In Irish folklore, what is the name of the divine hag associated with weather and creation?

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In Irish folklore, the divine hag associated with weather and creation is the Cailleach.

The Cailleach is a major figure in Gaelic mythology, found in Irish, Scottish and Manx traditions. Her name means “old woman” or “hag,” and she is linked especially with storms, winter, wilderness and the shaping of mountains, valleys and other landscape features. In Ireland she may appear as Cailleach Bhéarra, the Hag of Beara; in Scotland, related forms include Cailleach Bheurra and the Storm Hags.

Her identity varies by region and story. Some traditions portray her as a creator who drops rocks from her apron or forms hills and lochs through her movements. Others describe her as the powerful Queen of Winter. In tales involving Brìghde or Brigid, the Cailleach may represent winter while Brìghde represents returning spring, with their symbolic changeover occurring around Imbolc or Bealltainn.

She should not be confused with the Morrígan, a goddess associated with sovereignty and war, or with the banshee, a death-proclaiming spirit. “Cailleach” is also an ordinary Gaelic word for an old woman, so not every folklore use refers to one single deity.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026

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