Scrolling across social media, I came across a page that dives deep into Irish sayings, names, language, traditions, etc. I’m a huge fan of learning about different cultures and languages. I guess that’s how I developed my interest in studying chimpanzee communication and cultures. It was the perfect blend of learning about two things I am genuinely interested in: cultures, language, and primatology. I digress though. On this page, the woman explained the history of the Irish name Medb (pronounced May•ve). It reminded me of this post Kelsi made back in 2019.
Since then, we have gained a few more followers who may not have seen that post, so I thought I would share it again.
Medb is an Old Gaelic word, which was a word for a Celtic wine similar to today’s mead that was drunk during celebrations. When applied as a name, it meant “she who intoxicates,” but more on this in a little bit. As the language progressed, the spelling changed to Meadhbh, though still pronounced the same. Though the pronunciation stayed the same, the spelling changed again to make it easier for English speakers to pronounce: Maeve and Mave.
In Irish mythology, Queen Medb of Connacht was a warrior queen. It was said Queen Medb would rob men of two-thirds of their valor after seeing her because of her beauty. Queen Medb also demanded three things from her suitors: be free of fear, free of meanness, and free of jealousy towards her.
Though Mave is not Queen Medb of Connacht, she does have some of these qualities. She steals the hearts of those who meet her, chimpanzee and especially humans, with her beauty. She also demands others to be free of fear, free of meanness, and free of jealousy towards her. The difference would be Mave is not trying to conquer and rule land like Queen Medb.
It’s easier to see when you spend most of the day with her. Here are some photos I was able to capture of (Queen) Mave today.
She had some fun playing with toys:
She also had a very intense play session with Honey B filled with foot grabs, play bites, and a lot laughter:
After her play session with Honey B, she assumed her one of her classic “Mave” poses, grasping her feet in the air while laying down. One of the signs she is very relaxed:
Then it was dinner time:
Mave, she who intoxicates us all.
Bonus photo of Annie watching it beginning to snow on Young’s Hill again today.
The older languages and dialects would have made travel very interesting…and my “tin-ear” abilities for foreign conversation would have made my life miserable…
This is a wonderful lesson in Irish names (folklore). Loved the pictures and the history. Thank you so much!??
Thank you Chad. The pictures of Mave and Honey B look like they are having so much fun. Mave has such an endearing look to her. The photo of Annie is so beautiful. This has to be one of my favorite photos of her. I think she looks so content and at peace.
I completely agree. That photo of Annie is stunning. What a beautiful face.
You know, I realize, looking at it again, that she looks less serious than usual.
Captivating perfectly describes Mave! I often wonder if her beauty translates in a similar way to other chimpanzees?
The similarities between Queen Medb of Connacht and Marvelous Mave of Cle Elum are very interesting. Thanks for sharing the history. Thanks for sharing all these photos too. Mave’s feet! The way she eats on her belly like Jody. Love her!! Honey B’s expressions as you scroll down through the pics are so funny. Boy are they having fun together.
Thanks for the bonus shot of Annie. Haven’t seen much of her lately. Annie is a beautiful chimpanzee. I love her too.
I think that Honey B’s facial expressions speak volumes: Mave O’Chimpanzee is “She who will put a smile and a play face on your mug.”
Thank you Chad; how wonderful to read the discription of the Irish Queen that fits our own Irish Queen Mave of Cle Elum, as Kathleen so accurately names her.
You put into words what I have felt eversince I “met” Mave for the first time: eventhough we have never met in person, I do feel a strong connection with her for who she is.
I LOVE HER and I would love a hug from her.
Long live Queen Mave!
Thank you, Chad! When I first saw her name, I thought it was pronounced “mauve,” like the color?! Thank you for the Irish history lesson. I’m Irish and better learn more about my heritage!
When I see Mave, I see an old soul inside of her. Content and calm…but the pictures show a fun side of her too. I love the stories that each caregiver tells us. The photography is out of this world! I enjoy that you allow us into their lives. Each of you shows them compassion and cater to their own needs.
I think of the construction workers who are doing the addition to their home. I know they had to be told to not interact with them but how could they not? I hope they know the work they did is making the chimp’s lives better. I love the chimps watch them make sure they are working and getting things done in time.
Thank you for the insight into Mave’s name, I love hearing about past cultures with strong female leaders! Mave is indeed a beauty!