Celtic
mythology has both solar and underworld symbolism for the crane. It is
associated with the solar deities, especially in their healing aspect; it is
also depicted with weapons and battle objects. It is a supernatural creature and
appears riding on the bags of human-headed horses and in connection with magic
cauldrons. On an ancient altar in France three cranes are depicted standing on
the back of a bull. But the crane is also a form of Pwyll, King of the
Underworld, and as such a herald of death. A completely contrary symbolism
obtains in Gallic lore where the crane is a bad omen, depicting meanness,
parsimony and evil women. It is an attribute of the Gaulish Mercury and Mars,
and as such is connected with war and death.
The
crane is no longer native to Britain, but there is a strong Celtic tradition
that cranes are people transmogrified into bird-shape, possibly for a penance.
Saint Columba turned a queen and his handmaid into cranes as a punishment. One
of the wonders of Ireland was supposed to be a crane which lived on the island
of InisKea, Co. Mayo; it has been there since the beginning of the world and
will live there until the day of judgement. The imperturbable patience of the
crane was associated with the Cailleach, and was a secret, magical bird. Its
skin went to make Manannan's Cranebag.
