The Cailleach is a figure from Irish and Scottish mythology, often depicted as a hag or goddess associated with winter and the land. She is considered a personification of nature's harshness and is believed to control the weather, particularly snow and storms. The Cailleach is also linked to the creation of landscapes, such as mountains and hills, through her actions. In some traditions, the Cailleach represents the cycle of life and death, embodying the transition from winter to spring. She is often contrasted with Brigid, a goddess of fertility and spring, highlighting the duality of nature. The Cailleach's stories emphasize the importance of seasonal change in ancient cultures.