Brigid's Labyrinth

{(enchant:?page,(text-colour:white)+(bg:black))}"Labyrinths also have appeared in both early pagan and Christian traditions, Stone said. The winding, circular path is meant to help generate a meditative state where people can reflect on their life and spirituality." (Quinn, 2014) You stare at the labyrinth in front of you, unsure of how you got here. Looking up at the towering walls of ivy, you wonder if sunlight reaches the deepest parts of the maze. You hear a voice beckoning you forward. Unable to make out the words, you take a step closer. The voice calls again, and this time you can make out its uncanny whisper... “//Brigid//.” This name perplexes you. You know you’ve heard it before but struggle to piece together how and where. Curiosity compels you to step closer to the entrance. You start to understand that confusion will persist until you make your choice. You can turn back, refusing to entertain the voice and its mysteries. Or, you can cross into this liminal space and enter Brigid’s Labyrinth. What do you decide? [[I enter Brigid's Labyrinth.]] [[I do not enter the labyrinth.]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}Brigid is a Celtic goddess of poetry, fertility, healing, the hearth, spring, and the forge. She goes by many names and takes many forms. She has traveled far and adapted herself to a variety of cultures. Brig—another of her names—means “the Exalted One” or “The Great Lady,” a title that was also often given to “female entities as well as women in positions of power” (Weber, 5). To some, she is a goddess of midwifery and farm animals; to others, she is a warrior. Who will she be to you? You see a sign post with five arrows all pointing in different directions. Each has a name carved into the ancient wood. Some names are more familiar than others. Which sign do you follow? [[Bride]] [[Ffraid]] [[Brigantia]] [[Brigandu]] [[Maman Brigitte]]

{(enchant:?page,(bg:black))(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:white))}(text-style:"blink")[DEAD END!] You have decided not to go into the labyrinth. You turn away from the entrance and start to walk deeper into the fog that surrounds you. { (live: 6s)[ (stop:) [[Turn back and enter the labyrinth.->I enter Brigid's Labyrinth.]] ] } { (live: 6s)[ (stop:) [[Give up.->Intro Dead End]] ] }

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You follow the sign that points to ''Bride''. The stories of Bride come from Scotland. She is "more strongly intertwined with 'Saint Bride' than the Irish Brigid" (Daimler, 17). She is a deity of pregnancy, healing, poetry, smithcraft, the hearth, and marriage. Like many other versions of Brigid, Bride is heavily associated with healing wells. One of her most famous tales regards her connection to the Cailleach (a hag-like figure in Celtic mythology). Each winter, Bride is captured by the Cailleach, which causes plants to die and the earth to freeze. Angus—the son of the Cailleach—falls in love with Bride and rescues her on Imbolc (a festival that celebrates the coming of spring). Freeing her from his mother’s captivity, Bride brings about a time of rebirth and growth (Daimler, 17). You stumble upon a tapestry. Picking it up from the ground, you see a beautiful array of golds, whites, and greens. Spreading the cloth wide, you are finally able to make out an image. It depicts a woman. Half of her is surrounded by plants and animals. Her face is youthful, and the sun reflects off her auburn hair. The other half is wrapped in a thick shroud. A blizzard pelts at her old wrinkled face, and behind her reside ancient snow-capped mountains. You place the tapestry down. [[Walk back to the sign post.->Many Names]] [[Keep going.->Crossroads 1]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You continue your trek, walking down what feels like an endless path. You start to wonder if you've gone the wrong way. Maybe you should retrace your steps? You look behind you and see that the way you came is now blocked by an array of wild plants. You are at a ''crossroads''. In front of you is a marble statue of Brigid. It is unlike anything you have ever seen. The stone is malleable. It seems to be morphing into three distinct poses. The [[first->Brigid the Poet]] shows Brigid holding a hefty tome, her mouth open as if in the middle of a song. The [[second->Brigid the Smith]] shows Brigid standing over an anvil, hammer in hand. The [[third->Brigid the Healer]] shows Brigid with her arms full of medicinal herbs and a cauldron at her feet. (if: visit is 1)[Once you have examined the statue and its changing form, you notice a [[narrow path->TEST Brigid the Warrior]] tucked to the right. There is no light, and the foliage is more uninterrupted than in other parts of the maze.](if: visit is >=2)[The hidden narrow path is no longer there. You can not go down it anymore.] You look back to the shape-shifiting Brigid. What catches your eye?

You step through the entrance and remember why you have journeyed all this way. You are on a quest to find Brigid’s Healing Well. Known to have magical properties, the sacred well will offer you the chance to reflect and heal. But first, you must learn Brigid’s story. To reach the center, you will have to make choices. Brigid’s Labyrinth will force you to pick a path. Your decisions will affect what awaits you. Be aware that turning left means you will not always get to see what is to the right. Be brave and make bold decisions. You will often have the option to retrace your steps but some paths will only be offered once. At some points, you will have to wait for the labyrinth to present you with choices (some text is timed and requires a few seconds to appear, but there will always be something to click on unless you have lost the game). Your exploration will be of your own making. All of the referenced information is cited at the end of this journey. Some paths will get you to the center faster. It is up to you to decide how informed you need to be when you reach Brigid’s Healing Well. What kind of pilgrimage will you undertake? Your first choice is aproaching... [[I am ready.->Many Names]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You wander through the woods. Time passes. Your body is tense, preparing for your next encounter.(click-replace: "preparing for your next encounter.")[preparing for your next encounter. You hear a blood-curdling cry somewhere to your left. You jolt. Birds scatter from the treetops. Rabbits seek coverage. You hold your breath, trying to locate the source of the noise. The screaming resumes, this time louder and without pause. You feel an overwhelming sense of sorrow listening to this mournful sound. It is unlike anything you have ever heard. Tears stream down your cheeks. You feel a profound sense of loss that you can’t explain. Keening was a mourning call invented by Brigid to grieve the death of her son—Ruadán. The practice "has been described as a deeply personal cathartic expression in which the wailing would move to others in the space until all present would wail to a point of frenzy” (Weber, 89). Brigid’s cries were so soul-crushing and unearthly that they warranted the creation of a new term to describe the act. “The practice was outlawed by the Catholic Church in the mid-1800s. Some say the Pagan nature of keening triggered the Church's distaste. For well over a century, keening was pretty much obsolete and relegated to folklore and works of fiction. Because of its intimate nature and dissolution before recording equipment was easily accessible, examples of old-world keening are tough to find, if they can be found at all. Yet the practice may be returning. Keeners appear at funerals or ancestral rites, but also at political demonstrations.” (Weber, 89) You search for the creator of the noise, hoping that reaching the mourner will ease the pain. The weight of grief is pushing on your chest. You are about to give up when the cries stop. You feel cleansed as if all of the negative energies tied to your soul have washed away. [[Continue roaming.->Fiery Arrow]]]

