Enbarr: The Enigmatic Equine of Irish Lore
In the realm of Irish mythology, Enbarr stands out as a mystical horse, capable of navigating both land and sea. This extraordinary creature is linked to Manannán mac Lir, the deity of the sea, and was gifted to the god Lugh to aid in his conflicts. Within these tales, the ocean serves not merely as a body of water, but as a portal to alternate realms, often associated with the realm of the deceased and the afterlife. Manannán mac Lir operates as a psychopomp, guiding spirits to their eternal resting places, which may rest on far-off islands or deep beneath the waves.
The legendary narrative of Oisín features Enbarr prominently as the steed of Niamh, who is not only a daughter of Manannán but also a resident of Tir na Nóg, renowned as the land of eternal youth where time flows differently. Oisín is taken to this mystical realm, where he spends what feels like three years. However, upon realizing his longing for home, he resolves to return. Niamh warns him never to dismount Enbarr; nevertheless, his impulsive leap to assist others leads to a drastic price: upon stepping onto mortal soil, the three years become 300 for him, hastening his age until he is reduced to dust. Furthermore, the Fomorians, ancient adversaries of the Tuatha Dé Danann—Ireland’s chief pantheon of deities—also have connections to the seas. Their origins vary by tale, with some claiming they emerged from the ocean, while others paint them as raiders from far-away lands.
Fomorians: The Monstrous Ancients
The Fomorians, a formidable and monstrous clan, represent the earliest settlers of Ireland in ancient myth. The narrative surrounding their origin is quite diverse, suggesting they could have emanated from the sea or arrived as marauding sea raiders. Their appearances are equally varied; some are depicted as strikingly human, while others bear grotesque features—bull and goat heads, skeletal frames, and multiple rows of teeth.
The relationship between the Fomorians and the Irish gods of the Tuatha Dé Danann is intricate and multifaceted. Several deities are noted to have Fomorian ancestry or ties while also serving as their vehement rivals. As the Tuatha Dé landed in Ireland, the Fomorians, having inhabited the land for a significant time, along with a group known as the Fir Bolg, were already engaged in conflict. Although the Tuatha Dé triumphed, they paid a grave price—their king Nuada lost his arm and thus was stripped of his right to rule.
Bres, a half-Fomorian warrior, ascends as the new king but imposes oppressive rule on the Tuatha Dé, demanding significant tributes. His reign is eventually challenged, leading to war against the returning Fomorians, spearheaded by the fierce king Balor. This epic confrontation culminates in Balor’s prophetic defeat at the hands of Lugh, his grandson, resulting in the Fomorians being forced back.
Ogma: The Eloquence Warrior
Ogma, revered as the god of language and eloquence, is a key member of the Tuatha Dé Danann. Together with Dagda and Lugh, he comprises the trio known as “the three gods of skill.” In addition to presiding over knowledge, Ogma is a formidable warrior who valiantly fought for the Danann during their struggles against the Fir Bolg.
Under the oppressive rule of Bres, Ogma and his fellow deities were relegated to menial duties, with Ogma notably tasked with gathering firewood. His resilience shone through as he showcased his strength even in such a lowly position. Following the challenge to Bres’s tyranny by their fallen king Nuada, the subsequent war saw Ogma serve valiantly under Lugh. Throughout this conflict, he acquired the potent magical sword Orna, a weapon of legends that recounts its wielder’s deeds when drawn from its sheath.
Odin: The Allfather
Known as Wōden or Wōtan, Odin reigns as the Allfather, commanding the Aesir pantheon in Norse and Germanic mythology. He embodies wisdom, death, healing, battle, poetry, and magic. At the helm of Valhalla, Odin prepares those who die valiantly in battle to serve him in Ragnarok, the ultimate confrontation of gods. As the husband of Frigg and progenitor of Thor, Baldr, and Vidarr, Odin traverses the realms, often in search of insight.
His relentless pursuit of knowledge led him to make significant sacrifices, including offering his eye for wisdom and suspending himself on Yggdrasil for nine days to unlock the secrets of the Runes. Accompanied by his eight-legged steed Sleipnir and his two ravens, Huginn and Muninn, who report back on the day’s events, Odin remains ever vigilant.
Susanoo: The Storm God
Susanoo, identified as Susanoo no Mikoto, emerges as a pivotal being in Japanese mythology. This deity rules over storms and the ocean, sharing familial ties with Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi. Susanoo’s birth from Izanagi after his purification ritual marked the beginning of his tumultuous journey.
Upon revealing his volatile nature, Susanoo faced banishment. In a desperate foray into the province of Izumo, he encountered the plight of two grieving gods and vowed to vanquish the monstrous Yamata no Orochi in exchange for their daughter’s hand. Employing cunning, Susanoo managed to defeat the beast and discovered the sword Kusanagi no Tsurugi within its tail, later presenting it as a gesture of reconciliation to Amaterasu.
Tsukuyomi: The Lunar Deity
Tsukuyomi, known as the moon’s god, lacks substantial mention in most Shinto myths yet holds a significant title among the divine trinity birthed from Izanagi’s cleansing. The tale in which he slays a goddess of food highlights both his impulsive nature and the consequences that lead to his estrangement from Amaterasu, portraying the origins of day and night.
Baphomet: The Icon of Duality
Baphomet, a figure enshrouded in mystery, is often depicted as a goat-headed hermaphrodite, symbolizing the synthesis of opposites. Its name is thought to derive from a misinterpretation during the Crusades, later evolving into a symbol of dark lore and demonology. Originally presented in a more benign light by Eliphas Lévi, Baphomet embodies the totality of existence—good and evil, life and death—before being largely demonized in modern culture.
Namazu: The Earthshaker
In Japanese folklore, Namazu is a tremendous catfish residing beneath the islands, causing earthquakes with his movements. Tasked by Take-Mikazuchi to maintain control over the creature, Namazu’s frequent thrashes during divine distractions provided the poor a temporary escape from their struggles, evolving him into a symbol of hope and resurgence amidst chaos.
Mithras: The Light Bearer
Worshipped in the Roman Mithraic mysteries, Mithras symbolizes the union of divine light and order. Tied to various intricacies with Zoroastrian roots, his notable depictions include slaying a bull, a pivotal act representing sacrifice. Mithras’s temples featured rich astrological symbology, and his secretive initiation rites drew parallels to early Christianity.
Kuebiko: The Scarecrow God of Knowledge
In a lesser-known aspect of Japanese mythology, Kuebiko, the scarecrow god, embodies profound knowledge about the world despite his immobility. Associated with agriculture, Kuebiko’s creation roots him in an intriguing backstory involving Okuninushi and Sukuna-Hikona, where he aids in human survival through his wisdom, reflecting the intentional overlap of folklore and agriculture.
Conclusion
These figures from diverse mythologies reflect complex narratives expanding upon humanity’s understanding of the natural and supernatural worlds. Each entity, replete with stories and attributes, serves as enduring symbols encapsulating the values, fears, and aspirations of the cultures from which they emerge.
