Combining elements from diverse mythologies can yield fascinating character studies, particularly in the case of Balor na Súile Nimhe, known as Balor of the Evil Eye. This figure draws striking comparisons with the cyclopean Polyphemus from Greek myths and the energy-shooting mutant Cyclops from Marvel Comics, creating a unique synthesis of characteristics and traits.
Throughout early and medieval Irish texts, Balor appears under numerous aliases, including Balor Birugderc (the Piercing Eye) and Balor Béimnech (the Smiter). His most famous epithet reflects his menacing ability—the “evil eye”—which plays a central role in his legend.
Historian Peter Berresford Ellis describes Balor as “the most formidable of the Fomorii,” noting that his eye possessed a deadly gaze capable of destroying anyone unfortunate enough to meet it directly. As leader of the Fomorians, Balor waged war against the Tuatha Dé Danann, the benevolent gods of Ireland, and met his end at the hands of his grandson, Lugh, as foretold by prophecy. In the course of his reign, Balor also managed to slay Nuada, the leader of the Tuatha Dé Danann, establishing his formidable reputation.
Despite his reputation as an “unkingly king” characterized by brutality, Balor’s significance in mythology stems from the critical events he instigates. As a result of his actions, Lugh—the sun god of Ireland—emerges, along with the legendary hero Cú Chulainn, demonstrating that without Balor’s tumultuous legacy, Irish mythology would lack depth.
While many scholars recognize Balor as a major figure within the mythical hierarchy of the Fomorians, the question of whether he qualifies as a god remains debated. To truly appreciate Balor and his place within this hierarchy, one must delve into the origins of the Fomorians and the broader context of Irish mythology.
Understanding the Fomorians
To comprehend Balor’s role in Irish lore, it is essential to first understand the Fomorians, a race of monstrous beings originating from the sea. Unlike the invading groups of the Mythological Cycle, namely the Tuatha Dé Danann and their ancestors, the Fomorians were not settlers; they were raiders, pillaging the land and instilling chaos.
In the 11th-century text, the Lebor Gabála Érenn (Book of Invasions), the Fomorians are significantly absent from the list of imposing invaders. They are described by Ella Young as “the ugly, misshapen folk of the Fomor.” Under Balor’s leadership, they enacted tyranny over the land, forcing the indigenous population to pay a steep tribute—two-thirds of their harvest and livestock every Samhain.
The concept of the Fomorians as gods of darkness resonates with the imagery presented by folklore researchers, suggesting their role reflects ancient fears of winter and its blighting influences. Their reign was reminiscent of a mythical winter characterized by depravity and predation, inviting further speculation about their status within the pantheon of Irish deities.
Balor’s Divinity and Ocular Power
Balor’s unique power, the ability to kill with a glance from his eye of death, further complicates his characterization. While some sources label him a “god of death,” the existence of multiple established gods of death within Irish mythology calls this classification into question. The legendary Morrígan stands out as a prominent figure who actively combats the Fomorians during key battles.
Irish dramatist Lady Gregory discusses the origin of Balor’s deadly ocular ability, attributing it to a misfortune that befell him—a gaze infused with death after he glimpsed poisonous spells cast by the Druids. This transformative power shapes Balor into a near-mythical entity whose eye must be managed by bearers to spare the lives of many.
While his powers signal the supernatural, they do not unequivocally affirm his status as a deity. The gorgon Medusa serves as a parallel figure in Greek mythology, possessing the ability to petrify living beings without being classified among the gods. Similarly, Balor, often portrayed as a monstrous figure, evokes comparisons to the Titans—primordial entities of great power that preceded more relatable gods.
The Appearance of Balor
In contemporary interpretations, Balor is typically visualized as a formidable creature, showcasing exaggerated muscular features and often a distinctly villainous appearance. Depictions in popular comics lend him characteristics of fairy tale witches or demons, replete with telltale signs of otherworldly power.
A central feature of Balor’s iconography, however, is his immense evil eye, an element absent from many representations of his character. Its considerable size necessitated assistance for Balor to reveal its deadly gaze. With this supernaturally charged eye, he commanded the power to incinerate the land with mere glances, displaying the duality of his characterization as both monstrous and tragic.
Balor’s Role in Mythological Conflict
Balor’s eventual downfall unfolds during the Second Battle of Magh Tuired, a critical intersection between the Fomorians and the Tuatha Dé Danann. In narratives regarding his demise, Balor succumbs either to Lugh’s enchanted weapon—a tathlum or spear—striking his dreaded eye. In either depiction, Balor’s death serves as a pivotal moment, marking the decline of Fomorian dominance in Ireland and the rise of the Tuatha Dé Danann.
Following his death, accounts of what becomes of Balor’s severed head vary widely. In some stories, it becomes infused within the land, contributing to the very fabric of Ireland’s geography and its folklore. The landscape shows enduring scars from this epic confrontation, an ancient struggle preserved in both historical and mythical memory.
The defeat of Balor illustrated a vital turning point in the struggle between oppressive dark powers and a rising order. As poet Seumas MacManus puts it, this battle not only reshaped the power dynamics of mythological Ireland but also altered the physical landscape, forever memorializing the epic clash and the beings involved.
Conclusion
The captivating story of Balor of the Evil Eye serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between monsters and heroes in Irish mythology. His legacy, marked by chaos, prophecy, and transformation, is foundational to understanding the tapestry of Irish lore that has captured the imaginations of many over the years.
The historicity surrounding Balor invites readers to explore further—a journey into a realm where mythic figures embody humanity’s deepest fears, trials, and transformations, marking their places indelibly in the annals of legend.