Below you will find a list of artifacts that discuss and depict Brigid. They were not all used for this project. The goal of this is to function as a guide for those curious to explore and learn more about Brigid and the representations of her in fictional texts. I have not personally read/viewed all of these works, this was something that was compiled during my research. I hope you find it interesting and helpful! [[Click here to return to the page about the creation of this project.->About the Maker]] [[Click here to view the works cited.->Works Cited]] Poetry &emsp;&emsp;Harefire, Brihainne. “Brigid's Fire.” The Beltane Papers, no. 27, 2002, p. 28. &emsp;&emsp;O'Reilly, Anne F. “Brigid.” Contemporary Psychoanalytic Studies, no. 14, 2012, p. VI. &emsp;&emsp;The Irish Times. “Three Poems for Brigid: Doireann NÍ Ghríofa, Paula Meehan and Nidhi Zak/Aria Eipe.” The Irish Times, The Irish Times, 1 Feb. 2021, https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/three-poems-for-brigid-doireann-ni-ghriofa-paula-meehan-and-nidhi-zak-aria-eipe-1.4471236. Articles/Scholarship &emsp;&emsp;Ardinger, Barbara. “Seasons of Light and Darkness: The Return of Spring.” SageWoman (Point Arena, Calif.), no. 33, 1996, p. 33. &emsp;&emsp;Calore, Katherine C. “Saint Brigid of Kildare.” Sewanee Theological Review, vol. 49, no. 3, 2006, p. 357. &emsp;&emsp;Clann Bhríde. “Finding Brighid in the Ancient Lore.” Clann Bhríde, 19 Oct. 2019, https://clannbhride.org/articles-and-essays/finding-brighid-in-the-ancient-lore/. &emsp;&emsp;Lee, Callista. “Brigid: Spirituality at Work.” SageWoman (Point Arena, Calif.), 1993, p. 146. &emsp;&emsp;Mccafferty, John. “Brigid of Kildare.” The Journal of Medieval and Early Modern Studies, vol. 50, no. 1, 2020, pp. 53–73., https://doi.org/10.1215/10829636-7986589. &emsp;&emsp;Mitchell, Margaret Lynn. “Saint Brigid of Ireland: A Feminist Cultural History of Her Abiding Legacy from the Fifth to the Twenty-First Century.” ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2015. &emsp;&emsp;Quinn, Megan. “Megan Quinn: Celtic Festival Honors Spiritual Woman of Mystery.” Knight-Ridder/Tribune Business News, 2014. &emsp;&emsp;Scriven, Richard. “Encountering Emotions at Saint Brigid's Well.” GeoHumanities, vol. 6, no. 1, 2020, pp. 191–198., https://doi.org/10.1080/2373566X.2019.1694428. &emsp;&emsp;Walker, Stephanie Kirkwood. “Brigit of Kildare as She Is: A Study of Biographical Image.” Biography (Honolulu), vol. 17, no. 2, 1994, pp. 111–124., https://doi.org/10.1353/bio.2010.0078. &emsp;&emsp;Wigington, Patti. “Maman Brigitte, Loa of the Dead in Voodoo Religion.” Learn Religions, Learn Religions, 3 Oct. 2019, https://www.learnreligions.com/maman-brigitte-4771715. Picture Books &emsp;&emsp;Gabrielle Bean Uí Dhomhnaill, et al. Saint Brigid's Cloak for Children. Irish Folklore Publications, 2018. &emsp;&emsp;Johnson, Isca, and Barbara O'Meara. My Name Is Brigid: A Girl God Publication. The Girl God, 2022. &emsp;&emsp;Milligan, Bryce, and Helen Cann. Brigid's Cloak: An Ancient Irish Story. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2002. Novels &emsp;&emsp;Dane, Lauren. Goddess with a Blade Series. Carina Press, 2013-2019. &emsp;&emsp;Edgren, Kari. Goddess Born Series. Carina Press, 2014-2015. &emsp;&emsp;Freeman, Philip. Saint Brigid's Bones: A Celtic Adventure. Pegasus Books, 2014. &emsp;&emsp;Horsley, Kate. Confessions of a Pagan Nun. Shambhala, 2002. &emsp;&emsp;Lamb, Sheila R. Brigid of Ireland Series. Solstice Shadows, 2011-2014. &emsp;&emsp;Terrell, Heather. Brigid of Kildare: A Novel. Ballantine Books, 2009. Non-fiction Books &emsp;&emsp;Callan, Maeve Brigid. Sacred Sisters: Gender, Sanctity, and Power in Medieval Ireland. Amsterdam University Press B.V., 2020. &emsp;&emsp;Daimler, Morgan. Brigid: Meeting the Celtic Goddess of Poetry, Forge, and Healing Well. Moon Books, 2016. &emsp;&emsp;Staunton, Michael. The Illustrated Story of Christian Ireland: From St Patrick to the Peace Process. Emerald Press, 2001. &emsp;&emsp;Weber, Courtney. Brigid: History, Mystery, and Magick of the Celtic Goddess. Red Wheel Weiser, 2015. Videos &emsp;&emsp;“Brigid Goddess - Ancient Song of Power | Intuitive Singing.” YouTube, Carolin Nobles, 16 Dec. 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPqC_qssKrM. &emsp;&emsp;“Brigid: The Goddess Of Inspiration, Healing & Smithcraft - (Celtic/Irish Mythology Explained).” YouTube, Mythology & Fiction Explained, 13 Apr. 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a6fXRB0Jw0. &emsp;&emsp;“Celebrating Imbolc.” Youtube, Danu’s Irish Herb Garden, 31 Jan. 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jeu3-VtJWAw&t=5s. &emsp;&emsp;“Hazel Archer-Ginsberg: Mysteries of the Celtic Goddesses.” Youtube, Theosophical Society, 17 Feb. 2017, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnS6WbXQMJ8. &emsp;&emsp;“Prayer to Brighid, Goddess of Spring (Bríg) Invocation/Wiccan Worship.” Youtube, Spells8, 13 Nov 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rTypKCgM9g. &emsp;&emsp;“St. Brigid's Day - Folklore and Traditions.” YouTube, Folklore and Traditions of Ireland, 29 Jan. 2017, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBqp2MXyuYk. &emsp;&emsp;“Saint Brigid – Short Film #RepealThe8th.” YouTube, David Keeling Film, 17 May 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HG61E4-iceQ. &emsp;&emsp;“'The Song of Brigid's Cloak' - Traditional Song Workshop - sing along with Aileen and Nellie.” Youtube, Michael Fortune, 16 June 2020 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyEuFsox31E. &emsp;&emsp;“The Story of Brigid’s Cross – from folklore to Christianity.” YouTube, Ireland Calling, 28 Apr. 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1qY0huxkLs. &emsp;&emsp;“Who is Brigid? || The Celtic Goddess of Imbolc.” YouTube, Scarlet Ravenswood, 6 Jan. 2022, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrKO5wwP8xo. Songs &emsp;&emsp;Damh the Bard. “Brighid.” YouTube, Damh the Bard (David Smith), 17 Nov. 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwCKqfqMEjU. &emsp;&emsp;Kellianna. “Brighid.” YouTube, Run Wild Records, 1 Jan. 2009, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V80QQAJvZSg. &emsp;&emsp;Riain, Nóirín Ní. “Saint Brigid's Prayer.” YouTube, Sounds True, 28 Sept. 2013, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzHNwjNlP20. &emsp;&emsp;Thiel, Lisa. “Imbolc.” YouTube, Lisa Thiel, 18 Aug. 2005, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmbMABhXcGk.

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You click on the Modern Paganism tab and are transported to what looks to be an occult bookstore. Sandalwood incense burns next to the cash register. Bowls of different kinds of crystals are scattered throughout the shop. Books on witchcraft, mythology, and paganism line the walls. You wander, picking up texts that look interesting. “Brigid in the modern world is more than just an amalgam of her past; she has also formed new stories and new associations in the modern world, which have taken root in the modern pagan community.” (Daimler, 53) Modern paganism is a spiritual practice where the stories and mythologies of ancient cultures are often interwoven with ritual. Paganism is not one thing, many people approach it differently and create a path that works for them. The previously described activities connected to Brigid are sometimes replicated by practitioners today. Many modern pagans celebrate Imbolc/Saint Brigid’s Day and take part in the type of festivities that have occurred for hundreds of years. Some worship Brigid just as people worship any other god/goddess. You want to know more but feel it is time to go. You will have to attempt to find a bookstore like this outside of the labyrinth to get what you need. [[Click the bell next to the cash register and return to the computer screen.->Computer Homepage]] [[Walk out of the shop door and search for the healing well.->Score (Pre Healing Well)]]

{(enchant:?page,(bg:black))(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:white))}You have chosen to give up. You are not ready to accept Brigid’s quest, and consequently, you are unprepared to receive her gifts. {(live: 6s)[ (stop:) [The fog wraps around you. You can no longer see the entrance to the labyrinth. You can no longer see anything at all.] ]} {(live: 10s)[ (stop:) [You are lost, and Brigid can not help you be found.] ]} {(live: 14s)[ (stop:) [''Your journey is over.''] ]}

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You follow the sign that points to ''Ffraid''. Stories of Ffraid come from our understanding of her as a saint, “carried to Wales by the Irish who settled there around the 7th century” (Daimler, 17). Many tales about Ffraid depict her helping the poor. Ffraid was believed to have “produced honey from stone, turned ashes to butter, and reeds to fish” (Daimler, 18). Ffraid is able to perform miracles, creating food from nothing. You venture on and find a table blocking your path. The surface is covered in jars of honey, warm bread, tubs of butter, and steamed fish. You are unable to resist taking a bit of the food Brigid has offered you. You give thanks and… [[Walk back to the sign post.->Many Names]] [[Keep going.->Crossroads 1]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You follow the sign that points to ''Brigantia''. Brigantia is associated with water and healing wells. She shares many similarities with Roman goddesses Victory and Minerva (Daimler, 16). Like other iterations of Brigid, Brigantia has been linked to the sun. “Brigantia is not only a purveyor of the sun’s bounty, but an actual embodiment of the celestial body” (Weber, 74). Weber writes that this version of Brigid was supposedly said to have “shoot flame from her skull” (74). Weber goes on to claim that Britain was named for Brigantia (7); a radically powerful notion that speaks to Brigid’s cultural significance. You continue your journey, watching out for any clues or abnormalities. You see nothing strange but notice your body is starting to heat up. It seems that the sun has finally found you. You look up and feel its warming rays. You are appreciative of its presence. It acts as a gentle reminder that you are not alone. [[Walk back to the sign post.->Many Names]] [[Keep going.->Crossroads 1]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You follow the sign that points to ''Brigandu''. Brigandu was the name of Brigid throughout Gaul (a region of Western Europe). She had similar characteristics to Minerva from the Roman pantheon (the goddess of war, wisdom, and justice). Brigandu has “no surviving mythology or folklore and what we do know about her comes from archeological remains and linguistics” (Daimler, 15). You walk down the path, surprised by the sparsity of foliage. This part of the labyrinth seems more barren than where you came from. [[Walk back to the sign post.->Many Names]] [[Keep going.->Crossroads 1]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You follow the sign that points to ''Maman Brigitte''. Maman Brigitte has traveled far from the Celtic region. It is presumed that the stories of Brigid followed English, Scottish, and Irish indentured servants to the Caribbean and North America which is where they adapted to create Maman Brigitte (Wigington, 2019). The Lady of the Cemetery is the only Lwa (a spirit in Haitian Vodou) to be portrayed as white, and she is known for “donning bright, clashing costumes, use of rancid profanity, and flagrant sexuality” (Weber, 13). Maman Brigitte is a healer but also a ruler of death. She is a spirit of justice and a protector of women. Maman Brigitte was known to enjoy spicy rum filled with hot chili peppers, which some devotees would drink to impress the deity (Weber, 13). You continue to move down the path and take notice of the black and purple candles that line the ground. You hear a rustle and freeze. Something alive is ahead. Your blood races. You start to sweat. //Is this where your journey ends?// You cautiously progress and approach the noise.(click-replace: "approach the noise.")[approach the noise. You see a gaggle of black roosters strutting over the ancient roots of the labyrinth. Your heart clams and a chuckle escapes you. You feel as if Maman Brigitte is winking down at you; you can not help but smile at her warming jest. [[Walk back to the sign post.->Many Names]] [[Keep going.->Crossroads 1]]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You follow the sound of the bells and walk up the hill. You enter the chapel. Inside you see a row of pews and an altar of burning red candles. You look up and stare at a magnificent stained glass window of Brigid in robes and a veil. It is unlike any of the other depictions of Brigid you have seen in the labyrinth. Saint Brigid is said to be the child of a Druid father and a slave mother. She is known for being the founder of a convent in Kildare. Saint Brigid was a well-respected nun and devout worshiper of Jesus Christ. You are now on a path that will help you understand the life of Saint Brigid. [[Move deeper into the chapel.->Birth of Jesus]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You follow the beat of the drum, enchanted by the music and ethereal singing. You are eager to use the knowledge you have already acquired as a stepping stone in your journey to discover more about Brigid the goddess. Brigid the goddess is all things you have already learned. She is a poet, smith, and healer. She is present across the world and in many cultures. Brigid the goddess existed before Saint Brigid; she was syncretized when Christianity spread through the Celtic region. Many stories about the goddess were taken and altered by the Church. It is hard to know where Brigid the goddess ends, and Saint Brigid begins. You are now on a path that will help you understand Brigid as a goddess figure. [[Move deeper into the forest.->Keening]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}“There's a striking, transformative energy that bridges both Christian and Pagan traditions.” … “Because Brigid is known as both a pagan goddess and a Catholic saint, her stories overlap and merge so much that it's sometimes difficult to tell where each myth, legend and story originates, Stone said.” (Quinn, 2014) The walls of the labyrinth start to widen. You wonder if you are close to Brigid’s Healing Well. Have you arrived at your desired destination? Is this center? You reach the base of a small hill. To the [[left->Goddess]], you see a dense forest. You notice small creatures hovering near the clearing's edge. You hear the faint sound of beating drums and see firelight reflect off the trees. To the [[right->Saint]], you see a stone building. Maybe a church or chapel? You smell traces of incense and hear the echo of holy prayer and bells. Which way do you turn?

