Cailleach
The Cailleach is an ancient hag-goddess of winter who shapes mountains and brings storms. Wielding a hammer, she freezes the land, then yields to Brigid or spring, marking the turning of seasons.
Story beats
- 1) As winter approaches, the Cailleach stirs storms, her hammer dropping stones that become hills.
- 2) She herds deer and guards wells, deciding when water freezes or flows.
- 3) On Imbolc, power shifts—Brigid awakens spring while the Cailleach grows weary or turns to stone.
- 4) Each year she returns, renewing the cycle and reshaping the landscape.
Context & symbolism
The Cailleach personifies harsh seasons and the awe of rugged terrain. Her duality with youthful Brigid reflects death-rebirth cycles and the necessity of rest before growth.
As land-shaper, she grounds stories in place; specific peaks and lochs are her footprints and seats.
Motifs
- Hammer that forms mountains
- Blue-skinned hag with one eye
- Herding deer through snow
- Turning to stone at spring
Use it in play
- Appease the Cailleach to spare a village from blizzards.
- Climb her mountain seat to bargain for an early thaw.
- Compete with Brigid’s followers over seasonal rites.
- Follow deer she drives to find winter caches or sacred stones.