G is for Grainne Ni Malley

"Somewhere beyond the sea, somewhere waiting for me, my lover stands on golden sands, and watches the ships that go sailing." 

-Beyond the Sea-

Grainne Ni Malley is one of those unique tales found studying Celtic myths and origins. She grew up at a much later time in Celtic history, when King Henry VIII was Lord of Ireland. As the daughter of a chieftain, Grainne was also educated. Upon adulthood, she would marry twice in her lifetime. These marriages produced her at least four children. Grainne grew to be quite wealthy, both through her family inheritances and her first husband's death. At first glance, she appears almost forgettable, and perhaps she would be if her family had not been seafarers. For Grainne Ni Malley would become one of the most famous pirates of her time. Legends abound, as can only be expected with female pirates. 

As a young girl, Grainne was no stranger to ships, and the trading business along with it. Legend says that it was while she was still young, that she asked to join her father on his fleet. It wasn't until her first husband's death though, that legends of piracy started. Grainne was accused of imposing taxes on passing ships, any resistance was rumored to met with violence. This continued until Grainne returned to Clare Island, where she recruited men, and began transporting mercenaries between Ireland and Scotland. Along the way, she'd stop to loot outlying islands. Altogether, Grainne was a wealthy woman by the time she met the Lord Deputy of Ireland. Rumor states, that she made quite an impression, and a favorable one. 

The most legendary event about Grainne however, is her meeting with Queen Elizabeth I. Two of Grainne's sons, and her brother, had been taken captive by the English. Upon their meeting, Grainne was said to wear a fine gown, and refused to bow to Queen Elizabeth I. This was because Grainne refused to view Ireland as England's territory, and with it Queen Elizabeth's power. Rumors also indicate that Grainne concealed a dagger, though only for her own protection. During the meeting it was discovered, removed, but hadn't phased the Queen. The two struck an agreement, which would later turn out to be useless. Both Grainne and Elizabeth would later go on to die about ten years later. 

When I first started out researching about the Celtic origins of Paganism, I never thought it'd lead to piracy. There's almost that initial instinct to forget how connected Ireland is to the sea. Much of its culture is shaped and dedicated to those seafaring roots. For women, Grainne is one of many strong examples of powerful women that make up Celtic history. Grainne's views were more than likely not Pagan at all, and were most likely Christian. Her influence though within the Celtic culture now, makes her religion unimportant. She's become a symbol, a legend, and a figure for what women can strive for. Grainne was wealthy, educated, and made an important name for herself. 

There's a bit of a surprise that Ireland had pirates, but it shows the vastness and diversity of a single culture. Paganism very much so embraces that same sense of surprise repeatedly. The Goddess and God take forms that are new and unfamiliar to us. Discovering them can be as rewarding as the information that we come to learn as well. As we study our roots, whether Pagan, ancestral, or culturally, we come to realize a sense of unity. At times our histories can seem unconnected, and the links broken. Grainne is one of those examples that links our history. She grew up in a time where England and Ireland not only met, but clashed. Like so many people of that time period too, she did something to support her own views. 

Today, for many Pagans, Grainne has come to symbolize the divine feminine power within each of us. She acts as a source for us to give back to our country. In general, Grainne has come to share many attribute with the Goddess herself. Interestly, Grainne gives us all an opportunity to work with her symbols in ritual. The Jolly Roger would otherwise never make into many of our rituals. For those who may find that strange, the chalice is also another representation of Grainne. Her very name actually is a form of grace, which can be a strong connection for those today who share in that same name. Whether she is a symbol of power, or worshipped as herself, Grainne is a wonderful source to include in magical workings.