Bodhmall (or bodhmann, Bómall,
[''Dóiteoir na Samhna'', by Darach Ó Scalaí, ] Bodmall, or Bodbmall) is one of
Fionn mac Cumhaill
Fionn mac Cumhaill, often anglicised Finn McCool or MacCool, is a hero in Irish mythology, as well as in later Scottish and Manx folklore. He is the leader of the ''Fianna'' bands of young roving hunter-warriors, as well as being a seer a ...
's childhood foster mothers in the
Fenian Cycle
The Fenian Cycle (), Fianna Cycle or Finn Cycle () is a body of early Irish literature focusing on the exploits of the mythical hero Fionn mac Cumhaill, Finn or Fionn mac Cumhaill and his Kóryos, warrior band the Fianna. Sometimes called the ...
of
Irish mythology
Irish mythology is the body of myths indigenous to the island of Ireland. It was originally Oral tradition, passed down orally in the Prehistoric Ireland, prehistoric era. In the History of Ireland (795–1169), early medieval era, myths were ...
and the daughter of Tréanmór mac Suailt. She is a
druid
A druid was a member of the high-ranking priestly class in ancient Celtic cultures. The druids were religious leaders as well as legal authorities, adjudicators, lorekeepers, medical professionals and political advisors. Druids left no wr ...
and the sister of Fionn's father
Cumhall, and both she and her female partner
Liath Luachra are known as great warriors.
Bodhmall's story appears in ''
The Boyhood Deeds of Fionn''. When Cumhall is slain by
Goll mac Morna, his wife
Muirne fears for their son's safety. Bodhmall and Liath Luachra come to her, and take the boy to be raised in the forest of
Sliabh Bladhma. There they teach him to hunt, and accompany him on some of his early adventures. When he grows up and news of his exploits spreads, the warrior women fear he will attract the attention of Goll's men. They send him out to find his own way, having taught him all they know.
References
*MacKillop, James James MacKillop (1998). ''Dictionary of Celtic Mythology''. Oxford. .
Fenian Cycle
Druids
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