Also called Éire, Eriu.
Their story
Ériu was one of three sister goddesses of the land, with Banba and Fódla, all queens of the Tuatha Dé Danann. When the sons of Míl came to take Ireland, each sister met them and asked that the island bear her name. Ériu met them at Uisneach and welcomed them, and the poet Amergin promised that hers would be the chief name of the land. That is why Ireland is called Éire.
Best times to give to them
- Bealtaine
- Lughnasadh
- on first arriving in Ireland
What they like being given
- a cup of water, milk or ale
- bread
- litter picked up from the land
- a poem to the land
How to honour them
- Greet the land when you arrive somewhere new, and thank it when you leave.
- Care for the place you live as a kind of offering.
- Visit Uisneach in County Westmeath, where she is said to have met the Milesians.
How they can help you
- connection to the land
- belonging
- ancestry and heritage
Symbols
- the Hill of Uisneach
- a golden cup
- the map of Ireland
Sources
- Lebor Gabála Érenn
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