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I’ve seen some chatter floating about online about whether Airmid, a figure from Irish Mythology, (also Airmed, Airmeith, Airmedh) is a historical figure, or a deity, and if she could even be called the Celtic Goddess of Healing.
So I decided to explore what we know about this member of the Tuatha Dé Dannan and see where we’re at on the topic.
✨ Post by Lora O’Brien
In the labyrinthine annals of Irish mythology, Airmid, currently somewhat renowned in NeoPaganism as the Celtic Goddess of healing and herbal wisdom, is a figure shrouded in reverence and enigma. Portrayed in contemporary times as a powerful deity, her legends of profound healing abilities and extensive knowledge of plants have permeated Irish mythology and folklore, to a certain extent.
Yet, as usual there is ongoing scholarly debate which questions the nature of her existence, and indeed that of all the Tuatha Dé Danann. But today we’ll focus on Airmid.
What Do We Know About Airmid?
We know that her name means ‘a dry measure’, or a measure of grain, in particular. She is the sister of Miach (whose name means ‘a bushel of grain’), among other siblings, and a daughter of the slightly better documented Tuatha Dé Danann healer, Dian Cécht. Her mother is not known.
We know she had magical powers to chant spells over waters, and is specifically mentioned with regard to particular herbs of healing. We can look at the Medieval Manuscripts for further clues to her essence and nature and abilities, but of course this Source material is not going to be the full story (though it is a damn good place to start and ground ourselves in, in fairness!)
“Though the literature we have is rich, references to lost manuscripts and tales make it clear that we only have a limited sample of what once existed and what we do have may not be representative.”
– Mark Williams, Ireland’s Immortals.
Airmid in Irish Mythology
As a member of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the pantheon of Irish gods and heroic figures, some will say she she symbolises the profound connection between healing and the natural world…. but does the literature bear this out?
To a certain extent, yes, although the mentions to her are few, and focused on one particular tale, the Cath Maige Tuired, the Second Battle of Moytura.
First, when their King Nuada‘s arm is being replaced by a magical silver limb, Dian Cécht seems to grow jealous of the abilities of his son Miach, and ended up killing the lad – though that is debatable too [see this article for exploration]. Now Airmid steps in…
After that Dian Cecht buried Miach and three hundred and sixty five herbs grew up through the burial place, under the full number of his joints and fibers. Afterwards Airmed unfolded her mantle and separated the herbs there according to their proper order. Dian Cecht came and mixed the herbs, so that no one knows the healing properties but that the Holy Spirit taught them afterwards. And Dian Cecht said: “Miach is no longer; Airmed will remain.”
Cath Maige Tuired: A Full English Translation, by Morgan Daimler. [Get Your Copy Here]
In this tale, Airmid is a figure of tragedy and resilience. Mourning the death of her brother Miach at their father’s hand, she painstakingly catalogues the healing herbs sprouting from his grave.
This would certainly seem to show a great knowledge and even an intimate bond with plant medicine, and an unwavering dedication to its preservation. Despite her father’s destructive envy, Airmid’s commitment to healing and knowledge remains unshaken as she goes about her work.
Later on in that same story, we find that while the Tuatha Dé Danann have been battling the Fomorians, it is the craft and magical skills of their people which are giving the real adavantage. We learn of some of their healing magic, for instance…
This then is what was used to heat the wounded warriors there, so that the next day they were iron-bound because of Dian Cecht and his two sons and his daughter, that is Ochtriuil and Airmed and Miach, nearby composing incantations over gushing water, that is the Slaine it’s name. Throwing their severely wounded in it, indeed in the great vessel. They would be alive emerging out of it. Their severely wounded would be healthy through the strength of the chanting of the four healers who were around the well.
Cath Maige Tuired: A Full English Translation, by Morgan Daimler. [Get Your Copy Here]
Could her depiction as an Irish goddess of healing be rooted in the real-life exploits of an ancient healer, renowned for her mastery of herbal medicine? Honestly, it is unlikely. The mythology is just that, our mythology, and I believe that trying to ‘explain away’ the ancient magic and mastery is a modern form of imperialistic dismissal or even denigration.
Let the Gods be Gods, and if ye are polytheists, this applies even more so. Do you believe in them or not?!
A Note on ‘Celtic’ Goddesses
Now, what we’re dealing with here is Irish Mythology specifically, not general or cross culturally ‘Celtic’.
Celtic is a generic term used by academics as a useful (for them) ‘catch all’ for a couple of languages and cultures in this region of the world. It is a very, very, dated way of viewing this scholarship, but you will still find it radiating out from those ivory towers, and therefore legitimised.
Celtic is also currently in use by green tinted romanticists and Neo Pagans who don’t know any better, who are happy enough to lump anything Irish, Scottish, Welsh, etc. under one umbrella marked ‘different to me’. This is not ok for a number of reasons, so please do check yourself if you’ve been doing it.
The six regions widely considered Celtic countries in modern times are Brittany (Breizh), Cornwall (Kernow), Ireland (Éire), the Isle of Man (Mannin, or Ellan Vannin), Scotland (Alba), and Wales (Cymru).
These are very different to each other, and when we’re talking mythology, or gods and goddesses specifically, please believe me when I say the Gods of one culture are NOT interchanagable with that of another, and they tend to get very annoyed with, or at best just completely ignore, anyone who tries to lump them together for conveneince, or through ignorance.
So, Airmid is an Irish Goddess, who does not feature in the mythology of other Celtic cultures.
Airmid’s Impact on Herbal Medicine
Whether you personally believe in a mythical goddess, a literary story, or even a historical healer, Airmid’s nature and story can inspire you to explore and appreciate the healing virtues of plants, integrating age-old wisdom with modern scientific research.
Today’s herbalists and researchers often find that their discoveries echo the ancient knowledge attributed perhaps to Airmid or other legendary figures, and I do believe that further research in areas such as quantum physics, neuroscience, and environmental science, will lead to even more alignment of modern thought with the supposedly ‘primitive’ beliefs and practices of our ancestors..
As we continue our journey into the mysteries of the past and the possibilities of the natural world, let’s honor Airmid’s legacy by embracing the curative powers of nature and safeguarding the ancient wisdom that has been passed down through generations.
REFERENCES:
- Daimler, M. (2016). Gods and Goddesses of Ireland: A Guide to Irish Deities. Moon Books. [Buy it Here]
- Daimler, M. (2020). Cath Maige Tuired: A full English translation. Independently Published. [Buy it Here]
- McKillop, J. (1998). A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology. Oxford University Press. [Buy it Here]
- Williams, M. (2016). Ireland’s Immortals: A History of the Gods of Irish Myth. Princeton University Press. [Buy it Here]
{Most book links on this blog are affiliate, which means we get a few cents if you buy them this way, at no cost to you. It’s a nice way to support the work if you’re buying a book anyway!}
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Thank you so much for this. Looking for as much information on Airmeith. She has come to mean a lot to me as I begin my journey as an Enrolled Nurse. The order and precision of her work cateloging the herbs on her brothers grave spoke to my heart and became a starting point for our relationship. This order and precision of mind and work is something I definitely need in my work right now. She is a Diety that I speak to on the daily now ☺️