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| In ], '''Brigid''' or '''Brighid''' ("exalted one") was the daughter of ] (and therefore one of the ]) and wife of ] of the ]. She had two sisters, also named Brighid, and is considered a classic Celtic ]. | In ], '''Brigid''' or '''Brighid''' ("exalted one") was the daughter of ] (and therefore one of the ]) and wife of ] of the ]. She had two sisters, also named Brighid, and is considered a classic Celtic ]. | ||
| ==Etymology of the |
==Etymology of the name== | ||
| Etymological lexical forms reconstructed in the University of Wales' Proto-Celtic lexicon |
Etymological lexical forms reconstructed in the University of Wales' Proto-Celtic lexicon , suggest that the name is likely to be ultimately derived from the Proto-Celtic *Brigantījā or *Brigantīs, a word with the semantic connotations of ‘Loftiness, Elevated State', or 'Elevated One.'This apparent semantic connotation has led Dr. John Koch at the University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh & Celtic Studies to suggest that this mythic personality may well personify “elevated state”. This theory, if it is correct, would account for the associations with physical and psychological states of elevation, whether of uplands, high-rising flames, good health or martial, metallurgic and artistic skills. | ||
| ==Titles== | ==Titles== | ||
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| *"Fire of the Forge" - patroness of smiths, craftsmen and warriors | *"Fire of the Forge" - patroness of smiths, craftsmen and warriors | ||
| ==Familial |
==Familial relations== | ||
| By ], she was the mother of ], ] and ]. | By ], she was the mother of ], ] and ]. | ||
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| Brigid possessed an ] orchard in the Otherworld; ]s traveled there to obtain magical nectar. This orchard was associated with ]. The ] in ] may be based on Brigid. | Brigid possessed an ] orchard in the Otherworld; ]s traveled there to obtain magical nectar. This orchard was associated with ]. The ] in ] may be based on Brigid. | ||
| ==Divine |
==Divine responsibilities== | ||
| ⚫ | Brigid was the goddess of the ] and the patron goddess of the ]. She was the goddess of all things perceived to be of relatively high dimensions such as high-rising flames, highlands, hill-forts and upland areas; and of activities and states conceived as psychologically lofty and elevated, such as wisdom, excellence, perfection, high intelligence, poetic eloquence, craftsmanship, healing ability, druidic knowledge and skill in warfare. She seems to have been the Celtic equivalent of the Roman ] and the Greek ] (Encyclopedia Britannica: Celtic Religion), a goddesses with very similar functions and apparently embodying the same concept of 'elevated state', whether physical or psychological. | ||
| Brigid was the goddess of the ] and the patron goddess of the ]. | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ==Incorporation into Christianity== | ==Incorporation into Christianity== | ||
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| ==Festivals== | ==Festivals== | ||
| On ], Brigid was celebrated at ], when she brought spring to the land. It is also the ] of St Brigid (who is honored by Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and some Anglicans). | On ], Brigid was celebrated at ], when she brought spring to the land. It is also the ] of St Brigid (who is honored by Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and some Anglicans). | ||
| ==Other names== | ==Other names== | ||
Revision as of 12:51, 29 May 2005
In Irish mythology, Brigid or Brighid ("exalted one") was the daughter of Dagda (and therefore one of the Tuatha Dé Danann) and wife of Bres of the Fomorians. She had two sisters, also named Brighid, and is considered a classic Celtic Triple Goddess.
Etymology of the name
Etymological lexical forms reconstructed in the University of Wales' Proto-Celtic lexicon , suggest that the name is likely to be ultimately derived from the Proto-Celtic *Brigantījā or *Brigantīs, a word with the semantic connotations of ‘Loftiness, Elevated State', or 'Elevated One.'This apparent semantic connotation has led Dr. John Koch at the University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh & Celtic Studies to suggest that this mythic personality may well personify “elevated state”. This theory, if it is correct, would account for the associations with physical and psychological states of elevation, whether of uplands, high-rising flames, good health or martial, metallurgic and artistic skills.
Titles
Some of her titles included:
- "Fire of Inspiration" - patroness of poets
- "Fire of the Hearth" - patroness of healers, goddess of fertility
- "Fire of the Forge" - patroness of smiths, craftsmen and warriors
Familial relations
By Tuireann, she was the mother of Creidhne, Luchtaine and Goibniu.
Associations
Brigid possessed an apple orchard in the Otherworld; bees traveled there to obtain magical nectar. This orchard was associated with Avalon. The Lady of the Lake in Arthurian Legend may be based on Brigid.
Divine responsibilities
Brigid was the goddess of the Sacred Flame of Kildare and the patron goddess of the Druids. She was the goddess of all things perceived to be of relatively high dimensions such as high-rising flames, highlands, hill-forts and upland areas; and of activities and states conceived as psychologically lofty and elevated, such as wisdom, excellence, perfection, high intelligence, poetic eloquence, craftsmanship, healing ability, druidic knowledge and skill in warfare. She seems to have been the Celtic equivalent of the Roman Minerva and the Greek Athena (Encyclopedia Britannica: Celtic Religion), a goddesses with very similar functions and apparently embodying the same concept of 'elevated state', whether physical or psychological.
Incorporation into Christianity
After the Christianization of the Celts, Brigid was considered the foster mother of Jesus and was often called St. Brigid, daughter of the druid, Dougal the Brown. Some sources suggest that Saint Brigid was an Irish Catholic bishop.
Festivals
On February 1, Brigid was celebrated at Imbolc, when she brought spring to the land. It is also the feast day of St Brigid (who is honored by Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and some Anglicans).
Other names
- Brigid (Ireland)
- Brighid (Ireland)
- Bridget (Ireland) Anglicised version of the gaelic name.
- Brid
- Bride (Scotland)
- Ffraid (Wales)
- Breo Saighead ("the fiery arrow")
- Berecyntia (Gaul)
- Brigan
- Brigandu (Gaul)
- Brigantia
- Brigantis (Briton)
- Brigindo (Switzerland)