Herons

The legend of the herons is one of the few ancient Celtic beliefs to have persisted throughout the centuries until today. Since early Christian times the heron or stork has been recognised and protected as the sacred bird of St Columba, and it features prominently in the Book of Kells and other illustrated manuscripts of the Celtic Church. Even in modern times its association with life creation has survived in the legend of the stork bringing babies into the world. In the Welsh language its name says it all – “Crëyr” literally means “Creator”.