the force of nature that directs with her gentle hands, light passing from stars through lenses. the goddess of telescopes and the protectrix of scientists in the face of superstition (Galileo).
Niamh or Niaṁ (/ˈniːv/, also known as Niamh/Niaṁ Cinn-Óir (Golden-headed Niamh or Golden-haired Niamh)) is the lover or spouse of Oisín, son of Fionn mac Cumhail, in the Fianna Cycle of Irish mythology.
In the story of Niamh, she was an otherworldly woman who fell in love with an Irish man named Oisín and carried him away to live with her in her domain of Tír na nÓg, the Land of Youth. She had two sons and a daughter with Oisín. After more than 300 years of living together, Niamh reluctantly allowed Oisín to visit Ireland, imposing on him a taboo not to touch the ground there, and once he did, he turned old and was unable to go back to see Niamh ever again.
In the medieval version, Niamh was a mortal princess of Munster who eloped with Oisín to Ulster but committed suicide when her father’s army arrived in pursuit.
Irish Mythology: Niamh is most famously known as "Niamh Chinn Óir" (Niamh of the Golden Hair) in Irish mythology. She is a prominent figure in the Oisín and Niamh story, part of the Finn Cycle or Fiannaíocht.
Daughter of the Sea God: Niamh is depicted as the daughter of Manannán mac Lir, the sea god in Irish mythology, symbolizing a divine connection to nature and the otherworldly realms.
The Land of Eternal Youth: She is associated with Tír na nÓg, the land of eternal youth in Irish lore, a place where time stands still, and no one ages. This land is often depicted as a paradisiacal realm, filled with everlasting beauty and light.
