Flidais facts for kids

Flidas (also spelled Flidais) is an important figure in Irish Mythology. She was known by the special name Foltchaín, which means "beautiful hair." People believed she was a goddess connected to cattle and helping plants and animals grow.

Stories About Flidas

Flidas appears in several old Irish stories. In the Lebor Gabála Érenn, an ancient book of Irish history, she is mentioned as the mother of several children, including Dinand and Bé Chuille. These two were sometimes called "she-farmers" or even powerful witches who could use magic to help in battles.

Another old text, Cóir Anmann, says that Flidas was the wife of a legendary High King named Adamair. She was also the mother of Nia Segamain.

In a story from the Ulster Cycle called "The Tidings of Conchobar," it's said that a strong warrior named Fergus was only truly content when he was with Flidas. This shows how important she was to him. There are even old tales from County Mayo about their special connection.

Flidas and Her Magical Cattle

Many stories about Flidas focus on her amazing cattle. She is a main character in Táin Bó Flidhais, which means "The Driving-off of Flidais's Cattle." This story is part of the Ulster Cycle.

In this tale, Flidas is the partner of Fergus mac Róich. She owns a magical herd of cattle. The story, which takes place in Erris, County Mayo, tells how Fergus helped her and her cattle leave her husband, Ailill Finn.

During another famous story, Táin Bó Cúailnge (the Cattle Raid of Cooley), Flidas stayed in the tent of Ailill mac Máta, who was the king of Connacht. Her special herd was so big and productive that every seven days, it could provide enough milk for the entire army!

In Táin Bó Flidhais, she had a favorite white cow known as "The Maol." This incredible cow could produce enough milk in just one night to feed 300 people!