In the realm of Irish mythology, Balor, traditionally spelled Balar, stands as a fierce tyrant of the Fomorians, a race of supernatural beings notorious in ancient tales. He is depicted as a colossal figure with a singular eye that, once opened, brings about devastation. The most notable story involving Balor centers on his demise at the hands of his grandson, Lugh, symbolizing a struggle against relentless forces.
Etymology
The name “Balor” likely originates from the Common Celtic *Baleros, interpreted as “the deadly one,” linked to the Old Irish term at-baill, meaning “to die,” and the Welsh word ball, or “death” and “plague.” It might also derive from *Boleros, meaning “the flashing one.” He is variously identified by titles such as Balor Béimnech (the smiter), Balor Balcbéimnech (the powerful smiter), Balór na Súile Nimhe (Balor of the Evil Eye), and Balor Birugderc (Balor the piercing-eyed), the latter giving rise to the English moniker Balor of the Evil Eye.
Role in Mythology
Balor is characterized as the son of Buarainech and the husband to Cethlenn, descended from Neit. As a tyrant, he rules over Ireland from his stronghold on Tory Island, unleashing havoc through his dangerous eye. In the epic tale Cath Maige Tuired, this eye is pronounced as both destructive and venomous; when opened, it allows a handful of warriors to overpower vast armies. Legends state that four warriors must aid in lifting the heavy eyelid due to its curse—the eye became toxic after Balor gazed upon a concoction brewed by his father’s druids. Later accounts depict him with a singular, fiery eye, constantly shrouded by seven coverings. Each covering, when peeled away, brings about a progression of calamities, culminating in the incineration of all living things.
Fearing a prophecy that foretold his death at the hands of his grandchild, Balor imprisons his daughter, Ethniu, in a tower to prevent her from giving birth. In a turn of fate, Balor steals the magical cow glas Gaibhnenn from Goibniu, a smith, prompting Cian, the cow’s guardian, to reclaim it. With support from the druidess Biróg, Cian breaches the tower’s confines, meets Ethniu, and they conceive a child. Enraged, Balor captures Cian and enacts his execution. Upon Ethniu’s childbirth, Balor attempts to drown the newborn, but the sea god Manannán intervenes, saving him and raising him as his own—this child becomes Lugh.
As the narrative unfolds, Lugh ascends to lead the Tuatha Dé Danann. He ultimately confronts Balor in the Battle of Mag Tuired, where he invokes a spear crafted by Goibniu, or in some tales, a sling stone, to pierce Balor’s eye, which wreaks destruction upon the Fomorian ranks. Following Balor’s death, Lugh beheads him.
Some legends claim that Balor’s fall created a lake now known as Loch na Súl in County Sligo, attributed to the deadly forces of his eye. Another tradition posits that he is a grandson of Nét, with his death occurring at Carn Uí Néit, known as Mizen Head, while Tory Island boasts sites named Dún Bhalair (Balor’s fortress) and Túr Bhalair (Balor’s tower).
Folklore Evolution
In the 1800s, Balor was additionally recounted as wielding a glass through which he could destroy an enemy with the malevolence of his eye. This glass allowed Balor to wither plant life during his assaults on Moytura. However, a clever hero deceived him into temporarily removing the glass, which ultimately led to Balor’s downfall and the creation of Suil Balra, a lake formed from the blood of his eye.
Interpretations
Scholars like Dáithí Ó hÓgáin suggest that Balor embodies agricultural themes, where Lugh triumphs over him, symbolizing the end of blight and balanced harvests, linking his victory to the celebrations of Lughnasa and parallel legends of Saint Patrick overcoming Crom Dubh. In Alan Ward’s analysis, he portrays Balor as the archetype of drought and desolation, signifying a battle between elemental forces—drought represented by Balor and life-giving waters symbolized by the Sea God.
The folklorist Alexander Haggerty Krappe further explores the legend, connecting it to broader mythological themes, including stories from Greek and Egyptian traditions. He draws comparisons to mythological figures and narratives that share motifs such as prophesized downfall, imprisonment of daughters, and eventual revenge by offspring, painting Balor as a symbol of nature’s cyclical battles—growth, withering, and regeneration.
