Who is goddess of fairies?

The goddess of fairies, also known as the Queen of the Fairies, is Áine. She is a prominent figure in Irish mythology and folklore, revered as a powerful and influential deity. Áine is often referred to as Áine Chlair, which translates to “Áine of the Light,” highlighting her connection to the sun and the natural world.

Áine is associated with the summer solstice, a time of celebration and abundance in Irish culture. Even as recently as 1879, rituals in her honor were performed by native Irish people, demonstrating the enduring belief and reverence for this goddess.

One significant ritual that took place during Midsummer was the spreading of ashes from the fires onto the fields. This act was believed to ensure fertility and a bountiful harvest. The ashes were seen as a form of blessing from Áine, bestowing her divine favor upon the land and its crops.

The worship and veneration of Áine as the goddess of fairies is deeply rooted in Irish folklore. Fairies, or “daoine sídhe,” are supernatural beings that are believed to inhabit the fairy mounds or “sídhe” found throughout the Irish landscape. These fairies are not the diminutive creatures often portrayed in popular culture, but rather powerful and mysterious beings.

Áine is seen as their queen, commanding authority over the fairy realm. She is associated with beauty, fertility, and protection. It is said that she can shape-shift into various forms, such as a swan or a hare, adding to her enchanting and elusive nature.

In addition to her association with fairies, Áine is also connected to the land and its fertility. She is believed to have control over crops, livestock, and the natural cycles of growth and harvest. As such, she is often invoked for blessings and assistance in matters of agriculture and abundance.

Personally, I have always been fascinated by the mythology surrounding Áine and the fairies. Growing up in Ireland, I would often hear stories of encounters with the fairy folk and the importance of respecting their spaces and traditions. There was a sense of awe and reverence associated with Áine, as if she held the power to bring both blessings and misfortune.

I have visited some of the ancient fairy mounds in Ireland, such as the famous Brú na Bóinne, and felt a sense of magic and mystery surrounding these sacred sites. The belief in Áine and the fairies still lingers in the hearts of many Irish people, and traditions such as leaving offerings at fairy trees or avoiding disturbing fairy mounds continue to be observed.