Lugh
Lugh is an ancient Celtic deity with many connotations and stories. He has long been associated with craftsmanship and is known as a master of many different trades. His name has been interpreted as meaning 'brightness' or 'shining one', making him an intriguing figure to explore.
Lugh is believed to have originated in Ireland and is often associated with the Tuatha de Danaan, a legendary race of supernatural beings in Irish mythology.
Lugh's father is Cian of the Tuatha Dé Danann, and his mother is Ethniu (Eithne in Modern Irish), daughter of Balor of the
Various sources relate different origin stories.
In Cath Maige Tuired their union is a dynastic marriage following an alliance between the Tuatha Dé and the Fomorians.
In the Lebor Gabála Érenn, Cian gives the boy to Tailtiu, queen of the Fir Bolg, in fosterage..
`The Dindsenchas, Lugh, the foster-son of Tailtiu, is described as the "son of the Dumb Champion".In the poem Baile Suthain Sith Eamhna Lugh is called "descendant of the poet.
Lugh was known as a skilled craftsman and he is said to have invented a spear with a shaft made of bronze. He was a master of many trades, ranging from metalworking and arms manufacture to healing and teaching. He was said to have made the weapon known as “Gàe Bulg” or “The Spear of the God Lugh”, which was said to be able to slay a giant.
Lugh was also portrayed as a wise leader and diplomat. He was a great warrior, but also known for his engagement in peaceful negotiations. He was said to have mediated disputes between enemies and to have negotiated the truce between his people and the Fomorians during the Second Battle of Magh Tuiredh.
As a young man Lugh travels to Tara to join the court of King Nuada of the Tuatha Dé Danann. The doorkeeper will not let him in unless he has a skill he can use to serve the king. He offers his services as a wright, a smith, a champion, a swordsman, a harpist, a hero, a poet, a historian, a sorcerer, and a craftsman, but each time is rejected as the Tuatha Dé Danann already have someone with that skill. When Lugh asks if they have anyone with all those skills simultaneously, the doorkeeper has to admit defeat, and Lugh joins the court and is appointed Chief Ollam of Ireland
Lugh was as a deity of the harvest and fertility, is associated with August 1, which marks the beginning of the harvest season. This is known as “Lughnasadh” or “Lammas”, and is celebrated with various rituals and customs such as feasting, dancing and games.
Lugh instituted an event similar to the Olympic games called the Assembly of Taltiwhich finished on Lughnasadh (1 August) in memory of his foster mother, Tailtiu, at the town that bears her name (now Teltown, County Meath). He likewise instituted Lughnasadh fairs in the areas of Carman and Naas in honour of Carman and Nás, the eponymous tutelary goddesses of these two regions. Horse races and displays of martial arts were important activities at all three fairs. However, Lughnasadh itself is a celebration of Lugh's triumph over the spirits of the Otherworld who had tried to keep the harvest for themselves
Lugh was worshiped in many parts of the ancient Celtic world and was considered a powerful deity. He was the master of many different trades and was well known for his versatility and strength. He was a great warrior and healer, as well as a wise diplomat. His legacy is still remembered in various rituals and customs, such as the celebration of Lammas.
Alan /|\
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