We had to begin our Letters From The Fairies letter series with the blessings of a queen! And so it was, Queen Anya writes the first letter and (*spoiler!) the very last letter too. So, we thought you may like to know a little more about this enigmatic figure from Celtic mythology.
Anya, or Áine, is an ancient fairy, celebrated as a goddess. She came from the Tuatha Dé Danann, who were the original magical people who ruled Ireland, before they were forced into the hidden, enchanted realm, just beyond what we can see. Anya was said to have been very beautiful, with golden hair that glowed like sunshine.
Anya was celebrated as goddess of the sun and moon, and many people believed that she brought luck for a healthy harvest, and even true love.
Today, Anya is still celebrated at midsummer, where bonfires are held in her honour, especially in County Limerick, Ireland where there is a special hill that is named after her - Knockainy Hill. Even now, some say if you walk there on a summer’s night, you might feel her presence in the warm wind.
References - Celtic Myths & Legends by O.B. Duane (1998). Fairy Queens by Morgan Daimler (2019), Fairies - A Guide To The Celtic Fair Folk by Morgan Daimler (2017)