As a precautionary measure, Balor hid his daughter Ethniu locked in a tower on Tory Island. A later folktale differed, speaking of a prophecy that warned King Balor of the Fomorians would be slain by his grandson. Cath Maig Tuired described the marriage of Cian and Ethniu as a dynastic union between the invading Tuatha Dé Danann and the Formorians of Ireland. Numerous legends exist regarding the birth of Lugh. Lughnasa is also celebrated by many neo-pagan communities. The holiday, which is still celebrated today, has various Christian names, including “Garland Sunday” or “Mountain Sunday,” as many celebrate by climbing hills or mountains. To celebrate his victory, Lugh blessed the early fruits of harvest and hosted games in memory of his foster-mother Tailtiu. This date was chosen because it marked Lugh’s victory over the spirits of Tír na nÓg. Lughasa ( Lughnasadh), the Irish harvest festival, took place on August 1st and was celebrated across Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. It was at Tara that the historical High Kings of Ireland were seated. Lugh had two dwellings: one at the place where he became king-Moytura in County Sligo-and a second at Tara, in County Meath. Several locations were named for Lugh across Europe, but in Ireland specifically County Louth and its eponymous village bear his name, as does Loch Lugborta. Several horses, including Manannán’s horse Énbarr of the Flowing Mane, who could travel land and sea įailinis, a greyhound of great renown who always caught its prey, was invincible in battle, and could turn water into wine. Sguaba Tuinne, the “Wind-sweeper,” a boat of considerable speed The sword would force those it was pointed at to answer questions truthfully His cloich tabaill, or slingshot, wielded in battle against Balor of the Evil Eye įragarach, or “The Answerer,” sword of his foster-father Manannán. With a word (“Ibar”), it hit its mark with another (“Athibar!”), it returned to Lugh This spear was unbeatable in battle and could take the form of lightning when thrown. The Spear ( Sleg) of Assal, one of the Four Jewels of the Tuatha Dé Danann. Lugh wielded a number of weapons and tools throughout his adventures, and was aided by several animal familiars. Such a background assisted him in inventing a number of notable Irish games, including horse-racing, sports, and fidchell, the Irish precursor to chess. In what may seem like a contradiction, Lugh was also a trickster who was willing to lie, cheat, and steal to overcome his opponents.Īs son of both the Tuatha Dé Danann and Fomorians, Lugh had a unique heritage. He also served as the god of justice in its many forms his judgement was often swift and without mercy. As the god of oaths, he held domain over rulers and nobility. While every kingdom had an ollam that served the chief or king, each of the High Kings of Ireland had their own Chief Ollam. This historic title reflected his skills as a poet, judge, and ruler following Lugh’s death, the role became a ranked position in each of the Irish courts. Lugh was also the first Ollamh Érenn, or Chief Ollam of Ireland. He was also Macnia (the Youthful Warrior), Lonnbéimnech (the Fierce Striker), and Conmac (Son of the Hound). He was Ildánach (the Skilled God), mac Ethleen/Ethnenn (son of Ethliu/Ethniu, his Fomorian mother) and mac Cien (son of Cian, his Tuatha Dé Danann father). Alternately, the title could be translated as “Artful Hands,” a reference to his skill in craftsmanship. His titles were numerous, but the most famous was Lámfada, “Of the Long Arm,” a reference to the length of his spear in battle. It has also been suggested that the name is connected to the word “light,” though modern scholars find this unlikely. It has been suggested that the name stems from the Proto-Indo-European root lewgh-, meaning “to bind by oath.” This meaning would referencing Lugh’s role in regards to oaths and contracts. Despite its popularity, its meaning has been the source of considerable debate. Lugh, sometimes spelled Lug, was a popular name in Ireland and throughout the Celtic world.
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