Uncommon Folk 31 Days of Winter- The Cailleach

Unlock the mysteries of Gaelic mythology as we explore the enigmatic figure of the Cailleach, a powerful divine hag whose presence looms large in the folklore of Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. What secrets does she hold in her giant form, with her blue skin and single eye, as she shapes landscapes and wields the forces of winter? Join us as we unravel her dual nature, one that both resists the coming of spring and guides those worthy of her wisdom. Discover how she collaborates with the goddess Bridey in the eternal dance of the seasons, leaving an indelible mark on myth and poetry. 

Thanks for listening!

Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes.
You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:07

Kaliach. Now, in Gaelic mythology the Kaliach is a divine hag and ancestor. Now the name literally means old woman and hag and it's found this meaning is found in sort of modern Irish, scottish Gaelic and it's been applied to numerous mythological and, you know, folkloric figures. In Ireland in particular, I mean in Scotland, in the Isle of man modern Irish folklore studies she's sometimes known as the Hag of Beira Beira, yeah, and in Scotland she's known as Beira, the Queen of Winter. Various descriptions of her appearance giant blue skin, one eye, long grey hair with a sort of bow-legged gait which is handy for climbing over mountains and things like that. There are many descriptions of what she's about. She's a symbol of transition and change, although some people say she's more malevolent. She fights to keep spring away, although she has been known to guide kings as well. So she's credited with making numerous mountains and large hills in both Scotland and Ireland and she's in partnership with the goddess Bridey. So she's part of a seasonal deity, part of the cyclical nature of winter and the seasons. She has destructive aspect of her and there are the old women and storm hags they're known as and they destroy the land with the powers of nature during winter and spring. So there's a lot of contrasting elements to the carliac um and, but most of them very powerful, very strong and someone you don't want to mess with, Though if you seek advice as a king, you have to earn her respect. A very powerful woman.

Speaker 1: 2:42

A lot of poems have been written about her and her kin. In some places I was customary to burn outside and wassail and drink around the log, and it has numerous names Yule log, yule block. In Wales it's called the bonkif, nadolig or block in a goelia, which is the Christmas log or the festival block, and it's celebrated across the world, largely Europe and, like I said, america. But there's so many traditions around this U log and it makes sense to have a very part of the year and you would burn it until Christmas day arrived.