Clíodhna facts for kids

Clíodhna (pronounced KLEE-uh-na) is a powerful figure in Irish mythology. She is known as a Queen of the Banshees, who are fairy women. Clíodhna rules over the fairy folk of the hills in South Munster, a region in Ireland.

Some Irish myths say Clíodhna is a goddess of love and beauty. She is also seen as a special protector of County Cork. Stories tell of her having three brightly colored birds. These birds eat apples from a magical tree. Their sweet songs are said to heal people who are sick.

Clíodhna once left her magical home, Tir Tairngire (which means "the land of promise"). She wanted to be with a human man named Ciabhán. But one day, while she was sleeping in Glandore harbour in County Cork, a wave swept her away. This happened because of music played by a minstrel of Manannán mac Lir, a sea god. The tide there is still called Tonn Chlíodhna, meaning "Clíodhna's Wave." Whether she drowned or not depends on the story you hear!

Her palace was hidden deep inside a pile of rocks. This place is about five miles from Mallow. It is still known as Carrig-Cleena, or "Clíodhna's Rock." Many legends about her are told by people in Munster.

Clíodhna and Famous Families

Clíodhna is often linked to old Irish families, especially those from Munster. She was seen as the special fairy woman for the MacCarthy dynasty of Desmond. She was also connected to the O'Keeffes and FitzGerald dynasty. Some stories even say she had romantic adventures with members of these families.

One old record mentions an O'Leary man named Conor Clíodhna. This means "Conor of Clíodhna." The O'Learys were originally from Rosscarbery, close to Glandore. This is where Clíodhna was swept away by the wave.

Rivalry with Aibell

Clíodhna is said to have had a rival named Aibell. In one tale, Clíodhna used a spell to turn Aibell into a white cat.

The Blarney Stone Story

The famous Blarney Stone has a well-known story involving Clíodhna. Cormac Laidir MacCarthy, who built Blarney Castle, was in a legal dispute. He asked Clíodhna for help.

She told him to kiss the first stone he found on his way to court the next morning. He did exactly that. When he spoke in court, he argued his case with amazing skill and won! Because of this, people say the Blarney Stone gives you "the ability to deceive without offending." This means you can say things cleverly without upsetting anyone. Cormac then put the stone into the castle walls.

Even Queen Elizabeth I noticed this special way of speaking. She was frustrated because she couldn't get Cormac MacCarthy to agree to anything. She said everything he said was "Blarney," meaning he didn't truly mean it.

Clíodhna in History

Clíodhna was known to many important Irish figures.

John O'Donovan's Account

An Irish historian named John O’Donovan mentioned Clíodhna. In 1849, he wrote that when his grandfather died, Clíodhna came to mourn him. She was known to lament (cry loudly) for important people.

Michael Collins and Clíodhna

The famous Irish leader Michael Collins also knew about Clíodhna. Stories about her were told in the school he attended in Rosscarbery. He and his friends would take Sunday trips to Clíodhna's rock.

According to Michael's friend, Piaras Béaslaí, Michael heard many amazing tales there. These stories were about Clíodhna's magic, shipwrecks, dangers, drownings, and hidden treasures. Michael Collins' family was also connected to the Ui-Fidghente tribes, which Clíodhna was associated with.

Where Did Clíodhna Come From?

Some experts believe that the name Clíodhna might come from an old Gaulish goddess. Her name was Clutonda or Clutondae.