The Morrigan

While modern interpretations most often associate her with war, earlier understandings of the Morrígan are much more complex. The Morrígan is also associated with the land and animals, particularly livestock.  She oversees the land, its stock and its society. Her shape-shifting is an expression of her affinity with the whole living universe. Irish folklorist Patricia Lysaght notes that the Morrígan is depicted as “a protectress of her people’s interests” and associates her with both war and fertility. She is primarily concerned with the prosperity of the land: its fertility, its animal life, and (when it is conceived as a political unit) its security against external forces. Scholar Maria Tymoczko writes, “The welfare and fertility of a people depend on their security against external aggression,” and notes that “warlike action can thus have a protective aspect.” It is therefore suggested that the Morrígan is a manifestation of the earth and is a sovereignty goddess, chiefly representing the goddess’ role as guardian of the territory and its people. She can be interpreted as providing political or military aid, or protection to the king—acting as a goddess of sovereignty, not necessarily of war.

[Designed in partnership with Sacred Source. © 2007 Maxine Miller]

12 1/4″ resin statue, black red color finish