Cailliach meaning

The cailliach is a mythical figure in Scottish folklore representing an old hag or witch.


Cailliach definitions

Word backwards hcailliac
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division cail-li-ach
Plural The plural of the word "cailliach" is "cailligh."
Total letters 9
Vogais (2) a,i
Consonants (3) c,l,h

Cailliach, also known as the Cailleach, is a divine hag and a figure from Scottish and Irish mythology. She is often depicted as a weather deity, associated with winter and storms. The Cailleach is a complex figure with both destructive and creative qualities, representing the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

Origins and Symbolism

The origins of the Cailliach can be traced back to pre-Christian Celtic mythology. She is seen as a powerful and ancient figure, embodying the forces of nature. The Cailleach is closely associated with the changing seasons, particularly winter. As a symbol of the harshness of winter, she is often depicted as a fierce and formidable figure.

Appearance and Attributes

The Cailliach is typically depicted as an old woman with blue skin, long grey hair, and sharp teeth. She is often shown carrying a staff or a hammer, symbols of her power and authority. In some stories, she is said to have the ability to control the weather, bringing storms and cold winds.

Legends and Stories

There are many legends and stories surrounding the Cailleach. In some tales, she is portrayed as a creator deity, shaping the landscape with her actions. In others, she is seen as a destructive force, bringing chaos and strife. One of the most famous stories involving the Cailleach is the battle between her and the god of spring, where she must ultimately give way to the new season.

Overall, the Cailliach is a fascinating and multifaceted figure in Celtic mythology. She embodies the duality of nature, both nurturing and destructive. Her stories serve as a reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the inevitable passage of time.


Cailliach Examples

  1. The cailliach emerged from the misty lake, her long silver hair flowing behind her.
  2. Legends say that the cailliach is the guardian of the ancient forest, protecting it from harm.
  3. Local villagers tell tales of the cailliach's powers, able to shape-shift into any animal she desires.
  4. On the darkest nights of winter, the cailliach's eerie laughter can be heard echoing through the hills.
  5. The cailliach is said to possess a magical staff that can control the elements of nature.
  6. Many seek the cailliach's wisdom, believing she holds the key to unlocking ancient mysteries.
  7. Despite her seemingly ageless appearance, the cailliach is rumored to have lived for centuries.
  8. The cailliach is often depicted as a wise old woman, her eyes sparkling with ancient knowledge.
  9. In Scottish folklore, the cailliach is associated with the changing of the seasons and the cycles of nature.
  10. Those who encounter the cailliach are said to be forever changed by the experience, their lives touched by magic.


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  • Updated 01/07/2024 - 03:49:45