Ireland's OWN: Myths & Magic Goddess: Badb Catha [pronounced Bahv] —by Míchealín Daugherty Badb, goddess of war, transformed herself into many shapes including the wolf and bear. She often takes the form of a raven and is called Badb Catha. She is the mother aspect of the triple goddess and symbolizes life (the ever-producing cauldron of life), wisdom, inspiration, blessings and enlightenment.  On the battlefield, Badb appeared in the forma of a miniature woman with tiny, webbed feet, screeching of death and doom.  The moment the battle ended, Badb quickly changed into the forma of a gleaming raven, delighted to feast on the flesh of the dead.  Soldiers prayed to Badb, imagining her as a gigantic and beautiful young woman, imploring her to help them cross streams and overcome their enemies. When a soldier saw Badb washing his or her weapons in a stream, he or she knew death was near.  An Babd also appeared as one of the goddesses which made up the triple goddess known as An Mhorrigan. An Mhorrigan appeared as both a single  goddess and as part of a trio. The third goddess in the trio was Nemain, sometimes Macha. Sources: Danielle ni Dhighe, Morrigan.net Goddesses: A world of Myth and Magic by Burleigh Mutén, Barefoot Books, 2003. Page last updated 18 Jul 2008 Website Design and Myths & Magic logo by Míchealín Daugherty Copyright © 2008 Ireland's OWN All Rights Reserved.