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La Morrigan - A la rencontre des grandes reines

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On shadowed wings and in raven's call, meet the ancient Irish goddess of war, battle, prophecy, death, sovereignty, and magic. This book is an introduction to the Morrigan and several related goddesses who share the title, including Badb and Macha. It combines solid academic information with personal experience in a way that is intended to dispel the confusion that often surrounds who this goddess was and is. The Morrigan is as active in the world today as she ever was in the past but answering her call means answering the challenge of finding her history and myth in a sea of misinformation, supposition, and hard-to-find ancient texts. Here in one place, all of her basic information has been collected along with personal experiences and advice from a long-time priestess dedicated to a goddess who bears the title Morrigan.

98 pages, Paperback

First published December 12, 2014

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About the author

Morgan Daimler

84 books508 followers
My name is Morgan Daimler. I have had my poetry and prose published in different places including various anthologies, Circle magazine, Witches and Pagans magazine and Pagan Dawn magazine. I am the author of the urban fantasy series Between the Worlds and (through Cosmic Egg Books) the high fantasy novel Into Shadow. I've written more than a dozen non-fiction works through Moon Books including Fairy Witchcraft, Pagan Portals: the Morrigan, Fairies: A Guide to the Celtic Fair Folk, A New Dictionary of Fairies, and Pagan Portals Aos Sidhe

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5 stars
422 (47%)
4 stars
298 (33%)
3 stars
145 (16%)
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23 (2%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
Profile Image for Don Gerstein.
754 reviews101 followers
July 21, 2019
Over the years and especially recently I have come across stories that refer to Celtic beliefs, including those that talk about the Otherworld and The Morrigan. On a personal level, I felt I might understand on a deeper level some of the stories I read.

I liked this book over others I looked at as the description indicated it would be suitable for those just beginning to examine this subject, which would describe me. A previous attempt to read a different book on The Morrigan ended with me setting the book aside while still in the first chapter, as I was not knowledgeable enough to be able to easily follow. I did not wish to relive the same experience. I chose this book because of the author, Morgan Daimler. I had previously read her book “Fairies: A guide to the Celtic fair folk,” and based on that reading, believed that this book would be fair and knowledgeable. I was not disappointed.

Like the book on fairies, Ms. Daimler examines her subject from all sides, including references to other authors that may not share the same beliefs. In numerous passages she encourages us to examine all the evidence and to come to our own conclusions. This does not mean that the author will not take a stand, and one can tell when she has strong convictions concerning her subject. At these times, while she will not insist that her opinion is absolutely correct, she generously shares her own beliefs while still allowing us to choose our own path.

I compartmentalized this book into three sections. It begins with a description of The Morrigan, including some goddesses that have been mentioned by other authors as belonging in this group. Ms. Daimler followed this with a synopsis of various legends (encouraging readers to read the stories in their entirety). Lastly, the author shared some of her own experiences on worship and meditation for those who wish to follow that path. In the back of the book are the chapter notes as well as an extensive bibliography.

I restate that my knowledge of this subject, before reading the book, was extremely limited. However, I feel that treatment of the subject by Ms. Daimler was easily explained and contained enough detail that it was interesting and added to my knowledge. Five stars.
Profile Image for O..
1 review
July 11, 2015
First of all, I'm glad I came across this book. Due to time and limited access to certain books about Celtic mythology, this is the perfect book for me to learn about The Morrigan.

As the author specifically states, this book isn't meant to be an in depth description of the Goddess since its written as a "resource for seekers" and is "meant to be a basic introduction" to The Morrigan. Not only does she references books to read, she encourages one to do research (time permitting and when you're not on Facebook) and read the tales. Isn't that wonderful? It's a good starting point to help you do your own research. If you can easily find the Cattle Raid of Cooley on Amazon, I'm sure you can find other tales referenced in the book on Amazon as well. If not, there are ways to connecting with libraries; I'm sure of it.

