The Morrigan
Lore:
The Morrigan is a significant goddess in Irish Folklore. She is often associated with War and Fate. However, unlike some cultures where deities have a mono-focus, Irish deities tend to be much more complex. In the Case of the Morrigan, she is often associated with three different identities or aspects. For my figure I chose the most common three Aspects she is associated with:
Badb: This aspect most closely relates to the Morrigan and is deeply tied to warfare and visually is represented by crows/Ravens. She was said to scream and strike terror into warriors on the battlefield and was know to tell prophecies and fates.
Macha: In addition to being associated with war, the Macha is also associated with fertility, sovereignty, and horses. She famously cursed the men of ulster to suffer labor pains during a great battle as punishment for their king forcing her to race the kingdom’s horses while pregnant. Though she won the race, she went into labor immediately after from the strain.
Anu: While less is known about Anu, she is associated with the land and prosperity and is celebrated in the city of Munster. In some texts she is even said to be the mother of all Irish gods.
Key Iconography:
Gae Bulg: A spear famously wielded by the Irish hero Cu Chulainn and made from the bones of a great sea monster. It was said to enter into a person and then barbs would extend making it impossible to pull out without cutting into the skin. The Morrigan prophesizes that Cu Chulainn will have a great but short life. A famous story tells of how Cu Chulainn angered the Morigan by denying her advances and in return she attempted to injure him on the battlefield while in the shape of an Heifer, Eel, and Grey Wolf. Though Cu Chulainn bested her on this occasion, on his death some versions say a black Raven landed on his shoulder.
Ogham Stones: On her left hip, she has three stones with inscriptions in Ogham that name the aspects of Badb, Macha, and Anu.
Shield of the Anu: The shield is old and decrepit, worn from battle, but I added greenery and a single flower to show that even though the Morrigan is most commonly associated with War she is also deeply tied to life through the aspect of the Anu.
Wings of the Badb: Though she is never said to specifically have wings in my research, she does commonly shapeshift into other animals and I envisioned her flying across the battlefield screaming incantations and fates to strike terror and influence the battle to her wills.
Macha's Acorn Crop: Irish warriors would often give this term to the severed heads of their enemies after battle and their namesake is the aspect of the Macha. I had the severed head wearing a horse bit to reference the Macha's association with the equestrian.