The Tuatha Dé Danann made their return to Éireann, uniting from their four great cities as one group to reclaim their ancestral land. A prophetic declaration by Cesard, the druid of the Fir Bolg, foretold their arrival, describing them as:
“Across the sea, warriors approach, a thousand heroes traversing the ocean; speckled ships will descend upon us, bringing various forms of death; a skilled people versed in all crafts wielding potent magic… they are destined to conquer in every challenge.”
In light of this prophecy, what attributes might the leader of such a remarkable tribe possess? What qualities are essential for guiding a people from oppression to a new homeland?
The answer is Nuada of the Silver Arm, known as Nuada Airgetlám.
Names and Etymology
Nuada’s name appears in various forms across Irish texts, a phenomenon common in the transition from oral storytelling to written accounts. Variants include Nuadha, Nuadea, and Nuadai, all referring to the same deity. The origin of the name is intricate; some linguists posit translations like ‘cloudmaker’ or ‘catcher’, employing terms from a variety of Indo-European and proto-Indo-European languages. However, since these are reconstructions of ancient tongues, misinterpretations are possible.
Connections can also be drawn between these root words and another Irish God, Nechtan, who was married to Boann and associated with rivers and water. This link to Boann may suggest ties to Brú na Boinne (known today as Newgrange) and another figure named Elcmar. However, it is prudent to avoid creating connections without solid linguistic support.
Nonetheless, it is unquestionably Nuada’s notable epithet, Airgetlám (translated as silver hand/arm in contemporary Irish), that stands out. Here, ‘Nuada of the Silver Arm’ is not an ornamental title but a literal descriptor relating to a prosthetic arm he received after being mortally wounded by Shreng, a champion of the Fir Bolg, during the first battle of Moytura. Following his recovery, his arm was reconstructed by Credne, the God of metalwork, and Dian Cecht, the God of healing. The crafted silver arm was said to embody “the Vigour of every hand,” allowing him full functionality, marking this epithet as a genuine representation of the deity.
Nuada’s Role in Celtic Mythology
Nuada, like the rest of the Tuatha Dé Danann, descended from the Nemed tribe, indigenous to Ireland. The descendants of Nemed were compelled to flee due to oppression from foreign rulers. Beotach, dubbed ‘the clear-spoken judgments’ Mac Nemed, led these exiles to “the islands of the north and west.” During their time away, they expanded their numbers and honed their skills in crafts and druidry, ultimately returning as the unified Tuatha Dé Danann.
The prophetic vision interpreted by Cesard, the druid of the Fir Bolg, suggested that this newly arrived tribe was ‘a thousand heroes’ proficient in various arts. This raises the question of what Nuada’s leadership signifies when these skilled warriors chose him not only as their ruler but as their guide in the return to their ancestral home.
Warrior
Certainly, Nuada ranks among the most formidable warriors of his clan. His experience in battle included not just participating but also leading others into combat. He wielded the ‘Cliabh Solais’ or sword of light, one of the four great treasures acquired from Gorias on their journey back. This weapon held such power that it was claimed no military force could withstand it once drawn.
When faced with resistance upon their arrival, Nuada sought to engage the Fir Bolg with offers of peace and coexistence. Even when met with refusal, he resolved that the upcoming confrontation would revolve around battle abilities rather than underhanded tactics, prompting both tribes to exchange craftsmen for the sharing of weaponry knowledge.
When conflict did arise, Nuada entered the battlefield, enduring physical pain and loss. Even amid suffering, he brokered peace, allowing the Fir Bolg their own territories in the western part of the island.
King
Nuada rose not only as the inaugural king of the Tuatha Dé Danann but also, through unforeseen events, as its third ruler. Following the conclusion of the war with the Fir Bolg, his grievous injury was deemed a physical imperfection, disqualifying him from kingship. Bres subsequently ascended to power; initially thought to bridge peace between his maternal and paternal tribes, he instead favored his father’s clan at the expense of the Tuatha Dé Danann.
With the aid of Miach, son of Dian Cecht, Nuada’s original arm was restored, thus removing his blemish. At the same time, Bres’s reign descended into chaos due to his misdeeds. A king, it was understood, was to impart just and gracious rulings; Bres’s unjust verdict against the Dagda, and his failure to extend proper hospitality to a bard, led to his downfall. Thus, the people called for Nuada’s return to the throne.
Judge
It’s clear by now that kingship encompassed more than simply bearing an esteemed title. Irish kings were tasked with ensuring their tribe’s safety, security, fair decisions, and warm hospitality. A virtuous king was believed to marry the land itself, ushering in prosperity and abundance under their reign.
Nuada exemplified these kingly qualities by choosing to relinquish the recently restored kingship in favor of Lugh, whom he believed would better safeguard his community. Recognizing the potential for a Fomorian invasion, he convened a war council to prepare his people effectively. This showcased the wisdom of a warrior confronting menace and a king prioritizing the welfare of his tribe over his own ambitions. Tragically, during the second battle on the plains of Moytura, Nuada and his wife, Macha, ultimately lost their lives.
Nuada’s Physical Appearance
The depictions of deities in Irish mythology are often scarce and allegorical. Consequently, our understanding of Nuada’s appearance is limited. Eochaid, the king of the Fir Bolg, spoke of a vision featuring “a great flock of black birds” approaching from the sea, wherein one of his own struck down the most noble of birds, severing one of its wings.
While one might consider the adjective ‘black’ to refer to Nuada, such visions often convey essences or traits rather than concrete imagery. If analyzed from this perspective, the term to focus on would be ‘noble.’
Considering what we’ve learned about Nuada, it is plausible that he embodies a warrior’s form, wielding a sword with the posture, arms, and hands befitting such a weapon. What may be particularly compelling is that while his physical form was restored completely, the life lessons imparted by suffering and adversity cannot be easily erased. Observing Nuada would remind one of a survivor—someone who has experienced pain and loss but rises above those challenges.
The Legacy of Nuada of the Silver Arm
Nuada epitomizes a descendant of immigrants who has returned to the land of his forebears. His leadership is rooted in sound judgment, reflecting his understanding that his role is to prioritize the welfare of his people over personal ambitions.
Nuada’s essence encapsulates a deity acquainted with suffering—not merely in terms of lost rank but through the tangible scars endured upon his body. He has faced adversity yet triumphed by continuing to serve his community. He symbolizes resilience without becoming bitter or resentful, embodying the spirit of noble leadership.
In a world filled with challenges, Nuada remains the hero that his followers would rally around, revered for his exemplary judgment and unyielding care for his tribe.
Conclusion
For those intrigued by Nuada of the Silver Arm and wishing to delve deeper into the lore of this fascinating Irish deity, opportunities abound in various educational resources related to Irish mythology.