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}When you make your choice, the statue solidifies. You can now see an inscription at the base of the stone reading: “''Brigid the Poet''.” The walls of the labyrinth part to the left, leaving an archway for you to walk under. Brigid is a goddess of poetry, but to her, poetry means more than just the written word—it means song. Bards played a vital role in Celtic culture. They were storytellers and history keepers. They were valued for not only their artistic skills but their spiritual prowess. They were believed to have a connection to ancient powers similar to (but not as deep as) the Druids. To the Celts music, poetry, and storytelling were “mythic tools of seduction, but also of protection” (Weber, 59); bards were keepers of knowledge and spreaders of information. There are many tales where Brigid’s voice and her utilization of sound are central to the narrative. She is said to be the inventor of the whistle and keening (a lament done by mourners to express their grief and sorrow). While Brigid’s connection to fire may be more easily visualized in her smithcraft form, Brigid the Poet is filled with a fiery passion that all artists seek. If you are facing a creative block or are feeling uninspired, you may consider performing a ritual dedicated to Brigid, asking for her aid. You approach an altar lined with dandelions and white candles. Loose papers scatter across the surface, and to the left lies a quill and pot of gold ink. You feel inspired, ready to scribe the song your heart whispers onto the page. What will you write?(click-replace: "What will you write?")[What will you write? You have written down what you desire. [[Go back out to the changing statue.->Crossroads 1]] [[Move beyond the alcove, towards the rest of the labyrinth.->3 Sisters/Goddess]]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}When you make your choice, the statue solidifies. You can now see an inscription at the base of the stone reading: “''Brigid the Healer.''” The walls of the labyrinth part to the right, leaving an archway for you to walk under. Brigid the Healer is heavily associated with water. She is one with the streams, rivers, lakes—and more particularly, wells. Many travel long distances to reach one of her healing wells. They tie a ribbon to a nearby tree asking the goddess to cure them or their loved ones of illness and pain. Wells are also a site for sacred reflection. They ask you to dive deep and look to the center of your being. This is what you seek—Brigid’s Healing Well. You pursue the chance to find one of Brigid’s most holy spaces. You venture through the labyrinth looking for her guidance, longing to receive her remedial balm. You hear the trickle of water, eager that it indicates the well is close. You rush forward, ready to charge ahead. (click-replace: "charge ahead.")[charge ahead. You abruptly halt, stopping yourself at the last minute from tumbling into a gentle but deep stream blocking your path. The well will not be easy to find. Brigid is not a goddess who will give what is not earned. Your journey in the labyrinth is not about reaching your destination. Taking your time will likely be to your advantage. Who you see reflected when you arrive at the healing well is yet to be decided. As this thought crosses your mind a bridge made of tree limbs and roots begins to form. You can’t help but feel that Brigid is reminding you that to properly heal, you must undertake a meaningful voyage where reflection is central. [[Cross the bridge, moving deeper into the labyrinth.->3 Sisters/Goddess]] [[Go back out to the changing statue.->Crossroads 1]]]

You ignore the statue and creep down the right trail. You stumble over enormous roots and loose rocks. The lack of light makes it arduous to navigate this uneasy terrain. You fear you have made a mistake, but you keep moving on. You are determined to see where this leads. { (live: 12s)[ (stop:) It feels like you have been walking for hours. You fight the urge to look behind you; something tells you if you do, you will have to start the journey all over again. ] } { (live: 21s)[ (stop:) You are starting to get tired. You have acquired an arrangement of cuts and bruises trying to reach the next turning point. What do you do? ] } { (live: 28s)[ (stop:) [[Give up.->Main Dead End]] ] } { (live: 28s)[ (stop:) [[Keep going.->Brigid the Warrior]] ] }

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 2) )]}You have proven yourself to ''Brigid the Warrior''. Brigid is not often known for her fighting or battle craft, although few acknowledge her as a goddess of war. Some have conflated her with the Morrigan—a Celtic goddess of death, war, and witchcraft (Daimler, 4). In one story, Brigid is the daughter of the Morrigan and the Dagda—a father figure of the gods (Weber, 28). The pair meet on the eve of battle and conceive Brigid. In this context, Brigid is a daughter of life and death, solidifying her connections to rebirth and renewal. Brigid the Warrior had a dedicated group of soldiers called Brigands (Lee, 1993). Some claim Brigid is a patroness of criminals, willing to help all those in need. Brigid will not turn away those who desire her help and are worthy. In some tales, she is directly involved in battle. Brigid is said to have led her fellow warriors in battle calls, “raising voices in outcry and barking against violence and pillage” (Lee, 1993). In a few cultures, Brigid is linked to Minerva—the Roman goddess of wisdom, justice, and war; another connection to her warrior aspect. You step into a small meadow covered in snowdrops. Mounds of earth are dispersed among the space and marked by large stones. You are in a graveyard that has been long forgotten and undisturbed for centuries. You see an altar hidden behind an ancient oak tree and approach. Paintings of Brigid holding a sword and in battle cover the surface. You feel that you are seeing a piece of Brigid that not all get to witness. You take a moment to acknowledge that you are stronger than you were when you first started down this path. Brigid the Warrior has given you courage. You feel like an ember has begun to burn deep in your chest. Your soul is charged and ready to face the next challenge. You do not fear the pilgrimage to the [[next crossroads.->LOOP Warrior Crossroads 1]]

You turn back to the oak tree and notice a wide gap in its trunk. You see a soft blue light seeping from the space. The tree appears to be lit from within. You step into the trunk(click-replace: "step into the trunk")[step into the trunk and are transported back to the shapeshifting statue. This time there is no path to the right. Your communion with Brigid the Warrior was singular and fleeting. You are honored she made herself available to your curiosity. You turn back to the changing statue. The [[first->Brigid the Poet]] shows Brigid holding a hefty tome, her mouth open as if in the middle of a song. The [[second->Brigid the Smith]] shows Brigid standing over an anvil, hammer in hand. The [[third->Brigid the Healer]] shows Brigid with her arms full of medicinal herbs and a cauldron at her feet. What catches your eye?]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 2) )]}You step into the circle. Your vision goes black. Your sense of space has vanished. You are unsure if you have been transported to an entirely new place or are still standing on top of the triple goddess symbol. You are blind, but visions start to come to you. The three Brigids of the Ulster Cycle are a commonly recognized alternative to Brigid the Healer, Poet, and Smith. The Ulster Cycle is a collection of ancient Irish stories and legends. In this work, the trifold variant of Brigid consists of Brigid the Hospitaller, Brigid of the Judgements, and Brigid the Cowless. Brigid the Hospitaller is a keeper of the home and hearth. She is welcoming and reigns over domestic matters. “There seems to be a clear connection between this Brigid in particular and the earliest depictions of saint Brigid who was renowned for miraculously being able to provision people with supplies, food, and drink” (Daimler, 10). Brigid of the Judgements is a seeker of justice. She maintains fair rulings and fights for integrity. Brigid of the Cowless was a deity for outsiders, particularly women and the lower class. This Brigid was “strongly associated with warriors” (Daimler, 11). Blurry images of Brigid the Hospitaller, Brigid of the Judgements, and Brigid the Cowless cycle through your mind. It is hard to make out a clear shape. It is as if you are viewing them out of focus. You are at a dead end. You must [[head back to where you came from. ->3 Sisters/Goddess]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}After walking for an extended period, you approach a clearing. White and black candles create a perimeter around a design etched into the dirt. You take a step closer, trying to get a better look. You see a circle with a crescent moon on either side; this is the symbol of the triple goddess. Maiden. Mother. Crone. The triple goddess is a commonly recognized pagan deity who personifies the cycle of life and death. She is heavily associated with the changing of the seasons; her journey from maiden to mother to crone is often told in tandem with the shift between spring, summer, fall, and winter. Brigid is sometimes perceived as a triple goddess because of the three discrete forms she takes as Poet, Smith, and Healer. Some argue that Brigid is not a triple goddess instead, she is three distinct people. In this version, Brigid the Poet, Brigid the Smith, and Brigid the Healer are sisters rather than an amalgamation of one figure. “Brigid has historically been considered a solar Deity and as three identical women of the same age, sometimes called the Three Brigid Sisters: Woman of Healing (Ban lights), Woman of Smithwork (Ban goibnechtae), and Woman Poet (Ban fhile)” (Weber, 8). Whether Brigid is one person or three sisters, her followers have a difficult time separating her forms. “Part of the beauty of Brigid is that she brings us together in this way, honoring our differences while showing us our interdependence” (Lee, 1993). Even when someone views the different parts of Brigid as entirely separate beings, they can’t help but acknowledge their interconnectedness. “The tri-fold identity of Brigid is interdependent. Healing needs the power of fire to burn away impurities, artistic inspiration requires the beauty of the well or natural water. The third face of Brigid, alongside her images of pouring water or singing song, finds her pounding on a forge. This is Brigid the Smith. The smith needs water to temper the steel after it has been forged, but also needs the Bardic spirit to inspire the shape of the work to be done on the forge. Brigid is a guardian of each of these distinct areas, but perhaps her most important guardianship is in where they all meet.” (Weber, 73) When asked to describe Brigid, how will you represent her? Is she a triple goddess? Is she three sisters? Is she one being? What does it mean to define her? //What do you lose when you limit her in this way?// You sense another crossroads ahead. [[Go back to the changing statue.->Crossroads 1]] [[Exit the clearing and move deeper into the labyrinth.->Crossroads 2]] (if: visit is 1)[A part of you is drawn to the flame and the symbol it surrounds. What will you learn if you enter its embrace? [[Step into the circle.->Ulster Cycle]]](if: visit is >=2)[The candles and triple goddess symbol have disappeared. You are no longer able to step into the circle.]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You walk in a daze until the sound of your footsteps starts to change. You no longer hear the crunch of leaves but rather the resounding echo of weight hitting wood. You look down to see dark hardwood floors instead of the forest-like ground you had become accustomed to. Your head lifts, and you are shocked by what greets you. You are in a library. Archaic texts and tomes line the walls and cover the wooden floors. The musky scent of old books penetrates your nose. Three scrolls elevated by pedestals stand at the center of the room. The [[first->Cormac’s Glossary]] is wrapped in emerald leather binding. The eloquent script looks like it has been written with starlight. The [[second->Lebor Gabala Erenn ]] is embroidered with a large oak tree. The cracked spine resembles roots making the markings seem anything but accidental. The [[third->Cath Maige Tuired]] is less so a book and more like a collection of pages. Messy handwriting covers the margins, and you struggle to make it out.

