Julie Collet – Dahud Ahes

Her myth weaves a story of female power, free of control and inhibitions. Born of an otherwordly mother and an earthly King, Dahud became a powerful princess and pagan priestess. She resisted to the Christianity spreading through Brittany, letting the people of her kingdom live in total abundance and freedom. Feasts, Dances, Open Sexuality – Her ways made her the enemy of the local Priests, to whom she was nothing but a Devil worshipper.

Some elements in Dahud’s myth also present her as a sexual initiator, a sacred prostitute, leading men to their (maybe metaphorical) death after spending a night with her.

The main lesson from her story is one that many women can relate to nowadays: Falling for the wrong man, entrusting them with your body and soul, only to find out when it is too late that you have been played and betrayed. Ahes means “Key Holder” for this reason: She handed the key to her kingdom to the wrong person, which lead to her demise.

But Celtic women aren’t defeated that easily… And the story tells us that Dahud did not drown in the sea with her fallen kingdom, she merely transformed into a mermaid, waiting to return to the Earth when her ways will be welcome again…

I have painted this Celtic Goddess because I have always been fascinated by the lessons she can teach modern women about sexuality, power, trust, and healing from betrayal. I have dedicated a lot of my time to research her story, and I am always passionate to share the findings with those interested. You are very welcome to contact me via the website if you would like to discuss further.