Goddess Clíodhna stands out as a captivating figure in Irish mythology, often depicted as the most beautiful woman in existence. She embodies love and serves as the Queen of the Banshees in Ireland. Clíodhna is considered a formidable Banshee herself, with her domain rooted in South Munster, particularly County Cork, where her legendary exploits are embedded in local folklore.
The tales surrounding Clíodhna are intriguing due to their contrasting narratives. Many portray her as kind and romantic, while others depict a more sinister side. This duality enhances her allure as one of the most compelling characters in Irish mythology.
The Magical Birds of Clíodhna
Residing in the enchanted Tír na nÓg, Clíodhna was accompanied by three vividly colored birds, each possessing extraordinary healing abilities from consuming apples from Tír na nÓg’s sacred trees. According to legend, these birds would sing to anyone suffering from illness or injury, gently coaxing them into a restful slumber, resulting in their eventual recovery upon awakening.
Artistic depictions of these birds often show them as exotic creatures. However, I envision them as vibrant, familiar songbirds like robins, blue tits, and goldfinches, commonly found in the Irish countryside.
Clíodhna and Ciabhán
No Irish myth would be complete without a poignant love story, and Clíodhna’s is no exception. She fell in love with a mortal man named Ciabhán, also known as ‘of the Curling Locks’. In a remarkable act of devotion, she chose to leave the Otherworld where she belonged, dwelling among the Tuatha Dé Danann, to pursue a life with him in the human realm.
As the tale unfolds, Ciabhán would often go hunting while Clíodhna waited for him upon the shore. One fateful day, she fell asleep, and Manannán Mac Lir, a King of the Tuatha Dé Danann, conjured a massive wave that swept her out to sea, resulting in her tragic drowning. Today, the tide in Glandore, County Cork, carries her name, referred to as ‘Tonn Chlíodhna’ or ‘Clíodhna’s Wave’. According to prophecy, she may one day call forth a wave capable of engulfing all of Munster.
Clíodhna and the Blarney Stone
Among the various legends of Clíodhna, the Blarney Stone story stands out as one of Ireland’s cultural landmarks. In this story, Cormac McCarthy faced a legal dilemma while constructing his castle. In desperation, he sought Clíodhna’s assistance. During a dream, she advised him to kiss the first stone he encountered the next morning on his way to court.
Following her guidance, Cormac proceeded to court and, endowing his case with newfound eloquence, effortlessly triumphed. This incident led to the Blarney Stone becoming associated with the ‘gift of the gab’. Grateful for his victory, McCarthy incorporated the stone into the wall of Blarney Castle, which continues to draw countless visitors each year hoping to gain Clíodhna’s gift of eloquence.
Other Mystical Tales
Clíodhna’s mythology extends into additional narratives. One chilling aspect of her lore is her role in leading many young men to their demise, using her enchanting beauty to lure them to the shore, ultimately resulting in their drowning. This connection may explain persistent superstitions that caution against seeing a woman before embarking on a sea voyage.
Moreover, Clíodhna is intertwined with several ancient Munster families, such as the McCarthys, the O’Donovans, and the O’Collins. Traditionally, it is believed that these families alone can hear her sorrowful wail as a Banshee heralding their death, although this phenomenon has supposedly not been observed for many generations.