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You reach for the pages. You shuffle them around, careful not to bend or tear them. One of the pages is on thicker paper than the others. You bring it to the front. You struggle to make out the words: “Cath Maige Tuired - The Battle of Magh Tuireadh.” Cath Maige Tuired is a work that details two mythological Irish battles. The story describes the fight between “Brighid’s tribe, the Tuatha De Danann, and an invading force, the Fomorians” (Clann Bhríde, 2020). In this tale, Brigid is married to Bres (half-Tuatha Dé Danann and half-Fomorian) so the two groups would cease their war. They have a son named Ruadán, who is later killed, causing Brigid to invent keening (a mourning practice where the griever wails to express their pain). You rifle through the pages and try to piece the story together the best you can. You set the work down, hoping you left it in more of an order than it was in when you picked it up. [[Pick up another book.->Crossroads 2]] [[Look for the library’s exit.->Cloak]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You pick up the book engraved with an oak tree. On its cover are the words: “Lebor Gabála Érenn - The Book of the Taking of Ireland.” Its pages feel like they were written on the bark. Lebor Gabála Érenn is a collection of poetry and stories that detail the history of Ireland. The author is unknown, and it was composed sometime in the 11th century. The piece “tells the story of Ireland in the form of a pseudo-history with real events and cultures liberally intermixed with both pagan and Christian mythology” (Daimler, 27). A portion of the work’s mystical tales describe the Tuatha Dé Danann (a god-like group of beings). This text states that Brigid was the daughter of the Dagda and wife of Bres—half-Tuatha Dé Danann and half-Fomorian. Brigid has a child with Bres called Ruadán. The goddesses’ connection to animals is emphasized. She “possessed four significant animals, all of which are kings of their respective species” including two oxen, a ram, and a boar (Daimler, 28). You place the text back on the podium, making sure the pages on Brigid are left open. [[Pick up another book.->Crossroads 2]] [[Look for the library’s exit.->Cloak]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You grab the emerald book. Its cover reads: “Sanas Cormaic - Cormac’s Glossary.” Its pages are filled with terms you don’t recognize. You flip through the pages until your eyes catch the name “Brigit.” Written in the 10th century, Cormac's Glossary consists of Gaelic words and phrases and their etymologies. This text includes an entry for Brigit and describes the goddess as a poet “famous for her protecting care” (Clann Bhríde, 2020). It states that Brigit the poet had two sisters, “Brigit the female physician” and “Brigit the female smith” (Clann Bhríde, 2020). It also gives Brigit the moniker: fiery arrow. You close the work and place it back on the podium. [[Pick up another book.->Crossroads 2]] [[Look for the library’s exit.->Cloak]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You investigate the table. A beautiful wooden carving of Saint Brigid stands in the center. A bowl of Colcannon (mashed potatoes and cabbages) lies off to the side, and white candles are scattered across the surface. Saint Brigid’s Day takes place on February 1st and/or 2nd. It is a day to celebrate the coming of spring and to honor Brigid's life. Many light candles to recognize the perpetual flame of Kildare. This holiday is also known as Imbolc/Imbolg. You take a bite of the Colcannon, surprised by its flavorful taste. You notice an unlit candle and light it. [[Keep going.->C3 Return Option (SBDay)]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You feel a chilly gust of wind. Flurries of snow begin to fall from the air, and you look down to see a layer of white covering the ground. You approach a clearing where the heat of a large bonfire calls to you. You walk past a table covered in cakes, milk, cheeses, and blackberries, decorated for a special occasion. You hear music emit from an unknowable source. An indescribable urge takes over your body, and you begin to dance around the bonfire. You are celebrating the birth of something new. Imbolc or Imbolg is a pagan festival that occurs on February 1st/2nd each year. It marks the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Imbolc is a celebration of the end of the cold season and an eager welcoming of warmer climates. This festival is heavily linked to Brigid, a goddess of rebirth, fire, and spring. “Imbolc is a Celtic word that refers to Mother Earth's belly or womb” (Ardinger, 1996); it is a time that highlights the new life about to blossom. This holiday is also known as Saint Brigid’s Day. Many rituals evoked Brigid on Imbolc. This holiday often centered women and daughters, allowing them to take a central part in the festivities. In one ritual, the daughter of a household would adopt the role of Brigid and knock on the door of her family and lead a prayer (Daimler, 43). Another activity of the day involved making Brigid dolls (or Brideog) out of corn husks or straw. These dolls would be laid in a makeshift bed and serve as a protective symbol (Daimler, 44). Many modern pagans celebrate Imbolc and take part in rituals like these. You dance and dance and dance and dance. You are overwhelmed with joy. You are elated to be welcoming warmth and springtime. The snow has begun to melt on the right side of the clearing but seems to be piling up on the left. You notice a pathway guided by rushes to the right. They seem to be leading you back to the main part of the labyrinth. You look in the other direction and see that the snow has begun to reach the height of trees. It too seems to have left open a pathway but instead of walls made of lively wildlife, you see icy blocks. Are you brave enough to see where it leads? [[Turn right and follow the rushes to the main part of the labyrinth.->C3 Return Option (Imbolc)]] [[Turn left and start to trek through the snow.->TEST The Cailleach]]

After following the path, you exit the forest. You are surprised to see that you have been let out near where you entered. The stone building still sits on top of a hill to your left, but now you notice an opening in the labyrinth’s walls far in the distance. You begin to rush towards the path and feel you have missed something. You can hear the trickle of water just ahead, but you can't help but feel you are not ready to reach the well. What do you do? [[Walk deeper into the labyrinth and rush towards the well.->Cross]] [[Turn left and inspect the chapel.->Turned Back Want Saint]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You follow the sound of the bells and walk up the hill. “Brigid's myths had many tellers and, therefore, many versions. Stories varied widely, circulated through oral tradition in local vernacular. As Christian monks later recorded the myths, characters were often augmented to fit Christian ideals. Still, these subjective details are but a thin veneer on the Pagan origins and the different tellings do not negate each other. If we allow them, the varied stories can weave a complex and beautiful tapestry of history and culture.” (Weber, 23) You enter the chapel. Inside you see a row of pews and an altar of burning red candles. You look up and stare at a magnificent stained glass window of Brigid in robes and a veil. It is unlike any of the other depictions of Brigid you have seen in the labyrinth. Saint Brigid is said to be the child of a Druid father and a slave mother. She is known for being the founder of a convent in Kildare. Saint Brigid was a well-respected nun and devout worshiper of Jesus Christ. You are now on a path that will help you understand the life of Saint Brigid. [[Move deeper into the chapel.->2 Birth of Jesus]]

