Morrigan (queen of demons) Origin of name: Celtic [Irish]. War, fertility,
and vegetation goddess. Synonyms: Macha (Ulster), Medb or Maeve (Connaught); Etain
Echraide (Tara); also probably Badb Catha; Eriu, Fodla, Nemain, Rhiannon. Center(s) of
Worship: various sanctuaries throughout Ireland. Literary References: "Book of Invasions"
and "Cycles of Kings."
A complex goddess displaying various characteristics that are both generative and
destructive (see also Anat, Inana, Istar, and Athena). At the festival of Samhain,
she mates with the Dagda to ensure the future prosperity of the land and as Queen Maeve
(Medb) of Connaught she was ritually wedded to the mortal king whose antecedent was
Ailill. As Nemain (panic) and Badb Catha (raven of battle), she takes on a more
warlike and destructive aspect. Rather than engaging directly in conflict, she uses
her supernatural powers to spread fear and disarray. The Irish hero Cu Chulainn was
thus visited on the battlefield by Badb driving a chariot and dressed in a red cloak
and with red eyebrows presenting an all-intimidating appearance. She is capable of changing
her shape into various animal forms and in the guise of a raven or a crow is able to
foretell the outcome of a battle.
Morrigan is also closely associated with
horse symbolism, befitting a horse-oriented culture with strong links toward Asia.
Mare forms the basis of the name Macha and Medb. She may at times have been syncritized
with the horse goddess Epona. As with other Celtic goddesses, Morrigan is an intrinsic
part of the land rather than a tribal deity, the "Sovereignity of Ireland."
The Celtic goddess is frequently described as a triad of separate aspects. Hence
Morrigan, Nemain and Badb are linked and become collectively the Morrigna (see
also Matres). In association with the vitality of Irish kings, Morrigan assumed the
appearance both of a young girl and of a hag, the latter signaling the banishment or
slaughter of a ruler who had become infirm or otherwise scarred with signs of mortality.
Source: Encyclopedia of Gods 12-13-97
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