Clídna

Clídna is the Old Irish form of Clíodhna. The name appears in Irish mythology as that of a beautiful goddess, sometimes considered a queen of the banshees or a goddess of love and beauty, especially associated with County Cork. Clídna was said to have three brightly coloured birds whose song healed the sick.

Etymology

The meaning of Clídna (and its modern form Clíodhna) is unknown. The name has been anglicized as Cleena and appears in variant spellings such as Clíona. It belongs to a tradition of Old Irish names whose origins have been obscured by time.

Mythological Significance

In legend, Clídna was a member of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the mythological race of gods or superhuman figures in Irish tradition. She fell in love with a mortal named Ciabhán and left the Land of Promise (Tír Tairngire) with him. Upon arrival on the Irish shore, however, she was swept away by a great wave—a story that echoes the tragedy of other mythological figures. Clídna is also known as a banshee (bean sí), a spirit whose wailing foretells death. As Queen of the Banshees, she was said to rule over the fairies of South Munster (Desmond). Her palace was believed to be at Carrigcleena, a rock formation near Mallow, County Cork, associated with local folklore until modern times.

Cultural Associations

Clídna is particularly associated with old Irish families of Munster, many of whom considered her a benefactor. The name remains in use in Ireland, often in the form Clíodhna or Clíona.

• Meaning: Unknown
• Origin: Irish mythology
• Type: Goddess name
• Usage: Irish (Old Irish form)