Clíodhna- Celtic GodDeity"Queen of the Banshees of South Munster"
Also known as: Cliodhna and Cleena
Titles & Epithets
Domains
Symbols
Description
She left the Land of Promise for a mortal with curling locks, landing at Glandore harbour while her three birds sang songs that healed the sick. When Ciabhán went to hunt and Clíodhna fell asleep in their boat, a great wave rose and swept her back to the sea. The surf at Glandore has carried her voice ever since.
Mythology & Lore
The Three Birds
Clíodhna dwelt in Tír Tairngire, the Land of Promise, attended by three birds of brilliant plumage that fed on the apples of the Otherworld. Their song could heal the sick of any ailment.
The Elopement with Ciabhán
Ciabhán of the Curling Locks was a mortal youth whose beauty drew Clíodhna out of the Otherworld. She came to Ireland to be with him, landing at Glandore harbour in what is now County Cork. While Ciabhán went inland to hunt, Clíodhna remained in their boat and fell asleep. A great wave rose from the sea and swept her away. In the Dindsenchas, Manannán mac Lir sent the wave, unwilling to let a goddess of the Otherworld stay with a mortal.
Tonn Clíodhna
The wave that took her became Tonn Clíodhna. With Tonn Tuaithe and Tonn Rudraige, it roared out at the death of a king or the fall of a hero. The inlet at Glandore was ever afterward hers, and the sound of the surf there was called her voice. Her name survives in Carraig Clíodhna, a rock near Cork where she emerged from the sea.
The Banshee of Munster
In later Munster folklore, Clíodhna became the queen of the banshees of South Munster. She attached herself to the McCarthy clan, appearing before the death of prominent members.
Relationships
- Family