The author includes the different names associated with The Morrigan in different stories and includes her personal encounters with each one. She writes a bit about her own devotion plus also includes a chapter about the referencing of Dark Goddesses and Gods which I found important to address.

Overall, I recommend to this book to anyone that wants to know a bit more about The Morrigan than just reading what's out there while skimming through Google.
13 reviews26 followers
October 2, 2015
As with others in the Pagan Portals series, there is a limit to the amount of information that can be fit into "Meeting the Great Queens." Yet, even with this limit, Daimler's writing doesn't feel constrained. The citation and bibliography provide excellent resources for further reading on the subject of the Morrígan, perfect for those left wanting more.

This is a wonderful introduction to the subject of the Morrígan and ideal for those who like things rooted in strong scholarship. The chapters are succinct and to the point, painting a picture based on the lore and Daimler's personal practice/experiences in a way that is easily accessible, even for seekers new to the subject.

A source that can be turned to repeatedly, I highly recommend this, especially as an introductory book on the Morrigan.
1 review2 followers
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April 3, 2016
I love this Book. I am Heathen myself. But for 2 years, I felt pulled, called, drawn, to the Morrigan. I couldn't put a finger on why. When I talked to my gods about it. They pretty much told me to follow that call. Yours was the first book that I picked up/ordered on my nook. I read through it and felt, comforted. It was great. The information and different perspectives were intriguing. Thank you for putting this together. I look forward to reading more of your books.
Profile Image for K.S. Thompson.
Author 3 books19 followers
December 25, 2015
Extremely well researched, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about the Morrigan. Morgan Daimler also shares some of her personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections about her relationship with this Irish Goddess. I look forward to reading Morgan's blog as well as the other books in her "Pagan Portals" series.
Profile Image for Ryan McCarthy.
352 reviews22 followers
January 4, 2022
Awesome read aside from the weird digression on (not) eating horses.
Profile Image for Sofia Teixeira.
607 reviews132 followers
July 15, 2020
This is a very interesting book about one of the most mysterious Celtic goddesses. And what is interesting, is that by naming the book The Morrigan, it opened a nice space to discuss between the triad of goddesses also known by Morrigan and the individual deity Morrigan. From different tails to different animal representations, going through all entities associated, somehow, with the name Morrigan, the author did a very nice job, with a personal tone, guiding us through a potential complex universe in a comprehensive and understandable style.
Profile Image for Dev S.
230 reviews2 followers
June 28, 2015
I have recently developed an interest in the Morrignae and this is the first real text I have read on the subject. It is very accessible and although I am not a fan of the citation style (nor the apparent emphasis on modern texts over more original sources), the personal perspective from the author is fantastic and hugely helpful.
Profile Image for Courtney Weber.
29 reviews23 followers
February 7, 2018
Daimler has a gift for offering lore in a palatable and pleasant way. They offer their own experiences, but a reader never feels "dictated to." I love the illuminations on the etymology of The Morrigan's many guises. I recommend this for anyone who is interested in The Morrigan or Celtic mythos.
1 review
May 28, 2015
The Morrigan

