Badb is a war goddess in Irish mythology who is often associated with crows. She is known for her ferocity on the battlefield and is considered to be a member of the Morrigan, a trio of goddesses who are also associated with war and death. Badb’s name is derived from the Old Irish word for “crow” and she is sometimes referred to as Badhbh in modern Irish.
In addition to her association with crows, Badb is also known for her ability to cause confusion and fear on the battlefield. She is said to have the power to shape-shift into various forms, including that of a wolf or a raven. Badb is also associated with prophecy and is said to have the ability to foretell the outcome of battles.
Badb’s mythological origins are unclear, but she is believed to be a very ancient goddess who was worshiped by the Celts. Her family tree is also somewhat mysterious, but she is often associated with other Celtic deities such as Macha and Nemain. In popular culture, Badb has been depicted in various forms, including in literature and in video games.
Overview
Badb is a Celtic war goddess, often associated with sorcery and death. She is a member of the Morrígan, a trio of Irish war goddesses, along with Macha and Morrígan. Badb is sometimes referred to as the “Battle Crow” due to her association with crows and ravens.
In Irish mythology, Badb is often depicted as a fearsome crone who sows confusion and fear on the battlefield. She is known to appear before battles and to prophesize about the outcome of the war. Badb is also associated with the Otherworld, a supernatural realm that is believed to be inhabited by deities, spirits, and other mystical beings.
Badb’s name is derived from the Old Irish word “badhbh,” which means “crow” or “raven.” This reflects her association with these birds, which were thought to be messengers of the Otherworld. In some accounts, Badb is said to be the daughter of the goddess Ernmas and the sister of the goddesses Macha and Morrígan.
Overall, Badb is a powerful and mysterious figure in Irish mythology. She represents the darker aspects of war and death, but also embodies the power of prophecy and the Otherworld.
Etymology
Badb is a goddess from Irish mythology whose name means “crow” or “raven” in Old Irish. She is often associated with battle and death, and is considered to be one of the three goddesses of war, called the Morrígna. The name Badb is derived from the Proto-Celtic word *bodwā, which means “battle raven“.
In addition to her association with ravens, Badb is also associated with the bean sidhe, or banshee, a female spirit in Irish folklore who is said to wail and mourn for the dead. The banshee is often depicted as an old woman with long hair and a cloak, and is sometimes said to take the form of a crow or raven.
The name Badb appears in a number of Irish myths and legends, and is often used to refer to a specific goddess as well as to the concept of war and battle itself. In some stories, Badb is said to have the power to shape-shift into a crow or raven, and to use her magic to create confusion and chaos on the battlefield. She is also sometimes depicted as a fierce warrior, wielding a sword or spear and wearing armor.
Attributes
Physical Description
Badb is often depicted as a crow or raven, with black feathers and a sharp beak. She is also sometimes portrayed as a woman with crow’s wings or as a hag with a crow’s head. In some stories, she is said to have one eye, which she uses to see the future.
Powers
As a goddess of war and death, Badb had the power to sow fear and confusion on the battlefield. She was also said to have the ability to shape-shift, taking on the form of a crow or other bird. In some stories, she was able to control the weather, summoning storms and lightning to aid her allies.
Symbols
Badb is often associated with the crow or raven, which was seen as a symbol of death and war in Celtic mythology. Other symbols associated with Badb include the cauldron, which she used to brew a magical potion that granted victory in battle, and the spear, which she used to strike fear into the hearts of her enemies.
Overall, Badb was a powerful and fearsome goddess, revered by warriors and feared by her enemies. Her physical appearance, powers, and symbols all served to reinforce her role as a bringer of death and destruction on the battlefield.
Family Tree
Ancestry
Badb is a member of the Morrigan, a triad of Celtic war goddesses. The Morrigan are often depicted as sisters, with Badb being the youngest. Her parents are not explicitly mentioned in mythology, but she is believed to be the daughter of the Dagda, the god of the earth and fertility.
Siblings
Badb has two sisters, Macha and Nemain, both of whom are also members of the Morrigan. Macha is associated with sovereignty and horses, while Nemain is associated with battle frenzy and war cries. The three sisters often work together to sow fear and confusion on the battlefield.
Descendants
There are no known direct descendants of Badb in Celtic mythology. However, her influence can be seen in various aspects of Irish folklore and culture. For example, the banshee, a female spirit that foretells death, is often depicted as a manifestation of Badb. Additionally, her association with crows and ravens has led to these birds being seen as omens of death and war in Irish folklore.
Mythological Origins
Irish Mythology
Badb is a war goddess in Irish mythology. She is often associated with the Morrigan, a triad of goddesses that also includes Macha and Anand. Badb is considered to be one of the most powerful members of the Morrigan, and is often depicted as a crow or raven. She is known for her ability to sow fear and confusion among soldiers on the battlefield.
Role in Stories
Badb appears in several stories from Irish mythology. In the Táin Bó Cúailnge, she takes the form of a crow and flies over the battlefield, causing fear and confusion among the warriors. She also appears in the story of the Battle of Mag Tuired, where she helps the Tuatha Dé Danann defeat the Fomorians. In this story, she takes the form of a crow and lands on the shoulder of the Tuatha Dé Danann king, Nuada, giving him the strength to lead his people to victory.
According to legend, Badb was also present at the death of the Irish hero Cúchulainn. She appeared as a crow and perched on his shoulder, signaling his impending death.
Overall, Badb is a fascinating figure in Irish mythology, known for her power and her ability to influence the outcome of battles.
Pop Culture
Literature
Badb has made appearances in various works of literature. In the novel “American Gods” by Neil Gaiman, Badb appears as one of the Old Gods, seeking to regain her power and influence in the modern world. She also appears in the “Iron Druid Chronicles” by Kevin Hearne, as a powerful and dangerous goddess with a penchant for bloodshed.
Media
Badb has also made appearances in various forms of media, including television and video games. In the television series “Charmed,” Badb appears as one of the three Irish Furies, seeking revenge against those who have wronged her. In the video game “Assassin’s Creed Valhalla,” Badb appears as a member of the Order of the Ancients, a secret society seeking to control the world.
Overall, Badb’s appearances in pop culture have helped to keep her mythological legacy alive and introduce her to new audiences.