The Enigmatic Horse of Irish Mythology: Enbarr
In Irish lore, Enbarr stands as a remarkable steed, a magical horse that effortlessly navigates both land and sea. This legendary creature is associated with the sea deity Manannán mac Lir and is bestowed upon the god Lugh for his adventures in battle. In the myths, the sea serves as a portal to alternate realms, including the domain of the deceased and the afterlife. Manannán himself takes on the role of a psychopomp, guiding souls toward their final resting place, often depicted on a remote island or within the ocean’s depths.
The myth of Oisín illustrates Enbarr’s significance, where Niamh, the enchanting daughter of Manannán and a resident of Tir na Nóg—the land where time flows differently and mortals do not age—rides the horse. Oisín, lured by Niamh, spends what he believes to be three short years in this eternal realm of youth. However, once he craves his homeland, he heeds Niamh’s warning to remain on Enbarr during their return. Yet, he falters, leaps down to aid stranded townspeople, and upon stepping onto Irish soil, the passage of time catches up with him—three years in Tir na Nóg translates to three centuries in the mortal world, leading to his swift aging and ultimate demise.
The Fomorians, who are the notorious adversaries of the Tuatha Dé Danann, Ireland’s pantheon of gods, also share a connection to the sea. Their origins fluctuate; some accounts suggest they emerged from the ocean, while others speak of them as invaders from lands far beyond the horizon.
The Fomorians: Ireland’s Ancient Dwellers
Emerging from ancient Irish tales, the Fomorians are portrayed as a monstrous race, often regarded as the island’s first settlers. Their origin stories vary widely—at times, they are said to be offspring of the sea, while in other narratives, they are depicted as marauders from distant shores. Their physical appearances are equally diverse, with some Fomorians appearing humanoid and handsome, while others are described with grotesque features, such as multiple rows of teeth and heads resembling bulls or goats.
The relationship between the Fomorians and the Tuatha Dé Danann is intricate. Various deities within the Tuatha Dé possess some Fomorian lineage or ties, simultaneously acting as ferocious adversaries. When the Tuatha Dé first journeyed to Ireland, the Fomorians had long established their presence, cohabiting with another group known as the Fir Bolg. The clash was fierce, resulting in the Tuatha Dé’s victory, but not without consequences; their king, Nuada, suffered a grievous injury that cost him his arm and thus his claim to the throne.
Bres, a half-Fomorian warrior, was subsequently chosen as the new king—a decision that quickly turned sour as he dominated the Tuatha Dé with cruelty and an insatiable demand for tribute. His reign was challenged, which led to his eventual ousting. However, Bres returned with formidable support from Balor, the ruthless Fomorian king, igniting a brutal conflict with the gods. The battle culminated in Lugh’s prophesied triumph over Balor, resulting in the Fomorians being pushed back into the depths from whence they came.
Ogma: The God of Eloquence and Combat
Ogma, a embodyment of rhetoric and battle prowess, stands out as one of the Tuatha Dé Danann. He is celebrated alongside the gods Dagda and Lugh under the epithet “the three gods of skill.” Credited with the creation of the Ogham runic alphabet, Ogma’s role extends beyond mere words; he is a fierce warrior, showcasing his mettle in the conflicts against the Fir Bolg.
The rise to power of the oppressive Bres effectively relegated Ogma and his fellow deities to subservient roles. Ogma found himself hewing wood for fuel, yet displayed his strength before the oppressive king. After a successful coup against Bres, followed by a resurgence of conflict led by Balor, Ogma fought valiantly alongside Lugh, who stood in for the fallen Nuada. During the clash, Ogma acquired Orna, a mystical sword previously owned by the fallen king Tethra, which chronicled its wielder’s exploits upon being drawn.
Summary
The ancient tales of heroes, gods, and monsters paint a vivid picture of mythology across cultures, from the majestic horse Enbarr to the monstrous Fomorians and the eloquent warrior Ogma. These narratives resonate through time, reflecting the complexities of existence and the eternal struggle between good and evil.
