Irish Mams: Celtic mothers and their stories
Written by Gemma on Apr. 30, 2025 | 0 Comments
The quintessential Irish Mother, the mammy, is a cultural institution here in Ireland, from books to social media feeds to TV and movies. Famously selfless and at times downright formidable, "the Mammy" is at the heart of many Irish families. And if you look back at Irish mythology, you'll find that this formidable figure may have some truly ancient roots.
Brenda Fricker won an Oscar for her turn as a quintessential Irish Mam in My Left Foot in some more recent mythologising on the silver screen.
Photo Credit: Alan Light (CC BY 2.0)
Stories of Irish Mothers
Stories and myths that celebrate Mothers and Mother figures abound in Irish culture and especially in Irish mythology, with some of these stories many hundreds or even thousands of years old.
1) The mother of gods: Danu
Also occasionally referred to as Anu, Danu is the mother goddess of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the supernatural folk who lived in Ireland long before us mere mortals! Their name, roughly translated, means “the people of Danu,” showing the importance of this goddess. Believed to be the equivalent of the Greek goddess Demeter, Danu represented the earth and its bounty, giving and supporting life, and so she was the ultimate mother figure.
A sterling silver "Danu" ring was inspired by the tales of this Mother goddess.
2) Ireland's mother: Ériu
Another Irish goddess with links to the land is Ériu, who’s name means 'plentiful' or ‘abundant.’ Like Danu, Ériu was a member of the Tuatha Dé Danann and is
described in the 11th Century text “Lebor Gabála Érenn,” as a queen and some say a sovereignty goddess, representing the verdant land on which she lived.
A statue of Ériu created by artist Patsy Preston on the Hill of Uisneach.
This tie was so strong that Ériu gave the mortal inhabitants claim over our island - or so the story goes! After sensing that it was the time was nigh for the Tuatha Dé Danann to return to their supernatural realm, Ériu met with the mortals at the symbolic center of Ireland, the sacred Hill of Uisneach saying:
"Warriors, welcome to you. It is long since your coming is prophesied. Yours will be the island forever. There is not better island in the world.
Ériu's kind offer came with one request which was more of an ultimatum really...
"thou shalt have no gain of this island nor will thy children. A gift to me... that my name may be upon this island!"
The humans happily agreed, Ireland got it's name, (Eire, as it is known in modern Irish), and Ériu retreated to the otherworld with the rest of the Tuatha Dé Danann, where she is said to be to this day watching over the fate of the land and all who live there. This goddess is remembered in May at the festival of Belataine, with the biggest fire festival held each year at Uisneach.
More about Uisneach, Belataine and the Celtic Festival of Fire
3) A Strong Mother: Macha
Macha pops up in several stories in Irish mythology, and like Danu and Ériu, she is strongly associated with the land but also with physical prowess and even war. In one of the most famous tales about her, a heavily pregnant Macha wins a footrace against the Ulster King's fastest horses to save her boastful husband's life.
Macha was understandably not pleased about having to race in her condition - so she cursed the men of Ulster for their callousness, captured in this illustration from The Boys' Cuchulain (1904)
Photo Credit: Stephen Reid (Public Domain)
After winning the race, Macha promptly went into labour, as you would! She birthed twins, and before dying from the exertion of it all, she cursed the cruel men of Ulster who forced her to race, saying that they would become “as weak as a woman in childbirth” in their greatest time of need. This later came back to haunt the Ulster men during the famous Cattle Raid of Cooley, where none but the formidable Cú Chulainn were capable of fighting under Macha’s dying curse.
This story is often referred to as a cautionary tale for those in power to respect their charges - and a reminder, if any was needed, not to anger a pregnant mother!
4) The Fierce Mother: Neasa
There are plenty of other formidable women in Irish mythology too with Nessa, also known as Ness or Neasa, a perfect example. In some versions of her tale, Nessa was known as Assa as a child. Roughly translated, Assa means gentle or easy. After her home was attacked and her beloved foster family killed, Assa raised a band of 27 warriors, or Fianna, to track down the attackers and seek vengeance. This fierce protection of her family resulted in her being known as Ní-assa "not easy, not gentle."
A warrior shield necklace inspired by the battle armour of Celtic heroes like Nessa!
Nessa's story has several twists and turns, and though she had to acquiesce to a marriage at sword-point, she had a son, who carried her name in his own, Conchobhar mac Nessa. This son went on to become King of Ulster, in part thanks to his mother’s fierce spirit, quick thinking, and foresight.
5 & 6) The Foster Mothers: Bodhmall and Laith Luachra
A common thread throughout Irish mythology and Celtic and Irish society was the practice of fosterage. From these stories and early historical records, it's plain to see that fierce mothers needn’t have conceived or birthed their children. Liath Luachra and Bodhmall are two perfect examples of this - impressive women in their own right, they are celebrated foster mothers in Irish mythology.
Liath Luachra, whose name translates as the “Grey one of Luachair,” and her companion Bodhmall, a learned druidess, were the foster mothers and teachers of one of Ireland’s greatest warriors, Fionn mac Cumhaill.
‘The Slieve Blooms’ were the secluded woodland home of of fearless warrior Fionn MacCumhaill, and his foster mothers and teachers, Bodhmall and Liath Luachra.
Photo Credit: Laois Tourism
Bodhmall was Fionn's aunt, and together with Liath Luachra, they raised Fionn deep in the wilderness of the Slieve Bloom mountains to protect him from would-be assassins after the death of his father. Both women were counted as great warriors and taught the young Fionn the martial arts he would need when he was old enough to leave the forest, to be fleet of foot, and wise, with a deep respect for nature.
They practice tough love by today's standards - The young Fionn was taught to be fleet of foot by chasing him round a tree with a switch!
Photo Credit: Arthur Rackham (Public Domain)
When Fionn was wise enough, strong enough, and fast enough in the eyes of his two mothers, they sent him out into the world to claim his destiny as a great warrior and leader and the two women are remembered as great warriors, teachers, and mothers to this day here in Ireland.
Irish Motherhood Today
Legendary maternal figures like these have undoubtedly played some part in shaping motherhood in Ireland today, and we hope that these ancient stories help us all appreciate the formidable women in our lives on Mother's Day and every other day, too!
If you are looking for a Mother's Day gift for a legendary woman in your life, a piece of quality Celtic jewelry from Ireland might be just the ticket. We have a fine selection of beautifully crafted Mother's Day gifts. You can get some inspiration and an Irish greeting from our gift guide, or of course, please do get in touch for a personal recommendation.
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Gemma
My Irish Jeweler
Gemma is our head jeweler. She is very passionate about jewelry and watches. Her favorite style is Tree of Life "because family and roots are so important to me".
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