Irish Mythology

The Gods and Spirits of Ireland

FÓDLA

Irish Tutelary Goddess

Also known as Fódhla, Fótla

Not very poetically-named Tutelary Goddess of Ireland

She is a protective Spirit of Ireland. The wife of Mac Cécht, she had always wanted a country named after her. Along with her sisters Banba and Ériu, she begged and pleaded with the poet Amairgin to name the Emerald Isle after her.

This three-way rivalry led to a lot of arguments and bad feeling. Poor Amairgin didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, but a country called Fódla would never get anywhere.

For a brief period he considered combining all the names together and calling the country BANBERUFOD, but that was considered just a little too avant-garde.

Eventually he plumped for Ériu and named the country ERIULAND, which is now IRELAND, leaving Banba and Fódla with the consolation prize of having their names made available as an alternative poetic option. They are still waiting for someone to take the option up.

Fódla Facts and Figures

Name: Fódla
Pronunciation: Coming soon
Alternative names: Fódhla, Fótla

Gender: Female
Type: Goddess
Celebration or Feast Day: Unknown at present

Role:
In charge of: Patronage
Area of expertise: Tutelary, Patronage

Good/Evil Rating: NEUTRAL, may not care
Popularity index: 6837

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Article last revised on May 23, 2019 by Rowan Allen.
Editors: Peter J. Allen, Chas Saunders

References: Coming soon.

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