Also called Branwen ferch Llŷr, Fair Bosom.
Their story
Branwen, sister of Brân, was married to Matholwch, king of Ireland, to make peace between the two islands. After an insult to Matholwch by her half-brother Efnisien, the Irish turned against her, and she was forced to work in the kitchen and was struck every day by the butcher. She trained a starling to carry a letter across the sea to Brân, who came with an army. The war that followed destroyed almost everyone, and Branwen died of grief on the banks of the Alaw in Anglesey, saying that two good islands had been laid waste because of her.
Best times to give to them
- Calan Mai
- Calan Gaeaf
- when someone is suffering in silence
What they like being given
- white flowers
- birdseed for garden birds
- a letter written to someone you miss
- a candle
How to honour them
- Reach out to someone who might be struggling quietly.
- Feed the starlings and other garden birds in her memory.
- Support people escaping cruelty at home.
How they can help you
- those in unhappy or abusive situations
- asking for help
- grief
- reconciliation between families
Symbols
- the starling
- the letter
- the grave at Aber Alaw
She is a heroine of the Mabinogi; treating her as a goddess is a modern devotional choice.
Sources
- Branwen ferch Llŷr (the Second Branch of the Mabinogi)
More Celtic goddesses
- Brigid Keeper of the sacred flame
- The Morrígan Great Queen of battle and prophecy
- Danu Mother of the Tuatha Dé Danann
- Rhiannon The queen on the white horse
- Cerridwen Keeper of the cauldron of inspiration
- Epona Great Mare, protector of horses
- Arianrhod Lady of the silver wheel
- Airmed Keeper of the healing herbs