Bébinn

For the moon of Saturn named after Bébinn, see Bebhionn (moon).

In early Irish mythology, Bébhinn (old orthography: Béḃinn) was a goddess associated with birth and the sister of the river-goddess, Boann. The name was also borne by a variety of mythological figures, who may or may not be the same goddess.^[1]

In mythology

Bébinn is alternately described as either the wife of Áed Alainn, a god, or Idath, a mortal man. She is mentioned in multiple sources as the mother of Connacht hero Fráech.^[1] In the Fenian Cycle of Irish tales, Bébinn is "a beautiful giantess of aristocratic bearing" who seeks protection from the Fianna when an ugly giant pursues her. In other sources a Bébinn is mentioned as a daughter of Elcmar.^[1]

In history

The name Bébinn and its variants is quite common in records from early Irish history, and was borne by historical as well as mythical figures, including a number of queens and abbesses.^[1]

Etymology and variations

In Irish Gaelic, Bébinn means "beautiful woman" or "fair woman". Variant forms include Bé Bind, Bé Find, Bebhinn, Bébhionn, Bébind, Béfind and Béfionn. While it has also been Anglicized as Vivionn and Vivian, it is unrelated to the French or English names.^[1]

See also

• Brian Boru
• Bebhionn (moon)

References

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