After what feels like hours of investigation, you exit the chapel. You still hear the enchanting beat of drums echo from the forest. As you walk down the hill, you notice an opening in the labyrinth’s walls far in the distance. You begin to rush towards the path and feel you have missed something. You can hear the trickle of water just ahead, but you can't help but feel you are not ready to reach the well. What do you do? [[Walk deeper into the labyrinth and rush towards the well.->Cross]] [[Turn right and enter the woods.->Turned Back Want Goddess]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You follow the beat of the drum, entranced by the music and ethereal singing. You are eager to use the knowledge you have already acquired as a stepping stone in your journey to discover more about Brigid the goddess. Brigid the goddess is all things you have already learned. She is a poet, smith, and healer. She is present across the world and in many cultures. Brigid the goddess existed before Saint Brigid; she was syncretized when Christianity spread through the Celtic region. “St. Brigid cannot be cast off as a modification of the Goddess. Rather, the canonization of Brigid as a Catholic saint preserved her and stands as a testimony of the Goddess's enduring importance” (Weber, 12). Many stories about the goddess were taken and altered by the Church. It is hard to know where Brigid the goddess ends, and Saint Brigid begins. You are now on a path that will help you understand Brigid as a goddess figure. [[Move deeper into the forest->2 Keening]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You know you are close to the well; this is the last leg of your journey. As you are walking, you do a double take. Is that what you think it is? A computer sits off to the side, the screen partially wrapped in the labyrinth’s plant life. You approach the machine, and feel that its presence here is a little jarring. What does a computer have to do with Brigid? You step closer.(click-replace: "You step closer.")[You step closer. The screen cycles through a series of digital art, Youtube videos, and Tumblr posts, all detailing modern people’s experiences with Brigid. Where is Brigid in contemporary society? While her story may not be as popular as other mythological figures, there are those drawn to her presence who feel compelled to create with her image in mind. A quick search on the internet will provide a host of information on the goddess, but maybe more meaningful is that there are so many examples of how people today see Brigid in their lives. A vlog on how to celebrate Imbolc/Saint Brigid’s Day. A song detailing the story of Brigid’s cloak. A Pinterest collection filled with the goddesses’ correspondences and daily rituals to connect to her. While Brigid may not receive many long-form retellings, people routinely express their interest in knowing her and sharing that knowledge with others. You poke around. There are three tabs available for you to click on. [[Modern Paganism]] [[Contemporary Novels->Novels]] [[Protector of Women]] [[Walk away from the screen, and keep moving.->Score (Pre Healing Well)]]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}As you are walking, you see a symbol intertwined with the foliage of the labyrinth’s walls. It looks like a cross, but the four prongs are all equal in length. One of the goddesses' most well-known symbols is a Brigid’s cross. These were often made during Imbolc/Saint Brigid’s Day to celebrate the deity. They are constructed by weaving straw, haw, and/or rushes together. This symbol is relevant to both pagan and Christian practices. You pick up a few blades of hay. Starting from the center, you weave the pieces together. Tying off the four ends, you hold your creation out to get a better look. You have made a Brigid’s cross. [[Place it on the ground and continue traveling.->Modern Brigid]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You walk around the church, letting intuition guide you. You notice a painting of the nativity scene and move closer to inspect the piece. Baby Jesus lies in a manger with Mary and Joseph surrounding him. This image is often depicted in Christian art. What is unexpected is the presence of a woman with wild red hair in the background. You lean closer, now only inches from the canvas. You know the figure but are unsure what she is doing in this scene. Saint Brigid has been described as “Mary's midwife and/or the foster mother of the Christ child” (Lee, 1993), with some believing her to be directly involved in the birth of Jesus Christ. One version claims that she was transported back in time to help Mary deliver her child (Milligan and Cann, 2002). Beyond Jesus’ birth, many in the Celtic region viewed Saint Brigid as a figure akin to the Virgin Mary. She was sometimes called “Mary of the Gaels” or “the Foster-Mother of Christ” (Weber, 9). Brigid is a patroness of pregnancy and childbirth. When in labor, mothers were known to say a quick prayer for the safety of their children and themselves. You move back from the painting and blink. Brigid is now absent from the image. [[Keep roaming around the church.->Lake of Beer]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You come across a large stack of barrels pushed up against the chapel wall. A group of clean steins lay on a table to your left. You notice the barrel in the center has a tap. You grab a glass and pour.(click-replace: "You grab a glass and pour.")[You grab a glass and pour. Glistening amber beer flows from the barrel. You stop the tap just before the foam runs over the brim. Brigid was known as a master brewer. Her connection to agriculture and harvest made her the perfect candidate for the patroness of beer. Saint Brigid is said to have turned water into beer, not unlike Jesus turning water into wine (Weber, 62). One story describes how she turned an entire lake into beer. There are prayers to Saint Brigid that mention her connection to brewing. One noting the lake of beer starts with: “I’d like to give a lake of beer to God,” and ends with: “I’d sit with the men, the women of God there by the lake of beer. We’d be drinking good health forever, and every drop would be a prayer” (Nóirín Ní Riain, 2013). You take a sip, and your eyes widen. The beer tastes heavenly. [[Set the glass down and move on.->Monster Fighter]]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You search for the library exit. You wander around, passing shelf after shelf, and ignoring the inviting draw of comfortable-looking sofas. You see a door at the end of a hallway. You move towards it, assured that going through will get you one step closer to the center of the labyrinth. To the left of the door, you notice a coat rack; from it hangs woolen hats and itchy scarves, but what really catches your eye is a beautiful patchwork cloak. Although the fabric looks worn, it is one of the most magnificent garments you have ever seen. |body>[[Touch the cloak.]<Yes| [[[Walk through the doorway.->Crossroads 3]]]<No|] (Click:?Yes)+(replace: ?body)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1))You reach out and feel its silky texture. It is softer than you thought it would be. You ponder its owner and its history… Brigid is a generous and giving entity. Many tales depict her helping the poor and offering shelter to those in need. In one story, Brigid asks a king if she can have land to build a church. The king refuses. Brigid responds by asking if she can have the area the cloak on her back will cover. Amused by this proposition, the king agrees. To his shock, when Brigid spreads out her cloak it stretches for miles. The king is unable to break his promise, and Brigid walks away excited to build on her new land. [[Walk through the doorway.->Crossroads 3]]]

Brigid of Water, Brigid of Light Alleviate me from my plight Brigid of Water, Brigid of Light The end of pain is now in sight” (Weber, 47) You are close to the well. You can feel its cleansing aura radiate from the path ahead. Your goal is within reach, but first, you must ask yourself a question. //What have I learned about myself on this journey? // You know that the well will ask you this. Would you like to know what the labyrinth has learned? Yes. I want to know.(click-replace: "Yes. I want to know.")[{(if:$counter is >=31)[(set:$result to "Enchanted by Brigid")](if:$counter is >=25 and <31)[(set:$result to "Cautious Explorer")](if:$counter is >=1 and <25)[(set:$result to "A Speedy Journey")]} (text-style:"bold","underline")[$result] {(if: $result is "Enchanted by Brigid")[You took full advantage of what the labyrinth had to offer. You were bold, daring, and adventurous. You left no stone unturned and sought to learn all that you could. You followed your heart, and Brigid thanks you for your willingness to explore.]}{(if: $result is "Cautious Explorer")[You were hesitant to search the labyrinth’s darkest alcoves and tightest crannies, but that does not mean you didn’t learn a valuable lesson. You were willing to follow your curiosity, but only when you were sure there would be no consequences. Brigid hopes that you seek her out again when you feel more determined and prepared.]}{(if: $result is "A Speedy Journey")[You charged ahead and did not often look back to see what you left behind. You may have been too eager to get to the end and did not take in the lessons the labyrinth was trying to impress upon you. You have missed much of Brigid’s story. Are you sure you know what she will tell you when you look into the well?]}] [[I approach the healing well.->Healing Well]]

The labyrinth is ushering you into a spiral. You feel yourself walking in circles, each loop becoming shorter than the last. { (live: 5s)[(stop:)You are close to the center.]} { (live: 8s)[(stop:)Your pace slows.]} { (live: 11s)[(stop:)You see Brigid’s Healing Well.]} { (live: 14s)[(stop:)It looks ordinary. There is nothing magical about it. Moonlight shines down, acting as a spotlight. The gray stones are covered in green moss, and a cracked wooden bucket hangs over the opening.]} { (live: 22s)[(stop:)You approach it cautiously. You are happy to reach your destination but have yet to determine where you will go from here.]} { (live: 29s)[(stop:)//What have you learned about yourself on this journey?//]} { (live: 32s)[(stop:)//Where do you need healing?//]} { (live: 35s)[(stop:)//What parts of yourself require careful investigation and reflection?// ]} { (live: 40s)[(stop:)''Who is Brigid to you?'']} { (live: 45s)[(stop:)You lay your hands upon the well’s edge. ]} { (live: 48s)[(stop:)You take a deep breath and look down.]} { (live: 52s)[(stop:)What do you see?]}(click-replace:"What do you see?")[No seriously. What do you see? The labyrinth can not tell you what you have gained from this experience, only you can decide. What do you see when you look into the well? Write it down. Talk out loud. Pull out a sketchpad. Brigid asks that you think about her story and how it relates to your life experience. There may not be a place for her, but there needs to be a place for introspection. What has Brigid taught you about how you learn? What can her mythology teach us? What types of narratives do you think are valued and which are ignored? How can Brigid help you? These are the types of questions you should take a moment to reflect on. [[I am ready to leave the labyrinth->About the Maker]]]

