Myths and Legends of the Celts (Penguin Reference)

by James MacKillop

  Ailill (al-yil) Father of the first Étaín in Tochmarc Étaíne.

  Ailill Anglonnach (al-yil ahng-lon-ăkh) Brother of Eochaid Airem, smitten with Étaín.

  Ailill mac Máta (al-yil mahk mawd-ě) Husband of Medb; their domestic quarrel begins the action of Táin Bó Cuailnge.

  Aillén mac Midgna (al-yayn mahk mith-gěnă) The ‘burner’ who harassed Tara until eliminated by Fionn mac Cumhaill.

  Aillén Tréchenn (al-yayn tray-khěn) Monster who wreaked havoc upon Ireland every Samain until eliminated by the poet Amairgin.

  Áine (aw-ně; Modlr. awn-yě, en-yă) One of Fionn mac Cumhaill’s many lovers.

  Airgialla (ahr-γahl-ă, ahr-γeeal-ă) A tribe or a people who held territory in the north of Ireland, living near Lough Foyle, in the first millennium AD.

  Airmid (ar-vith) Irish healing god, daughter of Dian Cécht.

  Aitheachthuatha (ath-ekh-oo-ath-ă) ‘Plebeian tribes’, an underclass of subject tribes with no king of their own, dominated by the Tuatha Dé Danann.

  Alba (ahl-ě-bă) An ancient name for Scotland.

  Alésia (ahl-ays-ee-ă, ahl-ay-shă) Fortified settlement or proto-city of eastern Gaul, in what is now Burgundy.

  Allen, Hill of Supposed residence of Fionn mac Cumhaill in Co. Kildare.

  AM See Anno Mundi.

  Amairgin (av-ăr-gin, av-ăr-γin, ah-măr-gin) Poet of the Milesians, often cited as the first poet of Ireland.

  amhrán (ahr-awn) Accentuated metre of early Irish poetry.

  Ana (ahn-ă) Principal goddess of pre-Christian Ireland.

  Andraste (ahn-drast-ě) Shadowy British war goddess invoked by Boudicca.

  Aneirin (ă-nI-rin) Shadowy sixth-century Welsh poet, thought to be the author of the battle poem Y Gododdin. One of the two cynfeirdd [oldest poets] with Taliesin.

  Angus (ang-us; cf. Ir. Óengus: oin-γus, ayn-eeas) Son of Áed Abrat, visits Cúchulainn on his sickbed.

  Angus Óg (ang-us ohg) Irish god of poetry and son of the Dagda.

  Anluan (ahn-looăn) Brother of Cet, beheaded by Conall Cernach.

  Anno Mundi; AM (an-oh mun-dee) The year of the world, according to conflicting interpretations of the biblical story of creation. AM I was posited to be 5200 BC, 5198 BC, 5090 BC and 3952 BC.

  Annwfn, Annwn (ahn-oovn, ahn-oon) The Welsh otherworld.

  aos sídhe (ees shee) Irish for ‘people of the sídh’, i.e. fairies.

  Apollo (ă-pol-oh) Classical name given by Romans to series of indigenous Gaulish gods, some of whom are distinguished by suffixes, e.g. Apollo Grannus, etc.

  Arawn (ahr-awn) King of Annwfn; he and Pwyll agree to change places.

  Arberth (ahr-berth) Residence or court of Pwyll in Dyfed, near the modern town of Narberth.

  Arca Dubh [Black Arky] (ahrk-ă doov) Representative adversary of Fionn mac Cumhaill.

  Arianrhod, Aranrhod (ahr-yahn-rhohd, ahr-ee-ahn-rhohd, ahr-ahn-rhohd, ahr-ee-ahn-rhohd) Sister and lover of Gwydion, mother of Lieu Llaw Gyffes and Dylan.

  Armorica (ar-mohr-ĭk-ă) Ancient name of Brittany.

