The Celtic goddess Morrigan is one of the most complex figures in all of mythology. It is known by many names, and is considered in many ways; both positive and negative. Other names by which it is known include Morrigu, Morrighan, and Morrigana (of Arthurian fame).
Many believed that it was one of three sisters whose names were all similar. Others believed that she was one goddess, who had three parts (or faces) to her. Indeed, many commentators on mythology consider her to be the triple goddess Morrigan, Macha, and Morrigu.
So that it does not have a single definitive name, and there is no agreement about what its name means. Others interpret it to mean “a queen’s horse”; others think it means “Shadow Queen”. Some interpret it as “the queen of terror”, while others interpret it as “the great queen” or “the great queen mother”.
The Irish considered the Morrigan to be the goddess of battle, and made her the only one who was chosen to live or die on the field of glory. Other Celtic cultures believed her to be the goddess of prophecy or death. Others believed that it was the possession of the earth and all that is in it. Some called her the goddess of dominion. Others are the mother of all the gods.
Perhaps the companion of war, prophecy, and death deserves such a terrible look. She was often depicted in the form of a raven, and hung on innocent children or animals. In other instances it is figured in the likeness of a rough and hateful creature. Sometimes, however, it is brutally forged with three heads.
Mythology agrees that the goddess had the ability to change into any form, even animals. However, in many of the stories surrounding her, she is often still depicted in some human form.
Legend states that the Morrigan has the special ability to see young warriors at the time of their death. It is believed that the goddess has some power over life and death in battle.
According to some stories, the great Celtic hero Cuchulainn attacked the goddess just before the battle. Awestruck by the youth’s beauty and strength, Morrigan sought to mate with him. To this end, there appeared to him a beautiful female warrior with long and red hair. Approaching him in his car, they say that she will immediately confess her love. But Cuchulainn despised his advances.
Daring the angry man to reject her, Morrigan tried to avenge her on the battlefield, appearing again to the warrior, this time in the guise of three different animals. But she took care not to dissuade his progress. In fact, although they had wounded her many times, they still successfully conquered her.
It occurred two more times; each one more and more ambitious. At last, however, Morrigan prophesied death in battle; citing the time and manner in which he perished.
Armed with information, Cuchulainn is believed to have planned his own death. Legend has it that he himself descended to the standing stones in such a way that he could die on his feet rather than on his back. Images of Cuchulainn are often depicted in that particular scene, which also includes a raven — a symbol of the Morrigan — leaning on his knight.
The Morrigan also appeared to another Celtic hero – – The Dagda. They are believed to be the same lovers and many say that the goddess was indirectly responsible for at least some of their triumphs in battle. Others also asserted that they prophesied his destruction; with one look he prayed that he might foresee for his love.
In a few dark places Morrigan is also associated with Arthurian-legends the character of Morgan le Fay. Although the two are connected with the gift of prophecy and magical power, there is less evidence that the other two were connected. In fact, the goddess lists are much older than the time usually associated with Arthurian.
