly representing the sun or fire. [42]
    • Brigantia: Patron goddess of the Brigantes tribe in northern England, possibly a version of the goddess Brigid. [43]
    • Coventina: British goddess of wells and springs. [44]
    • Damona: Goddess of a cult at the ancient city of Alesia. [45]
    • Divona: Goddess of clear water near present-day Bordeaux, France. [46]
    • Flidais: Irish goddess of woodlands and animals. [47]
    • Icauna: Goddess of the River Yonne. [48]
    • Icovellauna: A goddess with a temple near Metz in eastern France. [49]
    • Litavis: Goddess of the Lingones people of eastern France. [50]
    • Ricagambeda: Goddess worshipped near Birrens, Scotland. [51]
    • Ritona/Pritona: Although not much is known about her now, at least 6 inscriptions to Ritona have been found across present-day France and Germany. [52]
    • Rosmerta: Goddess of fertility and abundance worshipped by the Dobunni tribe in early Britain. [53]
    • Saitada/Satiada: Goddess of the Textoverdi tribe near Northumberland, England. [54]
    • Tamesis: Goddess identified by a statue above the River Thames, possibly the eastern goddess Isis. [55]
    • Trebaruna: Goddess of home and family worshipped by the Lisitanians. [56]
    • Verbeia: Water goddess worshipped at the River Wharfe near Ilkley Moor. [57]
    • Vesunna: Goddess with a temple near present-day Périgueux, France. [58]
    9. Advertisement
Section 5 of 5:

FAQs

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    What areas are included in Celtic mythology? The Celts resided in six separate regions. These regions were located in present-day Brittany, Cornwall, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Scotland, and Wales. [59]
  2. 2
    Do the same goddesses appear in different Celtic regions? Each Celtic region had its own mythology. Although some deities appeared in legends across multiple Celtic cultures, others are unique to a single region.
  3. 3
    Is there a Celtic moon goddess? There are several Celtic goddesses who are associated with the moon, but unlike Roman gods and goddesses, there’s typically not one deity assigned to any particular aspect.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      What Does Seeing a Bald Eagle Mean Spiritually?
      Which Herbs Are Best for Spiritual Protection? (20 Plants & Uses)
      What Do Wasps Mean Spiritually? Symbolism & Dream Interpretation
      How to
      Cast a Circle
      How to
      Call the Corners
      Why You Should Never Whistle in the Appalachian Mountains
      What Is Your Spirit Animal? 7 Ways to Find Out
      How to
      Perform a Fertility Spell: Rituals and Magical Items to Help You Conceive
      How to
      Make a Magic Wand
      How to
      Connect to Your Element
      How to
      Refuel Your Mana
      How to
      Manifest on a Full Moon
      How to
      Practice Shamanism
      How to
      Make a Pagan or Wiccan Altar
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://irishstudies.sunygeneseoenglish.org/eriu-mebd/
      2. ↑ https://druidry.org/resources/morrigan
      3. ↑ https://emeraldisle.ie/aoibhell-fairy-queen-of-love
      4. ↑ https://talesfromthewood.ie/aoibheall-the-fairy-queen-of-county-clare/
      5. ↑ https://irishpagan.school/aine/
      6. ↑ https://feminismandreligion.com/2013/03/13/rhiannon-goddess-of-birds-and-horses/
      7. ↑ https://feminismandreligion.com/2014/01/30/etain-the-shining-one-celtic-sun-goddess-by-judith-shaw/
      8. ↑ https://talesfromthewood.ie/the-goddess-cliodhna-queen-of-the-banshees/
      9. ↑ https://feminismandreligion.com/2013/10/31/fand-goddess-of-the-sea-a-shapeshifter-for-samhain-by-judith-shaw/
      1. ↑ https://emeraldisle.ie/niamh-and-oisin
      2. ↑ https://dn790003.ca.archive.org/0/items/mythologyofal03gray/mythologyofal03gray.pdf