Thank you so much for playing Brigid’s Labyrinth! This project was created for my undergraduate capstone class. I have a deep love of fairy tales, mythology, and folklore, and a particular interest in feminist retellings. I have always been fascinated by how a story gets retold and updated to maintain relevance to modern audiences. I am very invested in exploring the multimodal potential of mythology and retellings. Folklore and fairytales are made to be retold. Their survival is dependent on their adaption and ability to assimilate to changing cultural climates. My goal for this project was to push what a retelling could look like by presenting my research in an unconventional form. Additionally, I aimed to explore the potential interactions between folklore and digital humanities. As I began to investigate Brigid, I discovered that many sources attempted to define and categorize her. The more I learned, the more I came to understand that Brigid and her stories were not clear-cut; they were tangled and interwoven. I spent a long time brainstorming what product or medium would be best suited for Brigid and her story. I started to play around with this idea of choice and what it means to make people cognizant of how they pick what to learn and what to ignore. This is where the idea of Brigid’s Labyrinth started to take shape. While researching Brigid, I came to understand that to define her or to ignore her ability to adapt and exist in multiple places simultaneously is to deny her agency as a figure. If you are choosing to see her as one thing and ignore the rest, then you are doing a disservice to her narrative existence. She is an amalgamation of many stories that exist in a range of contexts. We must tell every part of her story and put the confusion surrounding her at the forefront. We must not limit her by defining her, but that does not mean we should silence her and brush her aside because she is too complicated. My project does not capture everything about Brigid. There are pieces of her story not present, not because of my disinterest but because of the scope of this work. My goal wasn't to say everything I could about Brigid; it was to challenge users to think about the stories they value and why they value them. I hope you enjoyed your time in Brigid’s Labyrinth! [[Please click here to see a list of the works cited.->Works Cited]] [[Please click here to see a list of artifacts that depict and discuss Brigid.->Artifacts to Explore]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You are brought to a page with a list of novels. You examine their covers and read their synopsis. You are surprised to see that fictional works about Brigid are often about others interacting with her rather than the goddess herself. There are not many novels about Brigid in comparison to other female mythological figures. Most of the works examined had protagonists that were descendants or reincarnations of the goddess rather than Brigid herself. The texts that focused on Brigid as a saint often emphasized her liminal existence; they spoke of her Pagan roots and Christian conversion. There are few long-form stories that attempt to turn Brigid’s lore into a novel; her complicated mythology is likely the culprit. There are a surprising number of picture books taking on the goddess and her life. These types of work seemed to be able to navigate her complex past. You scroll through the list and ponder how contemporary authors interact with Brigid. [[Go back to the computer homepage.->Computer Homepage]] [[Turn from the computer and search for the healing well.->Score (Pre Healing Well)]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You stand in front of the painting. You have never seen an image of Brigid blindfolded before. You wonder what has happened to her eyes. You see a plaque underneath the work and read it. Saint Brigid (like many other nuns) made a vow of chastity to God. She turned away the advances of men and pledged her service to the church and Kildare. It was believed that any man who tried to make Brigid break this vow would be cursed. In one tale, Brigid is out walking when a man sees her and begins to stalk her. Brigid is unsure of his intentions, and because she does not want this man to be cursed for attempting to break her vow, she runs away; the man continues to aggressively pursue her. Brigid stops at a stream and plucks out her eyes to deter the man. Horrified by the sight of her, the man runs away. Now certain that the man is safe from the curse, Brigid heals her eyes and keeps walking. (Story based on Weber, 108) You feel like you have heard a different version of this story before but can’t recall the details. You start to hear music. You are unsure where it is coming from. You look around, and a beautifully decorated table with white lilies lining the edges catches your eye. [[Turn away from the painting and examine the table.->Saint Brigid's Day]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You continue to roam. Your attention snags on a strange-looking boulder. The closer you get, the more sure you are that some sort of eye is etched into the surface. You reach out to trace the carving, feeling the grainy stone. You circle the rock. There appears to be a short tale inscribed on the back. While Brigid was out walking, a man came up and confronted her, claiming that she would one day marry a man if she wanted to or not. Brigid responded that the man’s eyes would soon burst in his head. The man’s eyes may or may not have proceeded to explode in this head. (Based on a tale from David Keeling Film, 2018). You feel like you have heard a different version of this story before but can’t recall the details. [[Move on from the boulder.->Imbolc]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 2) )]}You reach the base of the mountain and get ready to start your ascent. You notice an out-of-place shape to your right. You approach and see a heavy cloak and lantern resting against a boulder. You take the cloth and wrap it around your body and head. The lantern is attached to a staff; you grab it. You are much warmer now. You steady yourself and begin to climb.(click-replace: "You steady yourself and begin to climb.")[You steady yourself and begin to climb. Hours pass, and you continue your voyage. The snow and wind pick up. It is near impossible to see a few paces ahead of you. You keep moving forward.](click-replace: "You keep moving forward.")[You keep moving forward. Your feet ache, and your bones creak, but you march on.](click-replace: "march on.")[march on. You see it; the top of the mountain. An opening in the side of the stone offers you shelter, and you enter. You look out of the cave’s entrance and see an old woman, cloaked in black. She observes you and beckons you forward. The Cailleach is an ancient Celtic figure often described as a hag of winter. She is known to roam the earth, her presence a sign that the cold months are looming. In Scottish folklore, “Brigid was imprisoned in the Ben Nevis mountain by the Calleach” each year (Weber, 8). When winter approached, Brigid was stolen, resulting in the death of wildlife. Brigid, “the living embodiment of spring” (Weber, 8), was then let go when it was time for life to return to the earth. Sometimes in this story, Angus—the son of the Cailleach—falls in love with Bride and rescues her on Imbolc (Daimler, 17). In other versions of the tale, “Brigid and the Calleach were the same Goddess with two faces—one comely and one haggard” (Weber, 8). This interpretation of the story aligns with the view that Brigid was a triple goddess (a deity who embodies the cycle of life and shifts between existing as a maiden, mother, and crone throughout the changing seasons). The transition between winter and spring is perceived as a time when the goddess sheds her identity as a crone and becomes a maiden once more: “Spring’s dawning is also the time when the Crone bathes in (or drinks from) the magic spring and becomes a virgin for another season” (Ardinger, 1996). You cautiously approach the Cailleach. She holds out her hand, gesturing towards the staff. You give it to her. She pauses, studying you, and then places an acorn in your palm. The moment the seed touches your skin you are transported back into the woods where you started this leg of the journey. [[Walk towards the pathway ahead.->C3 Return Option (Imbolc)]]]

You hike through the snow. Time passes. {(live: 4s)[ (stop:) [Your fingers are frozen. Your nose is numb. You are plagued with uncontrollable shakes.]]} {(live: 8s)[ (stop:) [Your body is tense, and you have to take deep breaths. You start to notice the path is inclining. Eventually, it opens up. The walls of ice no longer surround you. Ahead you see a gigantic mountain. You know the labyrinth wants you to reach the top, but you are unsure if you can make it.]]} {(live: 16s)[ (stop:) [You look behind you to see the pathway has closed. The only way forward is up the mountain.]]} {(live: 20s)[ (stop:) [[[Give up.->Main Dead End]]]]} {(live: 20s)[ (stop:)[[Prepare to climb.->The Cailleach]]]}

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You click on the Protector of Women tab and see a collection of posts praising Brigid. Women share stories of how she has helped them in their time of need; some write about their hopes and dreams, while others detail times they were harmed and describe how Brigid helped them heal. You scroll through the testimony and take in each story. Brigid is a protector of women. Kildare (the abbey she built) offered a haven to women and gave them a space to be free of men. Today Brigid is the inspiration behind “hundreds of churches, women's groups, convents, and other spiritual or secular charity organizations” (Weber, 2). Imbolc/Saint Brigid’s Day was (and still is) known to center women and daughters during ritual. Brigid was known to be a patroness of childbirth and fertility. Women in labor would often pray to the goddess; some would even surround themselves “with a row of nails or an iron reaping hook so that evil spirits would not approach them or their infants” (Weber, 83); a callback to Brigid’s status as a deity of the forge. Brigid the healer was known to aid women specifically, many would pray to her “during pregnancy, labor, and also for issues such as mastitis” (Daimler, 5). Midwives would chant to Brigid for help with particularly difficult births. Brigid has also been known to help pregnant women who don’t want to be mothers. In one story, Saint Brigid was said to have undone someone’s pregnancy (McCafferty, 64). Brigid has now become one of the symbols of Ireland’s contemporary pro-choice movement. Brigid is attributed as the inventor of the whistle, which she made so that women being sexually assaulted could quickly receive assistance. Maman Brigitte was known to protect women dealing with domestic violence (Wigington, 2019). [[Go back to the computer’s homepage.->Computer Homepage]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You make your way to the back room. You push hard against the door; it will not open easily. In this small space, you see an image of Saint Brigid with another woman. You aren't sure who she is or what she has to do with Brigid’s story. It is sometimes said that Saint Brigid had “a woman friend or fellow nun in the convent named Darlughdacha, the literal translation of which means “Daughter of the God Lugh,” who herself became the leader of the Kildare abbey upon Brigid's death” (Weber, 11). The two women “reportedly shared a bed each night” and may have had feelings for one another (Weber, 11). One story details a time when Brigid noticed Darlughdacha admiring a warrior. Brigid then “demanded she walk in shoes packed with red-hot coals as penance—either in sanctity of her convent vows of chastity or possibly to subdue Brigid's personal jealousy, indicating that the two were lovers” (Weber, 11). While this tale does not offer substantial enough evidence to attempt to define Saint Brigid’s sexuality, it reminds one of the importance of considering areas of history that might have been intentionally ignored or forgotten. Whether Brigid was merely friends with Darlughdacha or something more does not matter; what matters is that we highlight these threads so that others have the opportunity to examine them further. You back out of the dark room, carefully shutting the door. [[Move to the painting of Brigid blindfolded.->Eye Pluck (Saint)]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You approach the pulpit. A wooden podium stands in the center, an ancient book resting on its surface. The cover reads: “Kildare.” You open it.(click-replace: "You open it.")[You open it. Kildare is an abbey said to have been created by Saint Brigid. She wanted a space where women could safely live and worship. In the story of Brigid’s cloak, the saint negotiated land from the King of Leinster to build her sacred site. After Saint Brigid’s death, the leader of the sanctuary was assigned the title ‘the Brigid’ to symbolize her authority over the space (Weber, 78). Many today venture to Kildare Cathedral to see the site so integral to Brigid’s history. Saint Brigid is connected to holy fire. It is said that Kildare housed a perpetual flame that nuns maintained for decades. “The area is believed to have originated as a Pagan shrine and the original flame tended by nineteen Druidesses” … “Each Priestess would take a night to sit with the fire and tend it. On the twentieth night, the fire would be left for the Goddess to tend by herself. The nineteenth Priestess would say to the shrine, “Brigid, charge your own fire for this night belongs to you” (Weber, 78). This ritual continued when Kildare shifted from a Pagan sacred site to a Christian one. One story claims that Brigid was “consecrated as Bishop of Kildare by accident” at the abbey (Weber, 10). Saint Brigid undoubtedly held an extraordinary amount of power and influence for a woman navigating such a patriarchal religion. You close the book. To the left, you notice a backdoor that likely leads to an unfrequented room. You wonder what lies within. To the right, you see an intriguing painting that shows Brigid with a cloth covering her eyes. [[Ignore the door and walk to the painting.->Eye Pluck (Saint)]] [[Walk into the secluded room.->Queer Saint]]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You see a glow in the distance. Based on its flickering pattern, you are convinced a fire is ahead. You investigate the light source.(click-replace: "investigate the light source.")[investigate the light source. You weave through the trees until you find what you are looking for. A flaming arrow is embedded in the trunk of an old oak tree. You search for a water source, preparing to put out the flames before it spreads to the rest of the forest. You turn to see how far the fire has progressed and are shocked to see its intensity is unchanged. You stare at the fiery arrow, perplexed by the flame’s ability to contain itself. Brigid was given the name “fiery arrow” in Cormac’s Glossary (a text from the 10th century that contains a list of Gaelic words and phrases and their etymologies). It is one of the many epithets ascribed to the goddess. “In folklore, the name Brigid is often synonymous with “fiery arrow,” “bright arrow,” or “the bright one,” although the modern etymology points to the root “Brig” simply meaning “exalted” or “Brigid” meaning simply “Lady.” Whether or not the nicknames are linguistically accurate, they are certainly descriptive of Brigid's personality. “Fiery arrow” is a regularly used nickname for Brigid, conveying the flame that she is known for or perhaps as an analogy for the rays of the sun. Spiritually, Brigid’s fiery arrows are summoned for direction and striking the heart of the situation. The fiery aspect of Brigid encompasses swift change, powerful manifestations, and a kind of spiritual internal combustion necessary for completion, drive, and inspiration.” (Weber, 76-77) As you watch the arrow, you wonder if the flame is perpetual. // How long will it last? Is it impervious to the elements? Who tends it? Are there other flames that burn forever in the name of Brigid?// [[Keep moving through the forest.->Eye Pluck (Goddess)]]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You move through the space taking in the holy atmosphere. You see a tapestry with a dark figure. You are curious and move closer. You sense a sneeze coming on. Your nose scrunches, and you cover your mouth. You sneeze and sniffle. “Bless you,” a voice responds. You look around, trying to find the source of the noise, but see that nothing in the chapel has changed. You turn back to the tapestry. The dark figure is quite monstrous and seems to be cowering from a light source not depicted in the image. “Bless you” is a response to sneezing that some attribute to Saint Brigid. The tale claims that the monster, Suicín, “produced a terrible light at night that would cause fatal sneezing fits to anyone who saw it” (Daimler, 21). When Saint Brigid found out about this, she was determined to help. The saint is said to have defeated Suicín by either “making the sign of the cross,” “producing a candle that created a counter-light,” or teaching people to say a blessing after they sneeze (Daimler, 21). You itch your nose again, hoping that a monster isn't near. [[Head towards the front of the chapel. ->Kildare]]

