Gaelic: Irish, Scottish, ManxIreland, Scotland, Isle of ManFolklore

The Cailleach

Also known as: Cailleach Bhéara, Cailleach Bheur, Caillagh, Digdi, Garavogue

Basic account

The Neolithic passage tombs at Loughcrew are said to be stones that fell out of her apron while she was jumping between the hills.

Account

The Cailleach is the divine hag of Gaelic tradition, and her name means the veiled one. She is Cailleach Bhéara in Ireland, Cailleach Bheur in Scotland, Caillagh on Man, and she appears under Digdi, Digde, Garavogue and other names besides.

Motifs

The giant as builder
Shaped the land while living
Turned to stone
The single eye
Attached to a real place

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What is disputed

What she is.

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Sources

The Lament of the Old Woman of Beare, Old Irish

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