Description
Tailtiu is a goddess from Irish mythology who holds a very special place in my heart and mind. She was a Queen of the Fir Bolg, and the foster-mother of the Tuatha Dé Danann god Lugh.
Tailtiu’s husband was killed by the Tuatha Dé Danann in the First Battle of Moytura. After the defeat of her people, she spent her life in bondage to them, though she still seems to have been afforded status and respect. She was given Lugh to foster, and raised him as if he were her own child. After her death, he loved and respected her enough to fulfil her dying wish that a festival and games be held in her memory. Thus began the tradition of Lughnasadh and the Tailteann Games.
Tailtiu was tasked with clearing the land for agriculture. The grief of her loss accompanied her through the immense labour, and she died from exhaustion and sorrow after clearing the forest and preparing the plain of Brega (modern day County Meath) for farming. That image of her, worn out and filled anguish yet determined to see the work done, has been seared into my imagination for years.
That was the inspiration behind this artwork. A figure who gave her entire self in service of others. A mother, a wife, a land goddess and an exhausted woman whose final wish was for her people to gather and thrive.
“Great that deed that was done with the axe’s help by Taltiu, the reclaiming of meadowland from the even wood by Taltiu daughter of Magmor.”
– The Metrical Dindshenchas p.149
This is an 10″ × 8″ giclée print, printed on Hahnemühle William Turner paper and signed by Shelly Mooney.