  Assal (ahs-ăl) King of the Golden Pillars; the sons of Tuireann must retrieve his magical pigs.

  Áth Fhirdiad (awth-ir-dee-ăd; Modlr. ah-ir dee-ă) Ford on the River Dee where Cúchulainn duels with Ferdiad; the modern name is Ardee, 14 miles north of Drogheda, Co. Louth.

  Áth Luain [ford of the loins] (awth-loo-ĭn, ah loo-ĭn) Principal ford of the River Shannon, coextensive with the modern town of Athlone.

  Badb (bahv, bIv, bowv, bahthv) Evil early Irish war goddess who delights in slaughter, much associated with crows. One of the trinity Mórrígna with Macha and Mórrígan.

  badhbh chaointe [Ir. weeping crow] (bahv, bIv kheen-tyě) Mournful scavenger of death in modern Irish folk tradition.

  ball seirce (bal shirk-yě) ‘Love spot’ of Diarmait Ua Duibne that makes him irresistible to women.

  Balor (bah-lor) Monstrous Fomorian leader whose evil or baleful eye can annihilate all upon whom he casts it.

  Banba (ban-vă, ban-bă) One of a trio of wives of Tuatha Dé Danann chiefs, along with Ériu and Fodla, who encounter the invading Milesians. Her name was later an alternative poetic name for Ireland (Éire).

  banshee (ban-shee) Woman of Irish and Scottish Gaelic folk tradition who foretells misfortune and death but does not cause it.

  Barbarossa (bar-bar-ohs-ă) Name in Teutonic legend for Frederick I (1123?-1190), the Holy Roman Emperor.

  bard (bahrd) Generic name for a class of esteemed poets who went under different names in different countries. Of lower status than a druid or vates or Irish filid.

  bean nighe (ben, ban nee-ě) Scottish Gaelic name for the washer at the ford.

  Bébinn (bay-veen) Name of several great Irish beauties.

  Bebo (bev-ŏ) Queen of the fairies in the thirteenth-century Echtra Fergusa maic Léite.

  Bé Chuma (bay-khoom-ă) Beautiful but wicked adulteress whose liaison with Gaidiar, son of Manannán mac Lir, causes her to be banished.

  Bedwyr (bed-weer) Welsh member of King Arthur’s court.

  Belenus (bel-ěn-ŭs, bel-ayn-ŭ) Gaulish god whose cult stretched from Italy to Britain; perhaps an aspect of Apollo.

  Belgae (bel-jee) Ancient P-Celtic people of the continent and Britain. The modern nation of Belgium may be named for them, but Belgians are not necessarily identical with the Belgae.

  Beli Mawr (bel-ee mawr) Welsh ancestor deity, mate of Dôn.

  Beltaine (bel-tin-ě, bal-tin-ě) Celtic spring festival, usually around 1 May.

  Ben Bulben (ben bul-běn) Peak, 1,722 ft, 10–12 miles NW of Sligo town, Co. Sligo, rich in heroic and legendary associations.

  Bendigeidfran, Brân the Blessed (ben-di-gI-vran, brahn) Celtic sea deity, later described as a king of Britain. A leading figure of early Welsh literature, including the Mabinogi.

  Bibracte (bĭ-brahk-tě) Fortified Gaulish city atop Mt Beuvray, near the modern town of Auton in eastern France. Findings here argued for a more sophisticated and complex society than previous records had implied.

  Birog (bir-ohg) Druidess who helps Cian seduce Eithne.

  Bladma (blath-vă) Minor Milesian invader for whom the Sliab Bladma [Slieve Bloom] mountains are named.

  Blaí (blah-ee) Alternative name for Sadb.

  Blái Briuga (blah-ee bree-ooγă) Hospitaller of Ulster, one of Cúchulainn’s seven foster-fathers.

  Bláithíne, Bláthnat, Blanid (blaw-ĭ-ně, blaw-nid) Wife of Cú Roí who betrays her husband for an affair with Cúchulainn.

