Thanks for joining us for another Families’ Deity! We’re exploring deities that tie into families and family values, or who are important to the family unit or children in some way. This month, we are exploring the Watery God, Modron.
Who is Modron?
Modron is a mother goddess in the Welsh tradition and her name translates as divine mother. Her origins and identity are a bit of a mystery although there are a few references to her in literature.
What the texts do tell us is that she was the mother of Mabon whose name translates as divine son.
Other texts suggest that she had twins, a son Owain and a daughter Morfudd by her husband said to be Urien Rheged. Her father Afallach was the King of the Otherworld so this would point to Modron being a sovereign goddess also.
Modron is thought by others to be the Welsh version of the Gaulish goddess Matrona who had a son named Maponus, their names also meaning divine mother and divine son.
As Matrona was a river goddess, it is suggested that Modron was also and there is a well in Cornwall believed to be named after her.
Why is Modron one of our family deities?
We have included Modron into the family deities because, as a mother goddess, Modron would have been a goddess of abundance, fertility and a protector. All of these are important aspects of family life.
Honouring Modron
You could celebrate her on Mother’s Day, visit her holy well in Cornwall or do something else connected with mothers.
Modron Associations
Animals
Hounds, ravens, snakes and pigs.
Symbols
There are no particular tools associated with Modron, however, she is associated with spring flowers, apples and the number 3.
Other Items
Clouties are left on trees near her sacred well, remember to only leave these when they are made of natural materials.
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