Sunday 3 April 2016

Harps of Cliu

The Harps of Cliu are steep rivers coming down from the Galty Mountains in Co. Tipperary. This is an area full of folklore. In myth they are supposed to be the harp played by Cliu or Cliach in his attempt to woo the daughter of Bodh Derg who lives in his palace or Sídh on Sliabh na mBan. Interestingly enough I doubt that the two features are intervisible.


Taken from duchas.ie


"The legendary origin of this name occurs in the Dindshencus. According to this legend Cliach was a harper in love with the daughter of Bodh Derg who had his palace on Sliabh na mBan. Being unsuccessful in his wooing Cliach retired to the top of the Galtees where he continue to play and sing all to no effect. Some accounts say he was seized by a dragon and died of fright, another account that he plunged into the lake and was drowned."


http://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5162130/5156626/5197487


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Taken from Mythic Ireland

"In legend the supernatural harper, Clíu, emerged from this mountain síd to make music on the stringed watercourses. He hoped thereby to attract a goddess of neighbouring Slievenaman, daughter of the pre-Celtic god Bodh Dearg.

This is a late variant on the myth where the Dagda comes from the síd to harp the seasons into being. His 'finger breezes' play across the gullet 'strings' where falling waters contribute to the melody."









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