Bodach facts for kids

A Bodach is a mysterious figure from Gaelic folklore and Irish mythology. In these old stories, a Bodach is often a trickster or a bogeyman. The word "bodach" means "old man" in the Gaelic language. Sometimes, the Bodach is seen with a "cailleach," which means "old woman" or "hag."

What Does "Bodach" Mean?

The word "Bodach" comes from an old Irish word, botach. This word meant a tenant, a serf, or a peasant. These were people who worked on land owned by someone else.

Where the Word Comes From

Some people think the word "Bodach" might come from an old word meaning "cottage" or "hut." This would make a "bodach" like a "cotter," which was a farmer who lived in a small cottage.

Today, in modern Gaelic, "bodach" simply means "old man." It is often used in a kind and friendly way.

Different Meanings of "Bodach"

In some old tales, like the Echtra Condla, there is a character called "Boadach the Eternal." This name comes from a word meaning "victorious," so it's not related to the "bodach" meaning "old man" or "peasant." However, over time, these names might have become mixed up in people's minds. For example, in a 17th-century story, a Bodach is linked to Manannán mac Lir, a famous sea god.

Bodach in Folklore

In modern Gaelic folklore, which includes stories from Scotland and Ireland, the Bodach often becomes a scary creature. It is sometimes even linked to the devil.

The Bodach as a Trickster

In an old tale from the 16th or 17th century, called Eachtra Bhodaigh an Chóta Lachtna, the Bodach is shown as a trickster. He is identified with Manannán mac Lir, a powerful figure in Irish myths. Lady Gregory, a famous writer, used this idea in her story "Manannan at Play." In her tale, Manannan appears disguised as a funny-looking old man with strange clothes.

The Bodach as a Bogeyman

In Scottish folklore, the Bodach is often used to scare children into behaving well. Parents might tell their kids that the Bodach will come down the chimney to kidnap naughty children. It's a bit like a bogeyman figure.

A related creature in Scottish folklore is the Bodach Glas, which means "Dark Grey Man." Seeing a Bodach Glas is believed to be a sign that someone will soon die. For example, in Walter Scott's novel Waverley, a character sees a Bodach Glas, and it foretells his death.

In a play by William Butler Yeats, a character called the Fool meets a Bodach on the road. The Bodach tries to trick the Fool with a riddle to get his money. This shows the Bodach's trickster side.