{(enchant:?page,(bg:black))(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:white))}You have chosen to give up. You are not ready to reach Brigid’s Healing Well, and consequently, you are unprepared to receive her gifts. {(live: 6s)[ (stop:) [The walls of the labyrinth start to close in on you. Roots grab at your ankles. Ivy begins to wrap around your body like a cocoon. You are not in danger. The maze has recognized your defeat and seeks to remove you from its embrace. The earth continues to surround you until you can no longer see.] ]} {(live: 16s)[ (stop:) [You close your eyes, comparing the back of your eyelids to the darkness you saw. When you open your eyes, you are overwhelmed by fog. There is white light, but you can not make out its source. It is so dense you can see nothing beyond the mist.] ]} {(live: 28s)[ (stop:) [The labyrinth has let you go.] ]} {(live: 32s)[ (stop:) [But at what cost…] ]} {(live: 35s)[ (stop:) [You are now truly lost, and Brigid can not help you be found.] ]} {(live: 39s)[ (stop:) [''Your journey is over.''] ]}

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}When you make your choice, the statue solidifies. You can now see an inscription at the base of the stone reading: “''Brigid the Smith''.” The walls of the labyrinth part to the center, leaving an archway for you to walk under. Brigid the Smith is an inventor. She labors at the forge creating and strengthening. Brigid makes beautiful adornments and harsh blades. She asks you to dedicate your time and energy to constructing reliable materials while also encouraging the fortification of your soul. Some have called this aspect of her: “Brigid the Soul-Pounder” (Weber, 84). She pushes you not only to do the best you can but be the best you can. Brigid the Smith is heavily associated with fire and the sun. She is sometimes labeled a sun goddess due to her connection to light and life. You move deeper into the alcove and notice a small forge. The heat from the fire makes you sweat, but you are not afraid. You have never worked with metal in your life but know that intuition will guide you. You step forward. You understand that once you pick up the hammer you may be stuck working for hours, days, or weeks. What do you do? |body>[[Pick up the hammer.]<Yes| [[[Turn away from the forge.->Main Dead End]]]<No|] (Click:?Yes)+(replace: ?body)[You pick up the tools and begin to create. You pound and pound the metal, shaping it to your will. You take heavy breaths, and exhaustion seeps through your bones, but you do not stop. You are determined to finish. Your throat is parched, and your back aches, but you are done. You have crafted the most beautiful thing you have ever laid eyes on. You are proud to not only have passed Brigid’s test but of your resilience and persistence. You now feel stable and more self-assured. [[Move beyond the alcove, towards the rest of the labyrinth.->3 Sisters/Goddess]] [[Go back out to the changing statue.->Crossroads 1]]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You feel a chilly gust of wind. Flurries of snow begin to fall from the air, and you look down to see a layer of white covering the ground. You approach a clearing where the heat of a large bonfire calls to you. You walk past a table covered in cakes, milk, cheeses, and blackberries, decorated for a special occasion. You hear music emit from an unknowable source. An indescribable urge takes over your body, and you begin to dance around the bonfire. You are celebrating the birth of something new. Imbolc or Imbolg is a pagan festival that occurs on February 1st/2nd each year. It marks the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Imbolc is a celebration of the end of the cold season and an eager welcoming of warmer climates. This festival is heavily linked to Brigid, a goddess of rebirth, fire, and spring. “Imbolc is a Celtic word that refers to Mother Earth's belly or womb” (Ardinger, 1996); it is a time that highlights the new life about to blossom. This holiday is also known as Saint Brigid’s Day. Many rituals evoked Brigid on Imbolc. This holiday often centered women and daughters, allowing them to take a central part in the festivities. In one ritual, the daughter of a household would adopt the role of Brigid and knock on the door of her family and lead a prayer (Daimler, 43). Another activity of the day involved making Brigid dolls (or Brideog) out of corn husks or straw. These dolls would be laid in a makeshift bed and serve as a protective symbol (Daimler, 44). Many modern pagans celebrate Imbolc and take part in rituals like these. You dance and dance and dance and dance. You are overwhelmed with joy. You are elated to be welcoming warmth and springtime. The snow has begun to melt on the right side of the clearing but seems to be piling up on the left. You notice a pathway guided by rushes to the right. They seem to be leading you back to the main part of the labyrinth. You look in the other direction and see that the snow has begun to reach the height of trees. It too seems to have left open a pathway but instead of walls made of lively wildlife, you see icy blocks. Are you brave enough to see where it leads? [[Turn right and follow the rushes to the main part of the labyrinth.->Cross]] [[Turn left and start to trek through the snow.->2 TEST The Cailleach]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You continue to roam. Your attention snags on a strange-looking boulder. The closer you get, the more sure you are that some sort of eye is etched into the surface. You reach out to trace the carving, feeling the grainy stone. You circle the rock. There appears to be a short tale inscribed on the back. While Brigid was out walking, a man came up and confronted her, claiming that she would one day marry a man if she wanted to or not. Brigid responded that the man’s eyes would soon burst in his head. The man’s eyes may or may not have proceeded to explode in this head. (Based on a tale from David Keeling Film, 2018). You feel like you have heard a different version of this story before... Maybe during your wanderings in the chapel? [[Move on from the boulder.->2 Imbolc]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 2) )]}You reach the base of the mountain and get ready to start your ascent. You notice an out-of-place shape to your right. You approach and see a heavy cloak and lantern resting against a boulder. You take the cloth and wrap it around your body and head. The lantern is attached to a staff; you grab it. You are much warmer now. You steady yourself and begin to climb.(click-replace: "You steady yourself and begin to climb.")[You steady yourself and begin to climb. Hours pass, and you continue your voyage. The snow and wind pick up. It is near impossible to see a few paces ahead of you. You keep moving forward.](click-replace: "You keep moving forward.")[You keep moving forward. Your feet ache, and your bones creak, but you march on.](click-replace: "march on.")[march on. You see it; the top of the mountain. An opening in the side of the stone offers you shelter, and you enter. You look out of the cave’s entrance and see an old woman, cloaked in black. She observes you and beckons you forward. The Cailleach is an ancient Celtic figure often described as a hag of winter. She is known to roam the earth, her presence a sign that the cold months are looming. In Scottish folklore, “Brigid was imprisoned in the Ben Nevis mountain by the Calleach” each year (Weber, 8). When winter approached, Brigid was stolen, resulting in the death of wildlife. Brigid, “the living embodiment of spring” (Weber, 8), was then let go when it was time for life to return to the earth. Sometimes in this story, Angus—the son of the Cailleach—falls in love with Bride and rescues her on Imbolc (Daimler, 17). In other versions of the tale, “Brigid and the Calleach were the same Goddess with two faces—one comely and one haggard” (Weber, 8). This interpretation of the story aligns with the view that Brigid was a triple goddess (a deity who embodies the cycle of life and shifts between existing as a maiden, mother, and crone throughout the changing seasons). The transition between winter and spring is perceived as a time when the goddess sheds her identity as a crone and becomes a maiden once more: “Spring’s dawning is also the time when the Crone bathes in (or drinks from) the magic spring and becomes a virgin for another season” (Ardinger, 1996). You cautiously approach the Cailleach. She holds out her hand, gesturing towards the staff. You give it to her. She pauses, studying you, and then places an acorn in your palm. The moment the seed touches your skin you are transported back into the main part of the labyrinth. [[Move forward.->Cross]]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You approach the pulpit. A wooden podium stands in the center, an ancient book resting on its surface. The cover reads: “Kildare.” You open it.(click-replace: "You open it.")[You open it. Kildare is an abbey said to have been created by Saint Brigid. She wanted a space where women could safely live and worship. In the story of Brigid’s cloak, the saint negotiated land from the King of Leinster to build her sacred site. After Saint Brigid’s death, the leader of the sanctuary was assigned the title ‘the Brigid’ to symbolize her authority over the space (Weber, 78). Many today venture to Kildare Cathedral to see the site so integral to Brigid’s history. Saint Brigid is connected to holy fire. It is said that Kildare housed a perpetual flame that nuns maintained for decades. “The area is believed to have originated as a Pagan shrine and the original flame tended by nineteen Druidesses” … “Each Priestess would take a night to sit with the fire and tend it. On the twentieth night, the fire would be left for the Goddess to tend by herself. The nineteenth Priestess would say to the shrine, “Brigid, charge your own fire for this night belongs to you” (Weber, 78). This ritual continued when Kildare shifted from a Pagan sacred site to a Christian one. One story claims that Brigid was “consecrated as Bishop of Kildare by accident” at the abbey (Weber, 10). Saint Brigid undoubtedly held an extraordinary amount of power and influence for a woman navigating such a patriarchal religion. You close the book. To the left, you notice a backdoor that likely leads to an unfrequented room. You wonder what lies within. To the right, you see an intriguing painting that shows Brigid with a cloth covering her eyes. [[Ignore the door and walk to the painting.->2 Eye Pluck (Saint)]] [[Walk into the secluded room.->2 Queer Saint]]]

