#King Ailill Aulom

[wheelchair-wizard]

Irish Mythology

VOL 13

Aine Goddess of Fertility

Áine, the legendary Irish Goddess, is the Celtic Goddess of Summer and Wealth who, while known for her healing nature, also had a dark side, as she became famous for how she took revenge on a cruel Irish king.

Áine, pronounced ‘awn-ya’, was a legendary Irish goddess who was said to represent the sun, fertility, and love. She was also said to possess the power to grant a bountiful harvest. 

Áine has always been associated with the west of Ireland and with County Limerick in particular, where there is Knockainey Hill, Cnoc Áine in Irish, which was named in her honour.

Interestingly, her name is also remembered in other locations throughout the country, such as Toberanna (Tobar Áine) in Tyrone, Lissan (Lios Áine) in Derry, and Dunsany (Dun Áine) in Louth.

Before she became known as Áine the Irish Goddess, Áine was already special as she was the daughter of a Sea God called Manannán. 

She was known and well-liked for her healing nature and knowledge of natural remedies and was widely seen as a symbol of hope and love that people adored.

Áine was said to be very beautiful, and as such, it was said that she had many different lovers who would be consumed by her passion. It was also said that she had a very vengeful nature that was to be feared if provoked.

However, it was her tragic interaction with the cruel king of Munster, Oilill Olum, and its aftermath which forged her place in history as an important figure of Irish legend.

Oilill Olum, otherwise known as Ailill Ollamh or Ailill Aulom, was the semi-mythological King of Munster who had a huge problem.

He made the shocking discovery that the grass in his many fields simply would not grow, which meant that soon his livestock and people would starve and die.

Oilill Olum sought the help of a Druid called Ferchess, who instructed him to go to Knockainey on Samhain Eve, better known as Halloween.

When Oilill Olum arrived there, he suddenly fell into a deep sleep and had a vision of Áine, who came to him as she was the Goddess of bountiful harvests and fertility.

When Oilill Olum met Áine, instead of listening to the Goddess and heeding her advice, Oilill Olum was overcome with lust and desire and forced himself onto her.

During this assault, Áine, of course, became outraged and exacted immediate revenge by biting off his ear.

This act would go on to have huge ramifications for Oilill Olum because, according to ancient Irish law, only a person who is “unblemished” would be allowed to rule.

By biting off his ear, the mythical Goddess had forever maimed Oilill Olum, and he lost his kingdom as he was now deemed by ancient Irish law to be unfit ever to rule again as he was now imperfect.

From that time on, the surname of the king, Olum, became known as meaning “one-eared” in Irish.

Surprisingly despite this, his descendants, who went on to become known as the Eoghanachta, became a powerful Irish dynasty based in the Cashel area in Tipperary that dominated and controlled the southern part of Ireland for many years.

This fact helped the legend of the Goddess Áine to grow wide as she became associated with having the ability to grant power and sovereignty.

Áine was also widely known as the Queen of the Fairies and as Áine Chlair (Áine of the Light). Rites in her honour were held regularly as recently as 1879, where Midsummer rituals were performed by locals in hopes of encouraging fertility and bountiful harvests.

The legacy of Áine the Irish Goddess is still strong today as she is remembered as being among one of the most revered and most powerful of the Irish Goddesses.  She is also remembered for how she took revenge on a terrible king who wronged her.

Most of all, Áine, the Goddess of Healing, Goddess of Sovereignty and Goddess of Sun, will probably be remembered for the duality of her personality.

This is because she was both loving and caring whilst also being quick to get angry and vengeful. Now, she is remembered in the places that bear her name. Knockainey Hill, Toberanna, Lissan and Dunsany.

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[tipsycad147]

Gods and Goddesses:Aine

Aine Celtic Goddess of Fertility and Goddess of Midsummer

We’re talking about the goddess Aine (pronounced awn-ya) the Celtic goddess of fertility and one of the Patron deities of Midsummer/Litha.

AINE: Goddess of fertility and summer

From ancient times all the way to modern times, Aine is one of the most powerful and token goddesses in Celtic paganism.

Called “the people’s goddess” due to her close interaction with the human kind; as well as her inspiration to the Irish woman to take control of their own feminine power.

There is a lot of history on Aine, however as with many histories and mythologies, they do vary depending on who you ask.

What we do know of Aine, is that she is the daughter of King Eogabail(Eoghanach), a member of the Tuatha de Danann. She has wed many times, and through a series of mortal lovers gave birth to a race of half human-half fairy, thus making her the Queen of Faerie, a moniker many know her by today.

Aine: The Sun and The Moon Goddess

Closely compared to Venus, Diana and Athena, Aine is the woman’s goddess, providing protection, love and radiance to her female followers.

Lair Derg: The Red Mare

Other Names for Aine

Aine is referred to by several other names. As a Moon Goddess, she is connected to the element of water and its healing abilities. She guards and protects lakes and wells, earning her the name Lady of the Lake.

She is also called Goddess of Earth and Nature, Goddess of Luck and Magic and Leanan Sidhe (Sweetheart of the Sidhe or the Faerie Lover).

All of these names connect to her magic and abilities. She represents and supports magics involving love, fertility, and summer. She is also revered as the goddess of sovereignty, deeming who is worthy to be High King. Aine stands for brightness, radiance, glow, joy, splendor glory and fame.

Aine during Litha/Midsummer

During Litha, natives of Limerick journey to Cnoc Aine aka Knockainy (Aine’s Hill). There Farmer’s hold a torch of straw and run down the hill through their fields and cattle, to ask for Aine’s blessing and abundance for the coming harvest.

Being the Queen of Faerie as well as a Sun Goddess makes Aine one of the best goddesses to invoke for Midsummer.

Midsummer is one of Aine’s two main festivals ,the other being Lughnasahd or Lammas(coming up in August). The influence of fae magic on Midsummer’s eve is the best time of year to catch a glimpse of them and their world.

Depending on the region, Aine is celebrated on the days surrounding Midsummer/Litha. As well as the Friday, Saturday Sunday after Lammas(August 1st). Not too shabby for a goddess.

(If you want to learn more about Litha or still need ideas, check out my post here.)

Aine’s not so nice history

Unfortunately, as with many of the goddesses of beauty and love, Aine’s backstory isn’t the nicest. Being beautiful and bright, someone is always going to try and bring you down. Her own history is what makes her such a fierce protector.

Aine’s most horrid situation involves the King of Munster, Ailill Aulom. Legend has it that when this king of Munster ruled, there was a famine. Every time the king slept, the grass would die, leaving nothing for the cattle to eat. Therefore killing him and his people because there were no livestock and no harvest. A druid told him to go to Knockainy for answers.

During the attack, Aine retaliated by biting off his ear, earning him the name Aulom or One ear. As the High King of Ireland, only an unblemished man will rule. Her revenge was to force him to step down and never be able to rule again. To this day his descendants claim relation to Aine.

After word spread, Aine was deemed the Goddess with the ruling power of deciding sovereignty. If you were deemed unworthy, Aine would make sure you did not make it to the throne. If she blessed you instead, you were looked upon with the highest of honors.

Aine’s Second Husband

If there was ever a quote that would fit Aine’s temper and power it would be “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.”

Unfortunately King Ailill was only one of several lords and kings that tried to have their way with this bright spark of a goddess. And as a goddess is fit to do, she made them all regret it.

Another legend surrounding Aine is the story of Gerald Fitzgerald, the Earl of Desmond. A human earl, stories alternate between him bargaining with her to marry him or him also forcing himself on her.

Regardless of the story, she bore him a son and made a deal. Their son would grow up to become “The Magician” and have immense power. His father,the Earl, was to never once show surprise at anything their son did. Human nature gave way and the Earl was forced to honor their deal.

Aine left forever, taking her son with her. Legend has it that the son protects the Lough Gur, Aine’s lake, assuming the form of a goose when humans are around.

Aine’s Third Husband

Not including her many human lovers, Aine was also married to the Sea God Manannan mac Lir. ( Some say she was his daughter, see what I mean about contradictory and confusing??) Manannan was a lord and guardian over the Blessed Isles, as well as the king’s overseer for the Tuatha de Danann. There’s not a whole lot of info on their union, but it’s definitely better than some of her other unions.

Written in Aine’s History these are the most mentioned, but I’m sure there were others we may never know. But these situations she went through made her encouraged to protect her people from the same.

Aine and Magic Spell Work

Aine’s bright magic and personality lends its self well to power magic work. Being a Sun and Moon goddess allows her to show you a balance in all things.

Some things you can include on your Altar to honor Aine includes things like; faerie statues, glitter, colored glass, wands, flowers, amber and natural treasures such as stones, seeds, leaves and feathers found on a nature walk.

Aine’s sacred animals are the red mare, rabbits and swans, horses and cattle.

Pantheon: Celtic

Element: Air.

Planets:Sun and Moon.

Direction: South and Southwest.

Colors: Red, gold, green, blue and tan.

Incense: Dragon’s blood, Fairy dust, Orchid,Lavender.

Herbs/Trees:

Healing: Angelica, Balm, Blackberry, Cowslip, Elder, Fennel, Flax, Garlic, Goat’s Rue, Mug-wort, Nettle and Oak.

Fertility: Hawthorn, Mistletoe and Oak

Prosperity: Alfalfa, Ash and Elder.

Protection: Agrimony, Angelica, Ash, Birch, Blackberry, Bladder-wrack, Broom, Elder, Fennel, Flax, Holly and Lavender.

*She is also connected to the Herb Meadow-sweet and it’s sweet aroma.

Representations include torches and poppets made from hay and straw, bonfires and faerie sculptures.

Aine invoking crafts

I found a few tools and recipes you can make up that invoke Aine and her power. Feel free to adjust them how your guidance tells you.

Aine Incense Blend

(14gram)1/2 oz meadowsweet flowers and leaves( picked while in full bloom)

1/2 oz Finely Chopped Pine needles

1/2 oz Lemon Verbena Oil( or 3-30 drops of essential oil)

Love and Beauty Anointing Oil

Check out this etsy listing at Delight and Havoc for an Aine Anointing oil that’s ready to purchase.

Feel free to use your guidance on what to pick. Use the herbs and plants listed for Aine, Herbs for selflove and beauty or essential oil blends to make it custom to you.

Some essential oils that work well with love, beauty and allure are: grapefruit, jasmine, ylang ylang, geranium, orange, clary sage and siberian fir.

So there you have it! A complete info guide for beginners on Aine the Queen of Faerie. Feel free to write down this info or use the printable for your Book of Shadows. Any questions, send me an email or comment below.

What was your favorite thing to learn about Aine? Who would you like to learn about next?

[amlan47]

Áine of Knockainy, Ain Cliach, Ain of the Light, Áine N’Chliar, Ain Cliar the Bright

Áine (ON-ya) is an Irish Goddess of summer, love, protection, fertility, wealth and sovereignty.

In her role of Moon Goddess, she guards livestock, crops, and cattle.

In her role as Sun Goddess, she could take the form of ‘Lair Derg’, a red mare that no one could outrun, in order to walk among her people.

Also known as a Faery Queen and Love Goddess, she has been known by other names such as the Lady of the Lake, the Goddess of the Earth and Nature, the Goddess of Luck and Magick, and Leanan Sidhe (“Sweetheart of the Sidhe”).

Áine is thought to mean “brightness, glow, joy, radiance, splendour, glory, fame”.

She is associated with Midsummer (Litha, Summer Solstice), however also has sacred days following Lughnasadh.

She is associated with the Sun and Moon, the element Air, the direction South West, and one of the sacred herbs of Druids, Meadowsweet.

Her sacred animals are the red mare, rabbit, and swan.

She is associated with the Irish Province of Munster, specifically County Limerick, where the hill of Knockainy (Cnoc Áine) is found.

Áine is thought to be the daughter of King Eógabail/Eoghanach, a member of the Tuatha Dé Danann and the foster son of the sea god Manannan Mac Lir.  However, other legends claim that she was married to Manannan Mac Lir.  Other sources state that she is the daughter of the Dagda and sister to Brigid.Áine is thought to be the sister of Aillen and/or Fennen (Finnen/Fenne/Fennel).She is also thought to be the sister of Grian (Grainne), with Áine ruling over the light half of the year and Grian ruling over the dark.  However Grian could also be another aspect of Áine.Áine is sometimes mistaken for the Mother Goddess Danu, who is known regionally as Anu.

Áine was also known as a Love Goddess, and people would worship her in the hope that she might bestow sexuality, fertility, abundance and prosperity upon them.Through her many relationships with human men, she is thought that she gave birth to a magical Faerie-Human race, which is how she gained her name as Queen of the Faeries.One of the myths surrounding Áine describes how she sat in her birthing chair on Lughnasadh and gave birth to a sheave of grain. It is believed that by performing that act, Áine gave the gift of grain to the people of Ireland.

Many stories exist regarding Áine and her mortal lovers.  It is said that Gerald, Earl of Desmond, once stole Áine’s cloak while she swam in a river, and would not return it to her until she agreed to marry him.Their son was Geroid Iarla, known as The Magician.  Áine made a deal with the Earl that he would never be surprised by anything her son did, however after performing a superhuman deed, the Earl was surprised, and Áine was free to return to the fairies (sidhe).In other stories, Áine is the unwilling wife of Geroid Iarla, and ends up turning him into a goose or killing him (or both).Another myth describes how Áine was raped by the King of Munster, Ailill Aulom, which led to Áine biting off his ear.  By biting off his ear, Áine deemed Ailill unfit to be king due to his disfigurement.From all her aspects it is shown that Áine was not a deity to offend, if crossed she could have coined the phrase “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned”.

~EmmaRuth Allaire Zerna Concepción [emmeranne] {ruti of beruti)

[auroralightsthesky]

Band of Brothers/The Pacific, Mythology AU

Romus “RV” Burgin as Aine

The Irish revere Aine as the spirit of summer, her warmth and happy demeanor extending across the land to everyone and everything. She is the guardian of children, the mares, the farmers, the fields, the livestock and the rabbits as she brings spring and summer everywhere she treads. But a word to the wise.....anyone who dares to cross her will be subject to her mischief and for those who seek her for their own gain often meet more than mischief. Just ask Ailill Aulom, the King of Ulster who dared to try and claim her. Aine gives power just as easily as she takes it away, but for those who help her in any way are sure to have the favor returned to them. 

[myvirgo-moon-blog]

Gods & Goddesses of Ireland: Aine

☀️ Aine’s Backstory: (pronounced Aw-nyah ) Aine is often associated with the sun, as her name means “brightness” or “splendor.” Celtic legends say that Aine was the daughter of Eogabail, who was a member of the legendary Tuatha Dé Danann. In folklore, she was also recognized as the wife of the sea god Manannan Mac Lir – a deity who was very important for Celtic warriors. In ancient Irish myths and legends, Aine is described as a Faery Queen, a goddess of the earth and nature, and a lady of the lake. It was believed she brought luck and good magic to her worshippers. Some identify her as a brighter side of the famous goddess Morrigan. Aine is also known as the goddess who taught humans the meaning of love. She had many human men as lovers and bore many Faerie-Human children. There are several Irish families today that claim to be descended from her. In early tales she is associated with the semi-mythological King of Munster, Ailill Aulom, who is said to have raped her, an assault ending in Áine biting off his ear, hence the name Aulom "one-eared". By Old Irish law, only an "unblemished" person can rule; by maiming him this way, Áine rendered him unfit to be king. As an embodiment of sovereignty, she can both grant and remove a man's power to rule.  The descendants of Aulom, the Eóganachta, claim Áine as an ancestor. In other tales Aine is the wife of Gerald FitzGerald, 3rd Earl of Desmond, known popularly as "Iarl Gearóid". Rather than having a consensual marriage, he rapes her (thought to be based on the story of Ailill Aulom), and she exacts her revenge by either changing him into a goose, killing him or both. The FitzGeralds thus claim an association with Aine; despite the Norman origins of the clan, the FitzGeralds would become known for being "More Irish than the Irish themselves." The feast of Midsummer Night was held in her honor. 

☀️ Important Possesions/Symbols: Aine is associated with the sun and it is often said she may take the shape of a red mare when she pleases. She is also associated with animals and agriculture. 

☀️ Connection to Modern Witchcraft: Aine is looked to as a Goddess of love, fertility, abundance, and sovereignty. Colors associated with her include orange, green, yellow, and red. Crystals associated with Aine are moonstone, sunstone, pearl, gold, silver, garnet, quartz. Her elements are Earth and Fire. Incense associated with Aine include lavender and orchid. Her planet is the sun. Offerings may include produce (especially home grown), milk, cream, or baked goods. 

(also the photo used is NOT a depiction of Aine. I could not find one that was free for my usage. This photo is close to what she is depicted as though!)

[aeondeug]

Things I have read because of my research project which I meant to read way earlier but didn’t because I’m a fucking lazy shitfuck:

The Destruction of Da Derga’s Hostel

Ailill Aulom

A Poem on the Kings of Connaught

Nationality and Kingship in Pre-Norman Ireland

Finn and the Old Man in the Tree (ok this one I’ve read before and I wanted an excuse to read it again so bite me)

The Metrical Dindshenchas are next. Then I move through at least part of several of the Annals we’ve got. Also I’ve got the Senchus Mór to read through because fuck it GIVE ME LAW TRACTS BABY.

I’ve also gotten a rough sort of outline of my paper and the beginnings of a shitty rough draft. These include the intro (which we are burning entirely), the two summaries, the definition of king I am using, and two potential sections fo the body. Most of this will be burnt while I continue to read and then go back and obsessively write down quotes and cite said quotes just in case I fucking need them in my weird masochistic game of writing a research essay.

Also Honor’s Paradox and The Sea of Time are staring at me hatefully because they know that I know I’ve got to go through them and grab quotes and page numbers but I just don’t wanna right now.