  Bleiddwn [wolf cub] (blIth-oon) Lupine offspring of a transformed Gwydion and Gilfaethwy.

  Blodeuedd (blo-di-eth, blo-dI-weth) Leading female figure in the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi whose beauty brings much ill.

  Boadach (both-ăkh) Sometimes cited ruler of the otherworldly Mag Mell.

  Boand, Bóinn (boh-ănd, bohn, boh-ĭn) Goddess of the River Boyne, an anglicization of her name.

  Bodb Derg (bohv, bohthv jer-ěg) Son of the Dagda, foster-father of the children of Lir.

  Bodhmall (bohy-mal) Druidess aunt of Fionn mac Cumhaill, also his nurse.

  Bodua (boh-dwă) Gaulish battle goddess.

  Borba [harsh, arrogant] (bohr-va) Representative adversary of Fionn mac Cumhaill.

  Borvo, Bormo, Bormanus (bohr-vo) Gaulish healing god, often portrayed with Damona.

  Boudicca (boo-dik-ă, boo-deek-ă) Historical British queen (first century AD) who led a rebellion against the Romans.

  Brahan Castle (brah-ăn) Fifteen miles northeast of the city of Inverness.

  Brahan Seer (brah-ăn) Legendary, gloomy, seventeenth-century Scottish Gaelic prophet, perhaps known in life as Coinneach Odhar Fiosaiche.

  Bran (brahn) One of Fionn mac Cumhaill’s favoured dogs; the other is Sceolang.

  Bran the Blessed See Bendigeidfran.

  Bran mac Febail (brahn mahk fev-ĭl) Protagonist of the eighth-century Irish Imram Brain, the oldest surviving story of a voyage to the otherworld.

  Branwen (brahn-wen) Daughter
of Llŷr, title character of the Second Branch of the Mabinogi.

  Breaga (bree-aγă) Lesser Milesian invader, an uncle of Míl Espáine, for whom the medieval petty kingdom of Brega/Bregia was named.

  Brega (bre-ghă) The plain between the Liffey and Boyne Rivers.

  Brehon Laws (breh-ohn) Native Irish law in widespread use before Norman invasion, 1169–70.

  Breizh (brez) Breton name for Brittany.

  Brendan, St (brend-ăn) Historical Irish monk (d. 577), the story of whose voyage across the Atlantic, possibly to the New World, was composed 300 years after his death.

  Breogan (bre-oγ-ăn) Milesian leader who built a high tower at Brigantium (modern La Coruña), Spain, allowing his son Íth to see Ireland.

  Bres (bres) Vain king of the Tuatha Dé Danann at the Second Battle of Mag Tuired.

  Brí Léith (bree lay) Sídh in Co. Longford, residence of Midir, lover of Étaín.

  Brian (bree-ăn) Most prominent of the three sons of Tuireann.

  Brian Bórama, Boru (bree-ăn bohr-ă-vă, bohr-oo-wa, bohr-oo) Powerful Irish ard rí who defeated the Norsemen at Clontarf, AD 1014.

  Briccriu Neimthenga [bitter-tongued] (brik-roo nev-theng-ă) Sharp-mouthed troublemaker of the Ulster Cycle.

  Brigantia (bri-gahnt-eeă) Tribal goddess of north Britain.

  Brigantium (bri-gahnt-eeŭm) Old name for La Coruña, Spain, where Breogan builds a tower allowing Íth and the Milesians to see Ireland.

  Brigid, St (breed, breej, ang. brij-id) The ‘Mary of the Gael’, one of the three principal saints of Ireland, thought to have lived c.460-c.528.

  Brigit (breed, bree-γid) Pre-Christian fire-goddess of Kildare.

  Brocéliande (broh-sayl-ee-ahnd) Actual forest in eastern Brittany, 24 miles southwest of Rennes, scene of many episodes in the Arthurian legends.

