Aibheall/Aoibhell/Aoibheall

by Kathleen Ní Bhriain

A Lady of the Mound, or Bean Sidhe (banshee), residing in Graig Liath (grey rock) in County Clare. Her name has been translated as "bright", "sparkling", and "beautiful", all things which are generally attributed to goddessess. Aibheall is said to have a harp which was only heard by those of Clann UíBriain just before they died. For this reason she has been referred to as "banfháidh O mBriain", meaning "prophetress of Clann UíBriain".

One source qoutes a 12th century text in which Aibheall appears to Brian Boru on the eve of his death, to tell him not only of his death, but which of his sons will succeed him as Rí.

The meaning of her name, as well as her history of appearing to members of Clann UíBriain just prior to their death, place Aoibhell in the realm of Goddess of sovereignity, and protector of both Clann UíBriain and County Clare.

Sources:

Dictionary of Celtic Mythology, Peter Berresford Ellis,
  Oxford University Press, 1992 ISBN: 0-19-508961-8

Myth, Legend and Romance: An Encyclopedia of Irish Folk Tradition_, D/aith/i OhOg/ain Prentice Hall Press, 1991, ISBN: 0-13-275959-4

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