Breyeayn (ˈbrʲai.an)

"And when Manandán saw the infant bat at the mists and spray of his cloak, he took some and made a small wooly animal for her to play with. That was the first lamb of Vannin, and he continued to add to her flock each year until she had more than enough to share with the Vanninee." - excerpt from the "Birth of Breyeayn"

Breyeayn is a goddess from the island of Vannin, and the patron of shepherds, young maidens, and lovers. She was born during the times when her father Manandán had warded the island with mist against the Clarati, and the sea was not safe for the Vanninee to travel. In that time, there were no sheep on Vannin. Their introduction by Manandán was a great boon to the Vanninee, for their milk, wool, and meat helped them to survive their confinement. They began to tell the story of Breyeayn's birth then, and the Egregoric Force brought her forth into the Dream as a consequence. Most stories claim that the island of Vannin is her mother, while others credit various godesses or even an unnamed mortal woman.

Manifestation

Breyeayn manifests as a young Vanninee woman, usually with red hair and eyes the color of grass. She is exceptionally beautiful, although the exact details of her appearance often change with who she is appearing to. She is usually accompanied by a flock of sheep, and will be dressed as either a shepherdess or a princess.

Ceremonies & Celebrations

Breyeayn is a goddess of the spring, and that season is sacred to her. The feasts of of Breeshey and Boaltinn are dedicated to her. Breeshey is held halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, and marks the beginning of spring. At this time, she is called upon to bless the flocks, and ensure their health and fertitilty for the year to come. During the feast of Boaltinn she is called on in her aspect as a goddess of fertitily. It is held midway between the spring equinox and the summer solstice, and is the end of the spring. At Boaltinn, it is traditional for young people to gather and dance from dawn until dusk, and to pay court to each other. Great bonfires are lit as night falls, and if couples sneak away to be alone in the shadows, their elders choose to ignore it. It is traditional for promises of marriage to be made on Boaltinn night, with the weddings themselves held at the great festival of Manandán at midsummer.