  Brug na Bóinne [Ir. hostel of the Boyne] (broogh, brooγ, broo-; nă-boi-nyă, nă-bohn-ă) Early literature implies this is the Irish language name for the passage-grave of Newgrange in the Boyne valley. At the contemporary Visitor Centre the Modern Irish Bru na Boinne denotes three neighbouring passage-graves, Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth, as well as some forty smaller ones.

  Bruidhean… [hostel, banqueting hall] (brooth-ăn) First word in titles of Fenian stories in which the fighters find themselves trapped in enchanted dwellings.

  Búanann (booăn-ăn) Amazon-like martial tutor of Fionn mac Cumhaill.

  Buide mac Báin (booth-ě mahk bawn) He is driving Dunn Cuailnge when Cúchulainn finds him and kills him.

  Cáer (kayr) Swan maiden loved by Angus Óg; nicknamed Ibormeith [yew berry].

  Caer Feddwid [W. court of intoxication or carousal] (kIr veth-id) Alternative early name for Annwfn.

  Caer Siddi (kIr sith-ĭ) Alternative name for the Welsh otherworld, Annwfn.

  Cahirconree (ka-hir-kon-ree) Iron Age ruin on the Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry, possibly the site of Cú Roi’s fortress.

  Caicer (ko-her, ka-her) Milesian druid who predicts his people will live in Ireland.

  Cailb (kahl-ěv) Ugly, haggish seer of early Irish literature.

  Cailitin (kah-lit-ĭn) Irish wizard, friend of Medb, who does battle with Cúchulainn.

  Cailleach Bhéirre (kol-yukh, kahl-yukh; VI-rŭ, vay-rě) Ugly Irish sovereignty figure, associated with the Province of Munster, especially the Beare Peninsula; often called the ‘Hag of Beare’ in English.

  Caílte mac Rónáin (keel-tě mahk rohn-awn) Best runner of the Fianna Éireann, a companion and possible nephew of Fionn; he survives to tell St Patrick of heroic pre-Christian days. Modlr.: Caoilte (kweel-tě).

  Cairbre Cinn-Chait (kor-bray, kahr-bray, kahr-ě-bray, kahr-bir-ě; kin-khaht) Plebeian usurper of Milesian hegemony.

  Cairbre Lifechair (kor-bray, kahr-bray, kahr-ě-bray, kahr-bir-ě; lif-ohkh-ĭr, lif-ekh-ăr) Son of Cormac mac Airt.

  Cairbre Nia Fer (kor-bray, kahr-bray, kahr-ě-bray, kahr-bir-ě; nee-ă-fer) Elder brother of Ailill mac Máta who is killed by Cúchulainn. His son Erc avenges his father’s death.

  Cairpre (kor-bray, kahr-bray, kahr-ě-bray, kahr-bir-ě) Satirist of the Tuatha Dé Danann.

  Caitlín, or Céthlionn (kath-leen) Ugly, crooked-toothed wife of Balor.

  Caladbolg (kahl-ăth-bohl-ěgh) Widely cited sword of early Irish literature, usually attributed to Fergus mac Róich and Fergus mac Léti.

  Calan Mai (kahl-ăn mi) Welsh name for May Day.

  Caledonia (kal-ě-dohn-ee-ă) An ancient name for Scotland.

  Cáma (kawv-ă) Female Fenian chief and custodian who survives the general destruction of the Fianna Éireann.

  Camel (kahv-ěl, kahm-ěl) Co-gatekeeper, with Gamel, of Tara.

  cantred (kahn-tred) A region of approximately 100 townships in medieval Wales; also cantref (kahn-trev).

  Caoilte (kweel-tě) Modern Irish for Caílte.

  castros (kahs-trohs) Small, defended Celtic-era towns in Spain; homes of the mouros, Galician fairy folk.

  Cathach Chatutchenn [bellicose, hard-headed] (kahth-ăkh kahd-ud-khen) Female warrior in love with Cúchulainn.