It is a very well written and informative book. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in the study of the Celtic gods.
Profile Image for Alicia Doyle.
Author 1 book5 followers
March 30, 2023
I came across Daimler's book while I was researching the Irish Goddess of War and Prophecy, The Morrigan, for the fantasy novel I am writing. As an author, my personal belief is that while a certain amount of creative liberty should be permitted if not at least expected in fiction, I want to be the type of author that honors the beliefs, cultures, and real-world aspects that I include within my fiction.
My novel (and the series to which it belongs) incorporates a variety of folklore and mythology, and as such, I want to stay as true as I can to that source material when appropriate. As I am sure you know, Irish Folklore and stories about the Fair Folk are extremely popular. This means that the internet is abundant with information on the topic. But, would you believe there is a lot more speculative and actually "incorrect" information out there about it?
Having said all that, (I apologize for the tirade) it was important to me to get the details as accurate as possible for my book. Daimler is well-versed in Irish Folklore, and through reading a few of this author's books, I have been led to other very credible sources of information, including native Irish authors who are still very much connected to the older Irish beliefs and practices. Morgan and those other authors have been invaluable sources of authentic information.
This particular book, as I mentioned above, focuses on the Morrigan, and the many aspects associated with her. One interesting fact is that based on ancient Irish texts (which are few and far between and mostly written by Christian Monks, decades and even centuries later) and oral tradition, the Goddess known as The Morrigan may in fact have been several different Goddesses all referred to as the Morrigan, more as a title, than as a name for an individual.
In my books, the Morrigan will be written as her own sovereign person but I think if I have learned anything from Daimler's book, it would the importance of knowing where the information you use comes from, even if creative liberty is taken. It's important to the people and cultures that the author is discussing but also, in my humble opinion, elevates the credibility of the author and maybe even adds something authentic to the fictional story that we are trying to tell.
This book and the more than two dozen other books written by Daimler are short, concise, and well-researched. I highly recommend reading them if you are searching for authentic information on Irish Folklore.
P.S. I am currently reading Daimler's follow-up book, titled Raven Goddess: Going Deeper with the Morrigan and I can't wait to tell you all about it.
Profile Image for Joseph.
86 reviews
July 7, 2020
The Morrigan is a very simple book written by a Pagan/Wiccan that gives brief overviews of certain incarnations/aspects/forms of the deity known as The Morrigan. The book is plainly written without boring the audience nor is it a rambling mess by someone who just wanted to “write a book.”
Each chapter focuses on an aspect of the Morrigan and then explores that aspect a little more. Included are poems, chants, rituals, and prayers that fit the chapter’s parameters. There are scholarly references not based on Wikipedia articles or other amateurish sources that people count as “legitimate.” At the conclusion of each chapter, the author provides a few paragraphs of their own experience working with or including the Morrigan in their spiritual works. This book is not a how-to introduction to paganism or the Wiccan religion. The author assumes that the reader is familiar with the base tenets of paganism and Wicca before opening the book.
I liked that simplicity of this book and enjoyed the anecdotal stories. It is aimed towards people like me who already practice some form of paganism and/or Wicca and have a baseline knowledge of the Morrigan. I will keep this book on my shelf and recommend or loan it to anyone who may be interested in the Morrigan. There is no preaching or shaming in how one works with any deity or divinity and that makes this book accessible to many people. Using the citations in the book will guide those interested into further exploration. In the most positive sense, this book helps demystify the Morrigan into a more elaborate deity and not one simply used in media because she is mysterious or “dangerous.” There is a brief discussion of both the positive and negative of the Morrigan. That discussion does not feel like a bait-and-switch nor a turn towards a movie-style occult mystery the reader must solve.
This book is good for those interested in the Morrigan beyond the stereotypical portrayal in pop culture.
Profile Image for Corrie.
1,688 reviews4 followers
November 24, 2025
Every now and then I want to mix some nonfiction into my reading and what better way to do that with Pagan Portals: The Morrigan by Morgan Daimler. I want to learn more about the Celtic (and Nordic) Goddesses.

This concise guide introduces readers to the Morrigan, one of the most powerful and complex deities in Irish mythology. Often known as a battle goddess and a figure tied to fate, sovereignty, and transformation, the Morrigan is far more nuanced than the popular “war goddess” label suggests. Drawing directly from medieval Irish texts and folklore, Morgan Daimler explores who the Morrigan is (and isn’t), her different aspects and names (including Badb, Macha, Nemain, and Anand), her role in myth (especially the Cath Maige Tuired), and her connections to prophecy, magic, shapeshifting, and the battlefield.

The book offers practical, well-grounded advice for modern pagans and polytheists who feel called to work with her: how to approach her respectfully, suggested offerings and altar ideas, prayers and invocations drawn from or inspired by historical sources, and thoughtful discussion of what a relationship with this intense deity can look like today. Daimler emphasizes scholarship while keeping the tone approachable, making it ideal for beginners yet valuable for experienced practitioners seeking a solidly sourced introduction.

