Irish Mythology Texts Featuring the Morrigan

This is not a complete list, but definitely enough to clarify the foundations of the Mórrígan's place in Irish Mythology.

The Morrigan appears throughout Irish mythology, particularly within the Mythological Cycle and Ulster Cycle, often associated with war, fate, sovereignty, and prophecy.

Below are the key texts and her roles in each:

1. Cath Maige Tuired (The Battle of Moytura) – Mythological Cycle

• Role: As a goddess of prophecy and war, she aids the Tuatha Dé Danann in battle against the Fomorians.

• Key Scene: She delivers powerful prophecy after the battle, describing renewal and fertility of the land... but also tells of the forthcoming time of despair.

• Symbolism: Reveals her dual nature - both destroyer and restorer.

🔗 Translation available: Cath Maige Tuired: A Full English Translation by Morgan Daimler - [Get this Book]

2. Táin Bó Cúailnge (The Cattle Raid of Cooley) – Ulster Cycle

• Role: Appears as a shape-shifter and sovereignty challenge to Cú Chulainn.

• Key Encounters:

  • She offers him partnership (he refuses).

  • She attacks in animal forms (eel, wolf, cow) and is wounded.

  • Later returns to heal herself and foreshadow his fate, as he has failed the sovereignty challenge.

🗝️ Represents the land’s sovereignty and war goddess challenging the anti-hero's hubris.

3. Togail Bruidne Dá Derga (The Destruction of Da Derga's Hostel)

• Mention: Less direct, but the Badb (part of Morrígan’s triad) foretells the death of King Conaire.

• Function: Omens and prophecy.

4. Lebor Gabála Érenn (The Book of Invasions)

• Role: Named among the Tuatha Dé Danann as a daughter of Ernmas.

• Identity: Often listed with her sisters Badb and Macha, possibly representing aspects of one deity (the Morrigan), or representing different goddesses under one role and function (title - the Great Queen).

• Triadic Theme: This text supports the interpretation of her with triple goddess aspect, but is not comprehensive proof of this, by any means.

5. Reicne Fothaid Canainne (The Death-Song of Fothad Canainne)

• Allusion: Evoked as a phantom queen among battlefield spirits.

• Themes: Death, the otherworld, and poetic lamentation.

6. Cormac's Glossary (Sanas Cormaic)

• Definition: Offers an etymological account, associating Morrígu (her name in singluar) with “phantom queen” or “great queen.”

• Use: A medieval Christian reinterpretation of her pagan origins.

🗓️ Chronological Timeline of Morrígan’s Mythic Evolution

This is where it gets confusing, because the physical manuscripts we have to which the following dates apply, are copies of copies of copies, back to when the oral tradition mythology was first recorded (which is in itself later than it was being spoken). 

So, take the following 'timeline' with a dose of salt please!

🌟 Summary of the Morrigan Across Mythological Sources

• Names: Morrígan, Morrígu, Na Mórrígna (plural), Badb, Macha, Nemain.

• Themes: War, prophecy, sovereignty, shape-shifting, fate, magic.

• Symbols: Crow/raven, battlefield, river, cow, eel, wolf, spear, cave.

• Functions: Prophet, satirist, guardian of sovereignty, feminine otherworld figure.