{(if: visit is 1)[(set:$counter to ($counter + 1) )]}You stand in front of the painting. You have never seen an image of Brigid blindfolded before. You wonder what has happened to her eyes. You see a plaque underneath the work and read it. Saint Brigid (like many other nuns) made a vow of chastity to God. She turned away the advances of men and pledged her service to the church and Kildare. It was believed that any man who tried to make Brigid break this vow would be cursed. In one tale, Brigid is out walking when a man sees her and begins to stalk her. Brigid is unsure of his intentions, and because she does not want this man to be cursed for attempting to break her vow, she runs away; the man continues to aggressively pursue her. Brigid stops at a stream and plucks out her eyes to deter the man. Horrified by the sight of her, the man runs away. Now certain that the man is safe from the curse, Brigid heals her eyes and keeps walking. (Story based on Weber, 108) You feel like you have heard a different version of this story before... Maybe during your wanderings in the forest? You start to hear music. You are unsure where it is coming from. You look around, and a beautifully decorated table with white lilies lining the edges catches your eye. [[Turn away from the painting and examine the table.->2 Saint Brigid's Day]]

Below is a list of the works referenced in Brigid’s Labyrinth. They have been categorized by page/topic, meaning if a text was cited on a particular page then it is listed under that topic. [[Click here to return to the page about the creation of this project.->About the Maker]] [[Click here to view the artifact list.->Artifacts to Explore]] Brigid’s Many Names &emsp;&emsp;Weber, Courtney. Brigid: History, Mystery, and Magick of the Celtic Goddess. Red Wheel Weiser, 2015. Ffraid &emsp;&emsp;Daimler, Morgan. Brigid: Meeting the Celtic Goddess of Poetry, Forge, and Healing Well. Moon Books, 2016. Bride &emsp;&emsp;Daimler, Morgan. Brigid: Meeting the Celtic Goddess of Poetry, Forge, and Healing Well. Moon Books, 2016. Maman Brigitte &emsp;&emsp;Weber, Courtney. Brigid: History, Mystery, and Magick of the Celtic Goddess. Red Wheel Weiser, 2015. &emsp;&emsp;Wigington, Patti. “Maman Brigitte, Loa of the Dead in Voodoo Religion.” Learn Religions, Learn Religions, 3 Oct. 2019, https://www.learnreligions.com/maman-brigitte-4771715. Brigandu &emsp;&emsp;Daimler, Morgan. Brigid: Meeting the Celtic Goddess of Poetry, Forge, and Healing Well. Moon Books, 2016. Brigantia &emsp;&emsp;Daimler, Morgan. Brigid: Meeting the Celtic Goddess of Poetry, Forge, and Healing Well. Moon Books, 2016. &emsp;&emsp;Weber, Courtney. Brigid: History, Mystery, and Magick of the Celtic Goddess. Red Wheel Weiser, 2015. Brigid the Poet &emsp;&emsp;Daimler, Morgan. Brigid: Meeting the Celtic Goddess of Poetry, Forge, and Healing Well. Moon Books, 2016. &emsp;&emsp;Weber, Courtney. Brigid: History, Mystery, and Magick of the Celtic Goddess. Red Wheel Weiser, 2015. Brigid the Smith &emsp;&emsp;Weber, Courtney. Brigid: History, Mystery, and Magick of the Celtic Goddess. Red Wheel Weiser, 2015. Brigid the Warrior &emsp;&emsp;Daimler, Morgan. Brigid: Meeting the Celtic Goddess of Poetry, Forge, and Healing Well. Moon Books, 2016. &emsp;&emsp;Lee, Callista. “Brigid: Spirituality at Work.” SageWoman (Point Arena, Calif.), 1993, p. 146. &emsp;&emsp;Weber, Courtney. Brigid: History, Mystery, and Magick of the Celtic Goddess. Red Wheel Weiser, 2015. Three Sisters and Triple Goddess &emsp;&emsp;Lee, Callista. “Brigid: Spirituality at Work.” SageWoman (Point Arena, Calif.), 1993, p. 146. &emsp;&emsp;Weber, Courtney. Brigid: History, Mystery, and Magick of the Celtic Goddess. Red Wheel Weiser, 2015. Ulster Cycle &emsp;&emsp;Daimler, Morgan. Brigid: Meeting the Celtic Goddess of Poetry, Forge, and Healing Well. Moon Books, 2016. Cormac’s Glossary &emsp;&emsp;Clann Bhríde. “Finding Brighid in the Ancient Lore.” Clann Bhríde, 19 Oct. 2019, https://clannbhride.org/articles-and-essays/finding-brighid-in-the-ancient-lore/. Lebor Gabala Erenn &emsp;&emsp;Daimler, Morgan. Brigid: Meeting the Celtic Goddess of Poetry, Forge, and Healing Well. Moon Books, 2016. Cath Maige Turied &emsp;&emsp;Clann Bhríde. “Finding Brighid in the Ancient Lore.” Clann Bhríde, 19 Oct. 2019, https://clannbhride.org/articles-and-essays/finding-brighid-in-the-ancient-lore/. Crossroads Three: Picking the Goddess or Saint Path &emsp;&emsp;Quinn, Megan. “Megan Quinn: Celtic Festival Honors Spiritual Woman of Mystery.” Knight-Ridder/Tribune Business News, 2014. Keening &emsp;&emsp;Weber, Courtney. Brigid: History, Mystery, and Magick of the Celtic Goddess. Red Wheel Weiser, 2015. Fiery Arrow &emsp;&emsp;Weber, Courtney. Brigid: History, Mystery, and Magick of the Celtic Goddess. Red Wheel Weiser, 2015. Brigid the Goddess Eye Plucking/Exploding Story &emsp;&emsp;“Saint Brigid – Short Film #RepealThe8th.” YouTube, David Keeling Film, 17 May 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HG61E4-iceQ. Imbolc &emsp;&emsp;Ardinger, Barbara. “Seasons of Light and Darkness: The Return of Spring.” SageWoman (Point Arena, Calif.), no. 33, 1996, p. 33. &emsp;&emsp;Daimler, Morgan. Brigid: Meeting the Celtic Goddess of Poetry, Forge, and Healing Well. Moon Books, 2016. The Cailleach &emsp;&emsp;Ardinger, Barbara. “Seasons of Light and Darkness: The Return of Spring.” SageWoman (Point Arena, Calif.), no. 33, 1996, p. 33. &emsp;&emsp;Daimler, Morgan. Brigid: Meeting the Celtic Goddess of Poetry, Forge, and Healing Well. Moon Books, 2016. &emsp;&emsp;Weber, Courtney. Brigid: History, Mystery, and Magick of the Celtic Goddess. Red Wheel Weiser, 2015. Brigid the Saint Introduction &emsp;&emsp;Weber, Courtney. Brigid: History, Mystery, and Magick of the Celtic Goddess. Red Wheel Weiser, 2015. Birth of Jesus &emsp;&emsp;Lee, Callista. “Brigid: Spirituality at Work.” SageWoman (Point Arena, Calif.), 1993, p. 146. &emsp;&emsp;Milligan, Bryce, and Helen Cann. Brigid's Cloak: An Ancient Irish Story. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2002. &emsp;&emsp;Weber, Courtney. Brigid: History, Mystery, and Magick of the Celtic Goddess. Red Wheel Weiser, 2015. Lake of Beer &emsp;&emsp;Riain, Nóirín Ní. “Saint Brigid's Prayer.” YouTube, YouTube, 28 Sept. 2013, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzHNwjNlP20. &emsp;&emsp;Weber, Courtney. Brigid: History, Mystery, and Magick of the Celtic Goddess. Red Wheel Weiser, 2015. Monster Fighting/Sneezing &emsp;&emsp;Daimler, Morgan. Brigid: Meeting the Celtic Goddess of Poetry, Forge, and Healing Well. Moon Books, 2016. Kildare &emsp;&emsp;Weber, Courtney. Brigid: History, Mystery, and Magick of the Celtic Goddess. Red Wheel Weiser, 2015. Brigid’s Potential Queerness &emsp;&emsp;Weber, Courtney. Brigid: History, Mystery, and Magick of the Celtic Goddess. Red Wheel Weiser, 2015. Saint Brigid Eye Plucking Story &emsp;&emsp;Weber, Courtney. Brigid: History, Mystery, and Magick of the Celtic Goddess. Red Wheel Weiser, 2015. Modern Paganism &emsp;&emsp;Daimler, Morgan. Brigid: Meeting the Celtic Goddess of Poetry, Forge, and Healing Well. Moon Books, 2016. Protector of Women &emsp;&emsp;Daimler, Morgan. Brigid: Meeting the Celtic Goddess of Poetry, Forge, and Healing Well. Moon Books, 2016. &emsp;&emsp;Mccafferty, John. “Brigid of Kildare.” The Journal of Medieval and Early Modern Studies, vol. 50, no. 1, 2020, pp. 53–73., https://doi.org/10.1215/10829636-7986589. &emsp;&emsp;Weber, Courtney. Brigid: History, Mystery, and Magick of the Celtic Goddess. Red Wheel Weiser, 2015. &emsp;&emsp;Wigington, Patti. “Maman Brigitte, Loa of the Dead in Voodoo Religion.” Learn Religions, Learn Religions, 3 Oct. 2019, https://www.learnreligions.com/maman-brigitte-4771715. Close to the Well: Score Reveal &emsp;&emsp;Weber, Courtney. Brigid: History, Mystery, and Magick of the Celtic Goddess. Red Wheel Weiser, 2015.

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