In short, it’s a balanced, no-nonsense starting point for anyone wanting to understand and connect with the Great Queen on her own terms.

This no-nonsense format really suits me.

4.4 Stars
Profile Image for Alan D.D..
Author 39 books78 followers
July 22, 2020
Una interesante y atractiva introducción a los mitos que rodean a la Morrigan. La autora explica muy bien las tres diosas principales que se relacionan a ella, analiza cada una, ofrece los primeros pasos para acercarse y da espacio a otras diosas que en algún momento fueron consideradas parte de la Morrigan. Perfecto para amantes de la cultura y mitología celta.

An interesting and engaging introduction to the myths surrounding the Morrigan. The author explains very well the three main goddesses that are related to her, analyzes each one, offers the first steps to get closer and gives space to other goddesses who were once considered part of the Morrigan. Perfect for lovers of Celtic culture and mythology.
Profile Image for Sas UrbaneHexe.
130 reviews6 followers
July 1, 2021
A great little book. Morgan Daimler identifies herself as irish reconstructionist polytheist and as such she has put together lots of information about the Morrigan and the Goddesses associated with or connected to her. She tells us about the myths connected to her and about the historically proven information that she has collected.
Besides the information from myth and history she also tells us about her own expericnces and modern beliefs and gives us a few practical tips on how to worship and connect with the Morrigan.
Even though she has compiled lots of information, a book with less than 100 pages can only be an introduction and overview that gives you a starting point. And Morgan Daimler gives us a profound, well-grounded and well researched point to start from.
Profile Image for Linda.
292 reviews7 followers
November 12, 2017
Not entirely what I expected. The Morrigan is a deity with a long and varied history and a lot of associated legends. She is multifaceted. The downside is that there are a lot of legends with deities named the Morrigan, including ones where it MIGHT be referring to her in a different aspect. Ms Daimler is thorough in her explanations, but that also means that this is more a compendium of the different Morrigan legends rather than a book about how to work with the Morrigan. The later chapters touch on that, but most of it is devoted to the legends.
Still a good book though for people thoroughly unfamiliar with this fearsome goddess.
Profile Image for Lucy.
42 reviews9 followers
October 19, 2017
A really quick and easy read! I read this to deepen my understanding of the Morrigan in preparation for a project I'm working on. This book is a great overview of goddess and her mythology, especially for beginners.

I'm giving it four stars because while it was lightning fast to get through, much of the information itself was already known to me from prior reading. Since I'm not a pagan practitioner, I didn't find much value in the more personal sections of the book. Still, this is a super accessible resource for anyone researching the Morrigan.
Profile Image for Heidi Hanley.
Author 4 books18 followers
November 13, 2020
Morgan Daimler has put together a wonderful book that provides the complicated history, lineage and myth of The Morrigan. Personally, I enjoyed the blend of scholarly information with practical application and space and invitation to allow The Morrigan to work with the seeker. It won't necessarily be attractive to someone looking for more of a novel, but for the someone seriously interested in learning about this rich and powerful Goddess, it's perfect. I look forward to reading more by this scholar and author.
Profile Image for Halie Rivers.
24 reviews
December 16, 2020
Amazing and easy to read. I love Morgan’s ability to take old Irish folktales and compile them in a way that is both educational and not overwhelming. This was recommended by Lora O’Brien via her YouTube and now I’ve purchased a handful more of Daimers book.

She is often recommended as one of the few who have put in work and resources into honestly representing the culture for which she writes about.

If you are new to Celtic Paganism (specifically Irish) or just love Irish folktale - def give it read. It’s a very short book.
Profile Image for Indigo Crow.
275 reviews22 followers
March 23, 2021
This book is extremely short and you can read it in a single sitting if you've got the time. But it's presented in such a way that the length doesn't hurt the content, and I'm really pleased with that!

