11/03/2025
To celebrate the great one’s return this week we will be looking into the folklore of The Cailleach
The Cailleach is a primordial figure in Celtic mythology associated with the creation of the landscape and the personification of winter. Also known as Beira, Queen of Winter, she is a goddess of both destruction and creation, responsible for storms and winter's arrival, but also the guardian of fertility, life, and wild animals like deer and wolves. She is often depicted as a powerful, one-eyed old woman or hag whose name means "veiled one".
Winter and storms: The Cailleach is the bringer of winter. According to legend, she appears on Samhain (October 31st) and strikes the ground with her magical staff, causing it to freeze and ushering in the cold season.
Creation and landscape: She is credited with creating the land, with myths describing her dropping rocks and boulders from her creel or pounding the earth with her staff to form mountains and valleys. Many places in Scotland and Ireland are named after her.
Dual nature: She is a figure of balance, embodying both destruction and creation. While she brings storms and death to the land, she is also associated with the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. In some stories, she transforms from a hideous old woman into a beautiful young woman after being shown kindness.
Association with animals: The Cailleach is the protector of wild animals and is associated with horned animals like cattle and deer, as well as wolves.
Symbolism: Her one eye is sometimes seen as representing her ability to see beyond the ordinary. The word "Cailleach" itself can also refer to a widowed or celibate woman, or even a nun.
