

The King of Ireland’s Son is led to a cabin by an unusual white Owl. In Padraic Colum’s King of Ireland’s Son, published in 1916, the Owl is in servitude of evil. After finally determining that the 700-year-old Owl came from a good family, he hastily marries her. In one Welsh tale, for example (also found in Celtic Symbols), an Eagle searches for a wife. The barn Owl is Cauilleach-oidhche gheal, “white old woman of the night.” The Cailleach is the goddess of death, and the owl’s call was often sensed as an omen that someone would die.” “Because the Owl is sacred to the Goddess in her crone-aspect, one of its many Gaelic names is Cauilleach-oidhche (Crone of the Night). Philip Carr Gomm, in the Druid Animal Oracle, makes the following statement: The Owl is also sometimes believed to represent the Cailleach, the primordial Celtic hag goddess. Saibne Heinz claims that, “Some people suspect a resemblance to Owls.” 12th century Sheela na gig. In Celtic Symbols, by Saibne Heinz, we’re told of the Sheela na gig, which are “figurative carvings of naked women displaying an exaggerated vulva.” The Sheela na gig are most often 12th-century gargoyle-like sculptures found upon churches. The Owl knows of an animal even older than itself, however, and propels the seekers further along their journey. When they eventually do meet the Owl, they discover the bird does not know of the Mabon’s location either. While searching for the missing Mabon, some of Arthur’s men are forced to seek out the five oldest living animals and inquire as to his whereabouts. There’s a final Owl tale in the Mabinogion–in the story of How Culhwch Won Olwen. David” that she’s the daughter of the Lord of Mona, and that Gwydion son of Don transformed her into an Owl. In another tale, the poet Taliesin asks an Owl about her origins. Illustration from Charles Squire’s Celtic Myth and Legend. And even now the owl is called Blodeuwedd.” E. And thou shalt not lose thy name, but shalt be always called Blodeuwedd.’ Now Blodeuwedd is an owl in the language of this present time, and for this reason is the owl hateful unto all birds. For it shall be their nature to attack thee, and to chase thee from wheresoever they may find thee. For I will turn thee into a bird and because of the shame thou hast done unto Llew Llaw Gyffes, thou shalt never show thy face in the light of day henceforth and that through fear of all the other birds. And he said unto her, ‘I will not slay thee, but I will do unto thee worse than that. “And they were all drowned except Blodeuwedd herself, and her Gwydion overtook. Gwydion then places a curse upon Blodeuedd: The assassination attempt fails, however, and the lover is eventually killed. They name her Blodeuedd which is said to mean “Flower Face.” Unfortunately, the new bride betrays Lleu and attempts to have him killed by her new love interest. To help Lleu out, Math and Gwydion create a woman for him out of flowers. The curse upon Lleu, however, is that he cannot ever take on a human wife. Within the story of Math Son of Mathonwy, the god-like figure Gwydion decides that he must find a bride for his nephew Lleu.


In Lady Charlotte Guest’s 1877 translation of the 12 th Century Mabinogion, the Owl’s origins are described in detail. It’s rarely mentioned in myth, legend, or folklore, but when it is it’s usually spoken of in hushed whispers – accompanied by a warning. Have fun deciding, and be sure to vote up your favorite owl names, too.The Owl in Celtic lore is a creature of shadows and the Otherworld. The owl name possibilities are endless, as you can see on this list. Consider “Owlbert Einstein,” “Owl Pacino,” “Jimmy Tallon,” or “Owlf.” If you’ve got a seriously spooky owl, go with “Owlfred Hitchcock.” If your owl is politically minded, go with “Owlbama” or even “Colin P’Owl.” And for cute owl names, why not “Hootie,” “Winky” or “Screech”? Need some funny owl name ideas? Puns often make the funniest monikers. There are many other Potter-themed names to choose from, including “Pigwidgeon” and “Minerva McGonagowl.” When it comes to owls, perhaps no bird of prey is currently more well-known than Hedwig, Harry Potter’s beloved snowy white bird. Think about what kind of name for an owl you want: clever, cool owl names? Punny owl names? Or classics? Choosing a good name for your feathered friend is important, and you want to get it right. If you’re looking for some funny owl name ideas, this list of owl names and creative puns should prove quite helpful.
