The lover from the otherworld who is lost to the sea
Warning
She is a wave and a wave takes what it takes
Resonance
Those who love the sea those who keep a lament
Symbols
WaveThree white birdsRockHarp
Mythology Summary
Clíodhna is a Munster otherworld woman: in Acallam na Senórach she is the daughter of the druid Gebann in Manannán's land, who elopes with Ciabhán and is lulled asleep by music and swept away by the great wave at Glandore, thereafter called Tonn Clíodhna, 'Clíodhna's Wave'. In the Book of Lismore's Voyage of Teigue she names herself daughter of Genann mac Treon of the Tuatha Dé Danann and gives three birds whose song heals and a cup that turns water to wine. Carrigcleena near Mallow is her rock, and later Munster folklore makes her queen of the banshees of Desmond.
Modern Practice
Honoured at the sea, at Glandore and at her rock, for love that crosses worlds and for the lament the sea keeps; the three birds and the harp are the usual images and the offering is music rather than blood.