Overview of Nuada of the Silver-Hand
Nuada of the Silver-Hand holds the distinction of being the first king of the Tuatha dé Danann. He is celebrated as a fair and wise leader who spearheaded efforts to conquer prehistoric Ireland, standing against the formidable Fomorians.
Etymology
The name Nuada, sometimes spelled Nuadu, is believed to originate from the Proto-Celtic *noudent-, likely translating to “to secure [through hunting].” Some scholars propose a Germanic origin for this root, suggesting its trace back to the Proto-Indo-European *neu-d-. The name Airgetlám, which translates to “of the Silver Hand,” is another title associated with him, and he has also been referred to as Elcmar in various texts.
Attributes
Nuada is renowned as an exceptional hunter and fisherman, distinguished among his peers for his skills. As a ruler, his sensible nature allowed him to recognize the potential of all those at his court. His generosity and impartiality led to the establishment of fair laws which he adhered to rigorously, even at personal cost. Among the four legendary treasures of the Tuatha dé Danann, Nuada owned a powerful sword that could not be escaped by anyone once drawn. Even after his reign concluded, he remained influential, holding court at the sacred site of Tara and residing at Brú na Bóinne until he lost it in a legal dispute with the Dagda. Several Irish locations, including Maynooth, carry his name, which translates to “Nuada’s Mound.”
Family
Nuada’s consort was Boann, the goddess associated with the River Boyne. Despite their union, the couple did not have children, leading to their separation. His siblings included Dian Cécht and Goibniu, both of whom were highly skilled in their crafts. Through his brother Dian Cécht, Nuada became the uncle to Cian and a great-uncle to Lugh.
Family Tree
- Siblings:
- Brothers: Dian Cécht, Goibniu
- Consort:
- Wife: Boann
Mythology
Nuada is a prominent character in the narrative of the Children of Danu.
The Taking of Ireland
Leading the Tuatha dé Danann from the north, Nuada established initial control over Ireland and set the royal court at the Hill of Tara. He lived in Brú na Bóinne until deceived into ceding his home and wife to the Dagda. At this stage, although the Children of Danu had arrived on the Emerald Isle, the Firbolg and the monstrous Fomorians still governed much of the land, prompting Nuada to devise a plan to reclaim it.
The First Battle of Moytura
During the First Battle of Moytura against the Firbolg, Nuada engaged in a series of combat challenges to assert their claim over Ireland. Although the Tuatha dé Danann emerged victorious, Nuada suffered the loss of his hand, severed by Sreng mac Sengainn. Following the laws he enacted, which required a king to be unblemished, Nuada’s injury disqualified him from kingship. In a gesture of respect, he granted Connacht to Sreng, the champion of the Firbolg, before naming Bres as his successor.
The Second Battle of Moytura
Nuada’s choice of Bres as king proved disastrous, as Bres’s half-Fomorian heritage and cowardice led to the enslavement of the Tuatha dé Danann. In response, Dian Cécht and Goibniu devised a series of solutions; they crafted a silver prosthetic hand for Nuada, cementing his title of Silver-Hand, and eventually fashioned a magical flesh-and-blood hand. Restored to his full capacity, Nuada reclaimed his throne after overthrowing Bres. Lugh, a talented young warrior, subsequently joined the court, where he displayed remarkable abilities. Aware of Lugh’s true lineage as the half-Fomorian grandson of Balor, Nuada enlisted Lugh to develop the strategy for the decisive battle against the Fomorians.
In that pivotal confrontation in County Sligo, Balor of the Evil-Eye ultimately beheaded Nuada. However, Lugh avenged his death by slaying Balor. The death of Balor ensured a victory for the Tuatha dé Danann, and Lugh ascended as king, ruling as prosperously as his predecessor.
Other Mythology
The legacy of Nuada extended into later Irish mythological figures, influencing characters including the grandfather of Fionn mac Cumhaill. These connections blurred the lines between various figures in Irish mythology, leading to confusion among medieval scholars regarding the plethora of characters named Lugh and Brigid. Nuada is recognized as the Irish equivalent of Nodens, a god associated with hunting more widely known in Gaelic and British folklore. In Welsh mythology, he is known as Nudd or Lludd Llaw Eraint, identifiable by his distinctive silver hand. Scholars like J.R.R. Tolkien have noted parallels between Nuada and figures such as the Roman god Mars and the Norse god Tyr, both of whom also have stories involving missing limbs.
Pop Culture
Nuada has permeated modern popular culture in various forms, including:
– In Hellboy 2, Prince Nuada serves as the primary antagonist, desiring to reclaim the world for non-humans with the aid of the Golden Army.
– In Marvel Comics, Nuada appears as a deity within the Celtic pantheon, encountering many challenges and manifestations.
– Within the Megami Tensei video game series, Nuada appears as Airgetlam, a scarce demon present in the lore.
