Overview of Aengus: The Irish God of Poetry and Love

Aengus, often referred to as the Young One, stands as the Irish deity associated with poetry and love. Renowned for his creativity and cleverness, he was a product of his father’s charisma, the Dagda. Aengus played an essential role as a bard among the Tuatha Dé Danann, a formidable group in Irish legend. His residence was primarily in Brú na Bóinne, a place he shared braefly with the Dagda, his father.

Etymology

The name Aengus, found as Óengus or Oíngus in Old Irish, originates from the Proto-Celtic words for “one strength.” He was often referred to by titles such as Aengus Óg (meaning Aengus the Young) and Maccan o Mac Óg (young son), which reflected his youthful essence and significance.

Attributes

Aengus embodies the essence of youth, love, and poetic inspiration. These characteristics intertwine, as the fervor of young love often inspires poetic expressions. His sharp wit and poetic prowess consistently placed him in advantageous situations over those older than him.

Endowed with powers over life and death, Aengus possessed the ability to resurrect the deceased with his breath, although the effects of such acts were not always enduring. This capability mirrored that of his father’s powerful club. Additionally, Aengus had the gift of shapeshifting, which he utilized in quests such as locating a woman who had been transformed into a swan. His affinity for birds was so profound that he could convert kisses into the forms of these creatures.

Aengus was portrayed as a striking young man often surrounded by birds that served as his companions and messengers. He was armed with four weaponry pieces: two swords (Moralltach, translated as Great Fury, and Beagalltach, meaning Little Fury) and two spears (Gáe Buide and Gáe Derg). He resided in Brú na Bóinne, situated in County Meath near Drogheda, and his name graced Dun Aengus on the Aran Islands in County Galway.

Family

Aengus is the offspring of the Dagda, the chief of the Tuatha Dé Danann, and Boann, the goddess of the River Boyne. He also enjoyed a complex family relationship, being the stepson of Elcmar, Boann’s husband. Among his notable siblings are Midir, who took on the role of foster-father, as well as Brigid and Cermait. Throughout his life, Aengus fostered a son named Diarmuid Ua Duibhe and eventually married Caer Ibormeith, who was born from his aspirations.

Family Tree

• Parents:
  • Father: Dagda
  • Mother: Boann
• Siblings:
  • Brothers: Midir, Cermait
  • Sister: Brigid
• Consorts:
  • Wife: Caer Ibormeith

Mythology

Aengus featured significantly in numerous Celtic narratives.

Origins

Aengus is often portrayed as a child born at the break of day, conceived during the fleeting moment of its transition. His father, the Dagda, was drawn to the goddess Boann, who was married to Elcmar. Their affair led to Boann’s unexpected pregnancy, which they covered up through an elaborate scheme: the Dagda held the sun still for nine months. Consequently, with Elcmar oblivious to the truth, Aengus was condemned to be raised by Midir to protect him from Elcmar’s ire.

Theft of Brú na Bóinne

As he matured, Aengus became increasingly clever. He devised a plan with the Dagda to reclaim Elcmar’s residence, Brú na Bóinne. They approached Elcmar under the guise of seeking hospitality for one day and one night—a phrase that could imply an eternal stay. Elcmar unwittingly obliged, allowing Aengus and his father to settle in permanently.

Wooing of Étaín

Aengus vied for the attentions of Étaín, a woman of extraordinary beauty, alongside his brother Midir. Ultimately, Midir secured her affections, but his first wife, Fúamnach, out of jealousy, used sorcery to separate the pair. In a fit of rage, she transformed Étaín into a fly. Aengus recognized her plight and attempted to nurse her back to health; however, she met an untimely demise by being consumed by the wife of a warrior. In retaliation, Aengus sought out and decapitated Fúamnach.

The Dreams of Aengus

In another tale, Aengus became enchanted with a maiden who manifested in his dreams, leading him on an extensive quest for her true identity. Despite the efforts of his parents to assist, he remained unsuccessful. After two years, with assistance from the King Bodg Derg of Munster, Aengus learned the maiden’s name: Caer Ibormeith. This led him to a lake, Dragon’s Mouth, where he discovered a group of women bound, who would turn into swans at Samhain’s conclusion. He struck a deal wherein he would recognize the maiden among them. In realizing his love, Aengus transformed into a swan so they could unite, enchanting their captors to sleep for three days with their melodious song.

Other Tales

Upon returning from travels, Aengus discovered that his father had divided their lands amongst his siblings while neglecting to grant Aengus anything. Angered, Aengus asked the Dagda for a day and night’s hospitality, which the Dagda, obliviously granting, led to Aengus’s sole ownership of Brú na Bóinne. Tragically, the Dagda ultimately rested there posthumously.

In notable stories, Aengus avenged his stepfather Elcmar after he killed Midir and defended his brother Cermait’s honor, whose reputation was sullied by King Lugh’s bard. Aengus also aided his foster-son Diarmuid, who fell in love with the betrothed Gráinne. Despite Aengus’s support, Diarmuid was unfortunately slain, but Aengus breathed life back into him whenever he desired to communicate with his foster-son.

Other Mythology

Aengus is thought to be akin to Maponos, a youth deity from Britano-Gaul, and shares similarities with the Greco-Roman Eros. His attributes of youth and love echo through mythology, drawing parallels with Apollo in Greek tales and Norse Odr. The name Aengus gained immense popularity through various Irish narratives involving characters who bore similarities to the god.

Pop Culture

Aengus’s influence permeates popular culture through various literary works:

• He appears as the antagonist in “Hounded,” the inaugural installment of the Iron Druid series.
• Aengus features alongside his father in “Hellboy: the Wild Hunt.”
• In Kate Thompson’s “The New Policeman,” Aengus guides the protagonist through Tir na Og.
• William Butler Yeats’ poem “The Song of Wandering Aengus” chronicles Aengus’s relentless pursuit of his lost love.
• Aengus is depicted as a youthful deity in James Stephens’ “The Crock of Gold.”