      3. ↑ https://credoreference.libguides.com/c.php?g=139766&p=915787
      4. ↑ https://brehonacademy.org/tailtiu-the-divine-maternal-heartbeat-of-irelands-mythical-landscape/
      5. ↑ https://druidry.org/resources/brigid-survival-of-a-goddess
      6. ↑ https://irishpagan.school/airmid/
      7. ↑ https://www.suppressedhistories.net/secrethistory/gaelsgauls.html
      8. ↑ https://www.suppressedhistories.net/secrethistory/gaelsgauls.html
      9. ↑ https://feminismandreligion.com/2013/02/23/arianrhod-celtic-star-goddess-2/
      10. ↑ https://celticnative.com/sirona-celtic-goddess-of-healing/
      11. ↑ https://kids.kiddle.co/Ataegina
      12. ↑ https://thegoddessgarden.com/the-celtic-goddess-cerridwen/
      13. ↑ https://dn790003.ca.archive.org/0/items/mythologyofal03gray/mythologyofal03gray.pdf
      14. ↑ https://dn790003.ca.archive.org/0/items/mythologyofal03gray/mythologyofal03gray.pdf
      15. ↑ https://bardmythologies.com/aoife/
      16. ↑ https://coven.cloud/2021/11/03/a-beginners-guide-to-banba-the-irish-goddess/
      17. ↑ https://dn790003.ca.archive.org/0/items/mythologyofal03gray/mythologyofal03gray.pdf
      18. ↑ https://celticearthspirit.co.uk/folklore-mythology-culture/brythonic-deities/
      19. ↑ https://mythopedia.com/topics/cailleach
      20. ↑ https://www.moonfallmetaphysical.com/s/stories/eostre-ancient-celtic-goddess-of-fertility
      21. ↑ https://druidry.org/resources/blodeuwedd
      22. ↑ https://www.goddessiam.com/blogs/learn-about/tales-of-ancamna-celtic-goddess http://www.deomercurio.be/en/ancamnae.html
      23. ↑ https://earthandstarryheaven.com/2015/03/15/ancamna/
      24. ↑ https://feminismandreligion.com/2013/06/16/sulis-celtic-sun-goddess-of-healing-and-prophecy/
      25. ↑ https://feminismandreligion.com/2016/02/24/arduinna-gaulish-goddess-of-forests-and-hunting/
      26. ↑ https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.04.0059:alphabetic+letter=A:entry+group=3:entry=Abnoba
      27. ↑ https://brewminate.com/goddesses-in-celtic-religion-water-goddesses/
      28. ↑ https://druidnetwork.org/the-druid-heritage/the-abc-of-celtic-gods-and-goddesses/the-role-call/
      29. ↑ https://earthandstarryheaven.com/2015/03/02/belisama-most-brilliant/
      30. ↑ https://earthandstarryheaven.com/2017/12/06/ucuetis-and-bergusia/
      31. ↑ https://talesfromthewood.ie/boann-goddess-of-the-boyne/
      32. ↑ https://hearthfirehandworks.com/about-the-gods/gaulish-and-brythonic-celtic-gods/bormana/
      33. ↑ https://earthandstarryheaven.com/2015/03/03/brictabrixta/
      34. ↑ https://celticroundhouse.com/brigantia-goddess/
      35. ↑ https://druidry.org/resources/coventina
      36. ↑ https://earthandstarryheaven.com/2015/02/03/damona-divine-cow-of-the-sacred-waters/
      37. ↑ https://earthandstarryheaven.com/2015/04/21/divona/
      38. ↑ https://www.orderwhitemoon.org/goddess/flidais/index.html
      39. ↑ https://hal.science/hal-03275671/document
      40. ↑ https://earthandstarryheaven.com/2019/07/18/icovellauna/
      41. ↑ https://earthandstarryheaven.com/2019/09/04/litavi/
      42. ↑ https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4225/alter-to-goddess-ricagambeda-birrens/
      43. ↑ https://earthandstarryheaven.com/2018/10/
      44. ↑ https://goddessconference.com/rosmerta-the-great-provider/
      45. ↑ https://godsandgoddesses.org/celtic/satiada/
      46. ↑ https://kids.kiddle.co/River_Thames
      47. ↑ https://lebarty.bongchong.com/lusitanian-mythology/
      48. ↑ https://kids.kiddle.co/River_Wharfe
      49. ↑ https://mythus.fandom.com/wiki/Vesunna
      50. ↑ https://irishpagan.school/airmid/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 91 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement