Brigit: Goddess, Saint & Fairy Woman

In this livestream talk, Pauline Breen will discuss Brigit's traditionally known 'faces' as goddess and saint, and introduce one of her lesser-acknowledged faces, as the fairy woman of the Irish Otherworld.

In this online talk, Pauline will consider the term 'fairy' and how it was used to denigrate the old gods and specifically the goddesses of the Tuatha Dé Danann. We will look at the Sí as fairy folk, the sídhe, where the Tuatha Dé Danann retreated after their defeat with the Milesians and how Brigit is connected to them.

The Otherworld and its connection to death is one of the more fascinating sides of Brigit that is typically not recognised. We will look at Brigit as original keener of Ireland, lamenting the death of her only son Ruadan and how through the keen she facilitated the soul's journey back to the Otherworld.

We will consider fairy queens of Ireland their similarities with Brigit. Can we justifiably then claim Brigit to be a fairy queen?  What is the Otherworld? How is it connected to Brigit? How is this face of Brigit relevant in today's world? 

All of these questions, and more, will be answered. Book now.

This talk will be recorded. You will find the recording link in your College Account within two working days from the event - an email will alert you when it is ready. This recording will be available for replay for three months following the event. Please see our terms for more information.