  Cathbad (kahth-vahd, kahth-vahth, kahf-ă) Chief druid in the court of Conchobar mac Nessa who predicts Deirdre will cause enmity leading to the destruction of Emain Macha and other calamities.

  Caw (kow) Member of Culhwch’s party who shaves the giant Ysbaddaden.

  Céadach (kI-dukh, kay-dukh) Comic, unwanted ‘helper’ in Fenian tales from oral tradition.

  Cei (kI) Welsh member of King Arthur’s court, anticipation of Sir Kay.

  Céis Chorrain [Keshcorran] (kaysh khohr-awn) Hill, 1183 ft, in Co. Sligo, with many Fenian associations. Longtime residence of Diarmait and Gráinne.

  Celtchair mac Uithechair (kelt-khar mahk uth-ekh-ĭr) Ulster warrior held as a guarantee in Conchobar’s bargaining with Fintan.

  Celyddon Wledig (kel-uth-ŏn oo-led-ig) Princely but shadowy grandfather of Culhwch.

  Ceridwen (ker-id-wen) Ugly, shape-shifting witch in north Wales who keeps a cauldron of knowledge at the bottom of Lake Bala; her children are fair Creirwy and hideous Morfran. She also gives birth to Taliesin.

  Cernunnos (ker-noon-ŏs, ker-nun-ŏs) Stag-horned deity of the continental Celts, portrayed on the Gundestrup Cauldron; widely worshipped.

  Cesair (kes-ĭr) Leader of the first invasion of Ireland, according to Lebor Gabála Érenn.

  Cet mac Mágach (kat, ket mahk mahγ-ăkh) Boastful Connacht hero challenged by Conall Cernach.

  Cethern mac Fintain (keh-arn, keth-ern mahk fin-tawn) Ulster warrior who steps forward while Cúchulainn lies stricken from the duel with Ferdiad. Also tutors Fionn mac Cumhaill.

  Cian (kee-ăn) A son of Dian Cécht who seduces Eithne to produce Lug Lámfhota; later humiliated and killed by the sons of Tuireann.

  Cichol (kikh-ŏl) Rapacious leader of the Fomorians.

  Cigfa (kig-va) Wife of Pryderi in Third Branch of the Mabinogi.

  Cilydd (kil-eth) Father of Culhwch.

  Cimbáeth (kim-bay, kim-bayth) Ulster king, husband of Macha/Mong Ruadh.

  Cináed mac Alpín [Kenneth MacAlpin] (kun-ay mahk ahl-pin) Historical king of the Gaels who founded Scotland in 844.

  cláenmíla (klIn-veel-ă) Untranslatable ‘crooked beasts’ or ‘evil beasts’ that Conaire Mór is forbidden to hunt; perhaps swans, as his mother had been impregnated by a bird man.

  Claidheamh Soluis [sword of light] (kleev sohl-ush) Also Cruaidin Catutchenn. Name for Cúchulainn’s sword in oral tradition.

  Clan Baíscne (klahn bahsk-ĭn-ě) Family of Fionn mac Cumhaill.

  Clan Morna (klahn mohrn-ă) Goll’s clan, rivals to Clan Baíscne.

  Clettig (klet-ĭgh) Sídh in the Boyne valley near Newgrange, residence of Elcmar.

  Clothra (kloh-ră, klohth-ră) Sister of Medb, killed by her while pregnant with Furbaide Ferbend.

  Coímín, Micheál (kohv-een, mee-hahl) Irish poet (1688–1760) who composed the most polished version of the Oisín and Niam story, c.1750.

  Coinneach Odhar Fiosaiche (kohn-yakh oh-ăr fis-ik
h) Scottish Gaelic name for the Brahan Seer, the seventeenth-century prophet.

  Coligny Calendar (kohl-een-yee) First-century AD bronze plates named for the place of their recovery in eastern France; they detail the Gaulish conception of time.