Clíodhna, the legendary Queen of the Banshees, is closely linked to southern Ireland, particularly to County Cork. Revered as a Goddess of love and beauty, she is often depicted with three enchanting birds whose melodious songs were said to heal all ailments. Hearing their music would lull the listener into a profound slumber, awakening renewed and free from sickness.
Despite her ethereal beauty, possibly unmatched across the lands, Clíodhna’s tales take on darker tones. It is said that she would lead sailors to their watery demise, indifferent to the perils faced by mortals.
Her story takes a tragic turn when she left the Otherworld, known as ‘Tir Tairngire’, for the love of a mortal named Ciabhán, affectionately referred to as ‘Keevan of the Curling Locks’. This was a remarkable choice for a deity of her standing, yet Clíodhna chose to dwell among humans.
A fateful day ensued when Ciabhán embarked on a hunting trip. While he was away, Clíodhna stood at the seashore, only to be swept away by a wave summoned by Manannán MacLir, the divine sea figure. Since that incident, the tide at Glandore in Cork has been commemorated as ‘Tonn Chlíodhna’ or ‘Clíodhna’s Wave’, especially noticeable when a resounding wave crashes onto the shore.
Irish folklore now dictates that every ninth wave in a series is the most powerful, known as ‘Clíodhna’s wave’.
Clíodhna was held in high regard by several prominent Gaelic families throughout history. The ‘Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland’ references Donal III O’Donovan, an esteemed ancestor of the O’Donovan lineage, portraying him as the ‘Dragon of Clíodhna’, who bore the family legacy with honor and authority.
Her influence extended to the McCarthy clan of Desmond, who embraced Clíodhna as a protective spirit. One of the O’Leary clan members was even named Conor Clíodhna, illustrating her widespread renown among these historic southern tribes.
Among the myriad of stories, one of the most famous involves the Blarney Stone. Cormac McCarthy, while constructing his castle in Cork, found himself entangled in legal troubles and sought Clíodhna’s aid. In a dream, she advised him to kiss the first stone he encountered the next morning, promising that it would resolve his issues.
Following her counsel, McCarthy kissed the stone and, to his astonishment, displayed exceptional eloquence in court, effortlessly swaying the judges and winning his case. In gratitude, he incorporated the stone into a wall, which today attracts countless visitors eager to kiss it for good fortune.
The tale of the Blarney Stone gained further intrigue when Queen Elizabeth I struggled to persuade Cormac McCarthy to yield his stronghold to her. Her frustrations with his clever evasions and skillful rhetoric led her to brand his words as ‘Blarney,’ suggesting they carried no true weight.
Thus, Clíodhna’s legacy endures throughout Ireland. Her ancient palace was situated near Mallow in Cork, in an area still known as ‘Carrig-Cleena’ or ‘Cliodhna’s rock.’ With each mighty wave crashing upon the coastline, her story reverberates through the annals of Irish history, a timeless reminder of an age rich in myth and magic.
