In the realm of Irish mythology, Enbarr emerges as a mysterious equine being, gifted with the ability to roam freely across both land and sea. This magical horse is associated with Manannán mac Lir, the god of the sea, who bestows Enbarr upon Lugh, another deity known for his valor. The narratives collected in the lore often depict the ocean not merely as a vast expanse of water but as a passageway leading to alternate realities, realms associated with the deceased and the afterlife. As a psychopomp, it is said that Manannán guides souls to their destination in these distant realms, which are sometimes described as resting places far removed from Ireland’s shores or even submerged beneath the waves.
In one of the prominent tales associated with Enbarr, the horse becomes instrumental in the adventure of Oisín. Niamh, the enchanting daughter of Manannán and inhabitant of Tir na Nóg, the legendary abode of immortality where the flow of time differs significantly from the mortal realm, rides Enbarr. Oisín is lured to this ethereal land, where three years feel fleeting. However, he soon longs for his homeland. Niamh warns him against dismounting Enbarr, yet, in a momentary lapse of focus, Oisín leaps from his steed to assist others. This fateful decision triggers an unsettling transformation, as the three years in Tir na Nóg crystallize into an overwhelming three centuries in the human world, accelerating his aging until he ultimately turns to dust.
The Fomorians, notorious adversaries of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the principal pantheon of Irish deities, also share a connection with the ocean. Their origins vary across myths, sometimes envisioned as creatures begotten from the sea or depicted as marauders arriving from foreign territories. Diverse in form, Fomorians can appear human-like or monstrous, boasting unusual features such as bull or goat heads, skeletal figures, and unnaturally cruel visages. Their complex relationship with the Tuatha Dé shows that many gods share lineage or alliances with the Fomorians while simultaneously standing against them in conflict.
When the Tuatha Dé first settled in Ireland, they encountered Fomorians, along with the Fir Bolg, an established group that fought against the gods. Victory was not without its toll, as the Tuatha Dé lost their king Nuada, who lost his arm during battle. This led to the ascension of Bres, a half-Fomorian, to kingship, resulting in the subjugation of the Tuatha Dé under his tyranny. Ultimate rebellion against Bres followed as he enlisted Balor, the formidable Fomorian king, to wage war on the Tuatha Dé. In a pivotal moment of prophecy, the heroic Lugh, a grandson of Balor, ultimately defeats him, pushing the Fomorians back.
Keywords: Enbarr, Tuatha Dé Danann, Fomorians
Title: Enbarr and the Legends of Irish Mythology
