According to modern researchers, the cult of the Celtic goddess Brigit (Brighid) was spread mainly in Ireland. She was also worshiped by tribes living in the north of England and, possibly, in some areas of Scotland. Depending on the area, the name of the goddess could sound, in Russian transcription, like Brigantia or Bridget. Apparently, for the ancient Celts, the name of this deity was synonymous with the words "shining" or "fiery"; another possible translation is "highest". Traditionally, Brigit is considered the daughter of one of the supreme gods of the pagan Irish pantheon, Dagda, the god of the earth and the patron saint of all Celts. According to another, rather dubious version, Brigit was born in a flame and therefore has no ancestors and is not related to other deities of Celtic mythology.
Like many other gods of ancient Ireland, Brigit performs several functions at once; she is the goddess of war and battles, and in times of peace she patronizes poets, skalds, artisans and healers. She is also revered by all kinds of shamans, sorcerers and other characters who deal with otherworldly forces. It is possible that Brigit's sphere of influence includes power over fire, which is indirectly confirmed by her appearance. The ancient Celts imagined this goddess as a beautiful fire-haired girl; it was in this way that she appeared before mere mortals.
Many data indicate that Brigit is a collective figure in which three female deities are united at once, each of which is responsible for strictly defined events and patronizes its own direction. Interestingly, in this case, Brigit, as one, is the goddess of battle and, at the same time, is responsible for wisdom, healing and blacksmithing, if she is three independent goddesses. Such a combination in one character of three different hypostases is quite common in ancient beliefs; it subsequently developed in more modern monotheistic religions.
If about the origin of Brigit the opinions of scientists largely coincide, then regarding her offspring there are two versions, each of which deserves attention. According to one of them, Brigit is the wife of the god Bres, in marriage with whom she gave birth to three sons. Their fate in the Irish sagas is not illuminated in any way, which gave rise to the second hypothesis, according to which the goddess was not destined to experience the joy of motherhood.
The Celtic holiday of Imbolc is dedicated to the goddess Brigit, which will be described in more detail in one of the upcoming posts on the channel. It is held in early February and marks the change from winter cold to milder spring weather. In the wilderness of Ireland, the custom of sacrificing a chicken to Brigit is still preserved, which must be buried alive at the confluence of three streams. Now it is already difficult to unequivocally judge what exactly this ritual symbolizes; perhaps it serves as a ceremony that attracts the attention of a powerful goddess to the affairs of mortals.