Place of Origin: Ireland
Origin Date: Prominent in ancient Irish mythology, particularly during the early medieval period (circa 5th to 12th centuries CE).
Domain: Fertility, earth, motherhood.
Symbols: Fertile earth, motherhood.
Attributes: Fertility, motherhood, earth.
Epithets: None specifically recorded.
Equivalents: Similar to other mother goddesses in various mythologies, such as Gaia in Greek mythology.
Religion: Irish mythology, Celtic Paganism.
Sacred Texts: Mentioned in the Lebor Gabála Érenn (The Book of Invasions) and Cath Maige Tuired (The Second Battle of Mag Tuired).
Iconography: Typically depicted as a nurturing figure representing the earth and fertility.
Religion: Irish mythology, Celtic Paganism.
Description:
Ernmas is a revered mother goddess in Irish mythology, known for her role as the progenitor of several prominent deities within the Tuatha Dé Danann. She is celebrated as the mother of the sovereignty goddesses—Ériu, Banba, and Fódla—who personify Ireland and its sacred sovereignty. Additionally, Ernmas is credited as the mother of the war goddesses—Badb, Macha, and the Morrígan—who embody the chaos and power of battle.
Her lineage extends further, as she is also said to have sons, including Fiachna, Glonn, Gnim, and Coscar, who are less prominent in mythological narratives. Ernmas's role as a mother goddess highlights her importance in the themes of fertility, sovereignty, and the balance of power.
Ernmas is mentioned in key Irish texts, such as the Lebor Gabála Érenn ("The Book of Invasions") and Cath Maige Tuired ("The Battle of Mag Tuired"). She is described as a she-farmer, symbolizing her connection to the land and its prosperity. Tragically, Ernmas met her end during the First Battle of Mag Tuired, a pivotal conflict in Irish mythology.
Her legacy endures through her divine offspring, who play central roles in the mythology of Ireland, embodying themes of sovereignty, war, and transformation.
Narratives:
The First Battle of Mag Tuired (Cath Maige Tuired)
Ernmas is mentioned in the context of the First Battle of Mag Tuired, where she is killed. This battle is a significant event in Irish mythology, marking the conflict between the Tuatha Dé Danann and the Fir Bolg. Ernmas's death is noted among the casualties of this battle. In the Lebor Gabála Érenn, Ernmas is referred to as a "she-farmer," highlighting her connection to the earth and fertility.
Source: Macalister, R. A. S. (1941). Lebor Gabála Érenn: The Book of Invasions. Irish Texts Society.
The Daughters of Ernmas in Lebor Gabála Érenn (The Book of Invasions)
Ernmas is mentioned as the mother of several significant deities, including the trinity of eponymous Irish goddesses Ériu, Banba, and Fódla, as well as the war goddesses Badb, Macha, and Mórrígan. The text describes the roles and significance of her daughters in Irish mythology.
Source: Macalister, R. A. S. (1941). Lebor Gabála Érenn: The Book of Invasions. Irish Texts Society.
Worship Beliefs and Practices:
As a mother goddess, Ernmas would have been honored in rituals and ceremonies related to fertility, the earth, and motherhood.
Core Beliefs
Ernmas is revered as a mother goddess in Irish Paganism, embodying fertility, the earth, and motherhood. Followers believe that she plays a crucial role in the fertility of the land and the prosperity of its people. As the mother of significant deities like Ériu, Banba, Fódla, Badb, Macha, and Mórrígan, Ernmas is seen as a nurturing and powerful figure who influences various aspects of life and nature.
Attributes and Significance
Fertility: Ernmas is associated with the fertility of the land and the abundance of crops.
Motherhood: She is revered as a nurturing mother figure, symbolizing the earth's ability to sustain life.
Earth: Ernmas represents the earth itself, embodying its strength, resilience, and nurturing qualities.
Practices of Worship
Worship of Ernmas involves various rituals, ceremonies, and offerings that honor her attributes and significance. These practices are deeply connected to the cycles of nature and the agricultural calendar.
Rituals and Ceremonies:
Seasonal Festivals: Followers celebrate festivals such as Samhain, Imbolc, Bealtaine, and Lughnasadh, which mark the changing seasons and agricultural cycles. These festivals often include rituals that honor Ernmas and other deities.
Offerings: Devotees make offerings of grains, fruits, and other agricultural produce to Ernmas, symbolizing gratitude for the earth's bounty. These offerings are often placed on altars or sacred sites.
Prayers and Invocations: Prayers and invocations are recited to seek Ernmas's blessings for fertility, prosperity, and protection. These prayers may be spoken during rituals or as part of daily devotion.Specific Festivals:
Samhain: Celebrated on October 31st, Samhain marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It is a time to honor ancestors and seek Ernmas's blessings for the coming year.
Imbolc: Celebrated on February 1st, Imbolc marks the beginning of spring and the return of light. It is a time to honor Ernmas and seek her blessings for new growth and fertility.
Bealtaine: Celebrated on May 1st, Bealtaine marks the beginning of summer and the fertility of the land. Rituals often include lighting bonfires and making offerings to Ernmas.
Lughnasadh: Celebrated on August 1st, Lughnasadh marks the beginning of the harvest season. It is a time to give thanks for the earth's abundance and honor Ernmas with offerings and rituals.Traditions:
Sacred Sites: Followers may visit sacred sites such as ancient cairns, stone circles, and holy wells to perform rituals and make offerings to Ernmas. These sites are believed to be imbued with her presence and power.
Ancestor Veneration: As a mother goddess, Ernmas is often honored alongside ancestors. Devotees may include her in rituals that venerate their ancestors, seeking her blessings for their lineage and family.