Background
Bodhbh Dearg, known as Bov The Red, made his home in Sídh ar Feimhim located in Slievenamon, County Tipperary. Following the defeat of the Tuatha Dé Danann by the Gaelic tribes, he was appointed their King.
Tales of Bodhbh Dearg
Upon his selection as King, Bodhbh Dearg became aware of Lir of Sídh Fionnachaidh, who felt slighted, believing he was a deserving candidate for the throne. To mend the rift, Bodhbh offered his stepdaughter Aobh’s (Eve) hand in marriage to Lir. However, tragedy struck when Aobh died during childbirth, leaving behind twin sons. Deeply sympathetic towards Lir’s sorrow, Bodhbh provided Aobh’s younger sister, Aoife, to him as a source of solace.
Bodhbh held a deep affection for Lir’s children, and upon learning of the grim fate that befell them, he wielded his druid’s wand to transform Aoife into a creature cursed with eternal torment. She was condemned to roam the skies in the form of a bird. Following this, he joined Lir at Lake Derravarragh, finding comfort in the haunting melodies performed by the swan children.
Another notable tale involving Bodhbh Dearg features Aonghus Óg, the son of the Dagda and the goddess Bíonn. Aonghus, entranced by a woman he encountered in a dream, fell ill with love. The Dagda, concerned for his son, sought Bodhbh Dearg’s assistance. Bodhbh embarked on a year-long quest, ultimately revealing he had discovered the girl in Crotta Cliach, situated in the Galtee Mountains near Lake Muskry. Upon their visit to the lake, they encountered one hundred and fifty maidens, all bound together by gold chains. However, Aonghus identified his beloved—Caer, daughter of Eathal—who towered above the others. Regrettably, Eathal refused to relinquish her.
Bodhbh then enlisted the aid of Meadhbh and Ailill from Connaught, discovering that Caer could transform between her human form and that of a swan. On the first of November, she would appear among a hundred and fifty swans at Lake Muskry. Aonghus made the journey to profess his love, whereupon he was transformed into a swan, and together they flew away, accompanied by ethereal music that lulled all who heard it into a deep slumber for three days and nights.
Conclusion
Bodhbh Dearg exhibited remarkable ingenuity as a King, consistently devising effective solutions to various dilemmas.
