Also called Tailte.
Their story
Tailtiu was a queen of the Fir Bolg who became the foster-mother of Lugh. She cleared a great forest so that the land could be farmed, and the labour broke her heart and killed her. Lugh held funeral games in her honour at the place named after her, Teltown in County Meath, and this became the great gathering of the Óenach Tailten at Lughnasadh. The fair survived, with its games and marriages, into the Middle Ages.
Best times to give to them
- Lughnasadh
- the first harvest
- the last Sunday of July
What they like being given
- the first bread of the harvest
- bilberries or blackberries
- flowers laid on a hilltop
- games played in her memory
How to honour them
- At Lughnasadh bake bread and remember the labour behind every harvest.
- Hold a small picnic or games with friends in her honour, as the Óenach Tailten did.
- Thank the people who have fostered or mentored you.
How they can help you
- hard work and its rewards
- foster parents and carers
- community gatherings
- the harvest
Symbols
- the cleared plain
- the first sheaf
- games and races
Sources
- Lebor Gabála Érenn
- The Metrical Dindshenchas
- MacNeill, The Festival of Lughnasa
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