Background
Bodhbh Dearg, also known as Bov The Red, was the appointed King of the Tuatha Dé Danann, residing in Sídh ar Feimhim (Slievenamon, County Tipperary). His reign commenced after the Tuatha Dé Danann suffered a defeat at the hands of the Gaelic tribes.
Stories of Bodhbh Dearg
Upon his ascension to kingship, Bodhbh Dearg soon realized that Lir of Sídh Fionnachaidh felt slighted, as he had considered himself a contender for the throne. To mend the rift, Bodhbh proposed marrying off his stepdaughter, Aobh (Eve), to Lir. Tragically, Aobh died during childbirth, leaving Lir in deep sorrow. Out of compassion, Bodhbh offered Aobh’s younger sister Aoife as a means to alleviate Lir’s despair.
Bodhbh’s care for Lir’s children was profound. When he learned about their unfortunate fate, he took drastic action against Aoife, cursing her with his druid wand, transforming her into a demonic entity fated to wander the skies as a bird for eternity. In solidarity with Lir’s misery, Bodhbh joined him at Lake Derravarragh, finding solace in the enchanting melodies performed by the swan children.
Another tale involving Bodhbh Dearg features Aonghus Óg, the offspring of the Daghda and the goddess Bían. Aonghus fell passionately in love with a woman he encountered in a dream. Seeking assistance, the Daghda implored Bodhbh Dearg to help find her. After a year of searching, Bodhbh revealed he had located her by Lake Muskry in the Crotta Cliach region (part of the Galtee Mountains, County Tipperary). At the lake, they discovered one hundred and fifty identical maidens, each bound in pairs by gold chains. Despite the sea of similarities, Aonghus recognized his beloved because of her taller stature. This maiden was Caer, daughter of Eathal. However, Eathal refused to release her.
Bodhbh sought the assistance of Meadhbh and Ailill from Connaught, which uncovered that Caer existed in alternating forms; she could be seen as a maiden one day and a swan the next. On the eve of November, she would appear alongside one hundred and fifty swans at Lake Muskry. Aonghus ventured to the lake to profess his love for Caer. In a moment of transformation, Aonghus became a swan himself, and the two lovers soared through the skies, accompanied by ethereal music that induced a deep slumber in all who heard it for three consecutive days and nights.
Conclusion
Bodhbh Dearg was a clever and imaginative king, adept at resolving the challenges that came his way.