This is a good first step in learning about the Morrigan, whether they/she has called you or if you're just interested in this subject. Historical information is provided along with many reputable sources and a bibliography full of related texts is offered at the back of the book. So while it's short, it's still chock full of excellent material.
Profile Image for Colleen Rice.
277 reviews7 followers
November 13, 2021
Rating this was hard, as I read it as a reference and my first stop in trying to understand some Celtic mythology. I'm studying a few different goddesses, and was intrigued by the Morrigan. This book wasn't what I thought it would be (not sure what that was?), and it was much more scholarly...which also meant it assumed foundational knowledge on the general mythology than I currently have. I'm assuming it will all make more sense in a few months time when I have more of those foundations established & compartmentalized in my mind. Onto the next, for now!
Profile Image for Ivy.
24 reviews
December 16, 2024
This is my second or third reread. Daimler is an author who is very good at getting to the point. The information is well researched and densely packed without being droning and the tidbits about her own experience with The Morrigan feels like a nice jumping off point for the reader in their own journey in worship. This is a resource to keep coming back to for new ideas to better worship and serve The Morrigan and for more obscure details to do further research on yourself. No notes, Daimler is a staple read for many paths in paganism.
Profile Image for Moonchild.
10 reviews
October 17, 2025
Je l’ai trouvé très complet, mais assez compliqué pour quelqu’un qui découvre seulement ce monde et qui n’est pas forcément familier avec la mythologie irlandaise..
Il faut dire aussi que le sujet est très complexe, je trouve que rendre tout ça accessible est quand même un pari réussi pour l’autrice, on s’y retrouve au final mais il faut s’accrocher. C’est un très bon premier contact avec le sujet à mon avis, mais il faut bien sûr se documenter ensuite (les sources se retrouvent toutes dans la bibliographie ce qui est un point +++).
3 reviews
June 30, 2018
A thorough and interesting introduction to the Morrigan. Daimler does well with describing the convoluted and uncertain history and mythos behind this group of deities, and offers her own interpretation without making readers feel that other views are wrong. Some grammar and spelling error occasionally gave me a hard time in following along, hence 4 instead of 5 stars. Recommended for anyone looking to pursue a relationship with The Morrigan or who just want to learn about her/them.
Profile Image for Bryant.
11 reviews11 followers
February 20, 2019
This is the fourth book that I have read from the author.
I enjoyed this offering of knowledge about the various Goddesses who have been called "The Morrigan". I found it fascinating and informative.

I say it in each review of her books, but I am so very grateful for her scholarship.

I highly recommend this to anyone interested in The Morrigan or Irish lore in general - especially people who are pagan, and of those, especially reconstructionists.
Profile Image for Kaley.
151 reviews55 followers
November 3, 2019
A wealth of information for such a small book. Anecdotes about the Morrigan in Daimler's own life were particularly interesting.

That being said, I didn't find it as accessible as it claims to be, unless you're already more familiar with Irish mythology than the average non-Irish person is likely to be. Some quick explanations of the many stories/people/things referenced would've been useful. Also, a bit of editing was needed in terms of punctuation and typos.
Profile Image for Tracey.
Author 15 books17 followers
July 28, 2020
The Morrigan

The Morrigan is a Goddess who in my opinion has been misunderstood.
In this book Morgan Daimler explains who she is and among other things gives examples of her in Mythology and also the animals associated with her.
It isn't a very long book, but in my opinion the perfect length for reading about The Morrigan for the first time.
This is the perfect introduction to this Goddess and one I highly it to anyone interested in her.
Profile Image for Phil Schuler.
117 reviews3 followers
October 25, 2020
I was a bit disappointed. Now mind you if this was one of the first books that I ever read on the subject I would be a bit more enthusiastic but as it stands, for myself, this was just more of the same. It is a short and quick read. Informative and well written. But again, for me, this was information I already knew. Maybe it is harsh on my part but that is how it is. For those unfamiliar with the subject however, by all means, go out and get a copy today!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews

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