The mythological figure of Flidais (pronounced \"flee-daws\"), shapeshifter, protector of wild beasts and goddess of the woodlands, is mentioned in several places of early Irish literature including the Book of Invasions, the Metrical Dindsenchas, and the Ulster Cycle. Flidais\' nickname is Foltchain or \"beautiful hair\". She owned a herd of magical cattle, the subject of
Tain Bo Flidais which was may be older than the more famous \"Cattle Raid of Cooley.\" Her most famous cow, Maol, could nourish 300 men from a single milking. During the Cattle Raid of Cooley Flidais slept with Ailill mac Mata, the king of Connacht, and every seven days her cows gave milk enough for his whole army. Flidais was also able to milk deer to feed her children. Sometimes she is depicted as riding in a chariot drawn by deer. According to legend, she was the only woman who could satisfy the sexual appetite of the Ulster warrior-king, Fergus mac Róg.
References:
MacKillop\'s Dictionary of Celtic Mythology
Encyclopedia of Celtic Wisdom - Caitlin & John Matthews
Shee-Eire - http://www.shee-eire.com
