Also called Macha Mong Ruad, Macha wife of Crunniuc.
Their story
Several women named Macha appear in the Irish sources. The best known married Crunniuc, who boasted to the king of Ulster that his wife could outrun the royal horses. Though heavily pregnant, she was forced to race, won, and gave birth to twins at the finishing line, cursing the men of Ulster to suffer the weakness of childbirth in their time of greatest need. Emain Macha, the royal seat of Ulster, is said to be named after her.
Best times to give to them
- Lughnasadh
- Samhain
- Bealtaine
What they like being given
- oats or grain
- apples
- red cloth
- a donation to a horse sanctuary
How to honour them
- Speak up for someone who is being treated unfairly.
- Care for horses or support people who do.
- Visit Navan Fort in County Armagh respectfully if you are able.
How they can help you
- justice and fair treatment
- endurance
- strength in pregnancy and labour
- standing your ground
Symbols
- horses
- the fort of Emain Macha
- crows
She is often grouped with Badb and the Morrígan as a trio, but the sources are not consistent about who the three are.
Sources
- Noínden Ulad
- Lebor Gabála Érenn
- The Metrical Dindshenchas
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