Aengus: The Irish God of Poetry and Love
Introduction
Aengus, often referred to as the Young One, stands as a prominent figure in Irish mythology, revered as the deity associated with poetry and love. His cleverness and charm, traits inherited from his father, the Dagda, positioned him as one of the key bards of the Tuatha Dé Danann, a powerful tribe within this mythological tapestry. Residing in Brú na Bóinne, Aengus led a life punctuated by tales of romance, rivalry, and transformation.
Etymology
The origin of the name Aengus (or Óengus/Oíngus in Old Irish) is traced back to Proto-Celtic roots, combining the elements oino- meaning “one” and gus meaning “strength.” Commonly recognized as Aengus Óg (the Young) or Maccan o Mac Óg (young son), his titles reflect his significance as a figure of youthfulness.
Attributes
As the embodiment of youth, love, and poetic creativity, Aengus represents how these qualities interconnect, particularly how youthful love can inspire creative expression. His sharp wit and skillful wordplay often allowed him to outsmart older individuals. Furthermore, Aengus possessed remarkable powers related to life and death; he was capable of resurrecting the deceased by granting them a breath of life, albeit not always permanently. This ability paralleled the regenerative powers of his father’s formidable club.
In addition to resurrection, Aengus could shapeshift. This skill was pivotal in his quest to find a woman transformed into a swan. He had a unique magic that could convert kisses into birds, showcasing his deep affinity for avian creatures. Visually captivating, Aengus is often imagined as a youthful and handsome man, surrounded by birds that acted as both messengers and playful tormentors. His weaponry included two swords—Moralltach (“Great Fury”) gifted by the sea deity Manannan mac Lir, and Beagalltach (“Little Fury”), alongside two spears known as Gáe Buide and Gáe Derg.
Family Ties
Aengus was born to the Dagda, the chief of the Tuatha Dé Danann, and Boann, the goddess of the River Boyne. He had a complex family structure, including a stepfather, Elcmar—a judge among the Tuatha. Notable siblings included Midir, who also served as a mentor to Aengus, and sisters like Brigid and Cermait. In his later years, he became a father figure to Diarmuid Ua Duibhe.
Mythological Accounts
Aengus appears as a central figure in various Celtic myths detailing his origins and exploits.
Origins
Aengus’s birth was steeped in secrecy; born at daybreak from an affair between the Dagda and Boann, who was married to Elcmar. To conceal their actions, the couple devised a plan where the Dagda held the sun still for nine months, resulting in a swift pregnancy for Boann. This clever ruse allowed them to avoid Elcmar’s suspicion.
The Heist of Brú na Bóinne
Upon reaching maturity, Aengus devised a cunning plan with the Dagda to acquire Elcmar’s abode, known as Brú na Bóinne. They approached Elcmar, invoking the rules of hospitality to stay for “a day and a night,” a euphemism that encapsulated eternity. Elcmar’s foolish consent granted Aengus and the Dagda an everlasting residence in their coveted home.
Courtship of Étaín
In a captivating tale, Aengus and his brother Midir contested for the heart of Étaín, a mortal renowned for her beauty. Ultimately, Midir won her affection, triggering the wrath of his vengeful wife, Fúamnach, who transformed Étaín into a fly and whisked her away. Though Aengus attempted to aid Étaín, she succumbed to a fatal fate. Enraged, he avenged her by eliminating Fúamnach.
Visions of Aengus
Later, a mysterious maiden began to visit Aengus in his dreams, captivating him instantly. Despite exhaustive searches aided by his parents, the girl remained elusive. After a prolonged quest, King Bodg Derg identified her as Caer Ibormeith. Aengus’ pursuit led him to a lake where he found 150 women, imprisoned by fate to transform into swans. Crafting a deal with their captors, Aengus successfully claimed Caer as his own, casting himself into a swan to unite with her in a mystical and melodic escape.
Additional Tales
Upon returning from a journey, Aengus discovered that his father had divided their lands amongst his siblings, neglecting his own. Infuriated, Aengus posed the same question to the Dagda as had once been asked of Elcmar, securing exclusive rights to Brú na Bóinne. His narrative also features vengeance upon Elcmar for the death of Midir and protecting his brother Cermait from slander, alongside aiding his foster-son Diarmuid in his tragic romance with Gráinne.
Other Mythological Connections
Aengus bears resemblance to other youthful deities, such as Maponos, a figure from British lore, and parallels can be drawn with Eros from Greco-Roman stories. His poetic endeavors align him closely with deities like Apollo and Odr from Norse mythology. The name Aengus has modern interpretations, leading to numerous characters in Irish lore who carry variations of his name.
Cultural Representation
Aengus has made appearances in contemporary culture, including:
– The primary antagonist in the “Iron Druid” series.
– Collaborative roles in “Hellboy: the Wild Hunt.”
– Guiding the protagonist in “The New Policeman” by Kate Thompson.
– A central figure in William Butler Yeats’ poem “The Song of Wandering Aengus,” seeking his lost love.
– A youthful deity depicted in James Stephens’ “The Crock of Gold.”
In totality, Aengus’s rich mythological narrative embodies themes of love, transformation, and the enduring quest for companionship, securing his place as a significant figure within Irish folklore.
