In Irish legend, Goibniu (pronounced ˈɡovʲnʲu, with the modern variation being Gaibhne) is recognized as the legendary metalsmith of the Tuatha Dé Danann. Revered as a deity of smithing, he is also connected with the principle of hospitality. His character draws parallels to Gofannon from Welsh mythology and Gobannus from Gaul.
Etymological Origins
Goibniu’s name links to Old Irish gobae (genitive gobann) meaning ‘smith’, as well as the Middle Welsh term gof (in plural form gofein) for ‘smith’. Interestingly, it connects to the Gallic term gobedbi ‘with the smiths’ and bears similarities with Lithuanian words like Gabija, meaning ‘sacred home fire’, and gabus, representing the concepts ‘gifted’ or ‘clever’.
Family Ties
As for Goibniu’s lineage, his father is referred to as either Esarg or Tuirbe Trágmar, labeled the ‘thrower of axes’. He frequently appears alongside Credne the silversmith and Luchta the carpenter, forming the Trí Dée Dána, collectively recognized as three illustrious gods of craftsmanship responsible for creating the weapons utilized by the Tuath Dé in their battles against the Fomorians. He is alternatively associated with Credne and Dian Cecht, the healer. In the tales, Goibniu is explicitly stated to be the brother of both Dian Cécht and Nuada, as mentioned in the narrative of the Second Battle of Moytura. His unnamed spouse is believed to have been laid to rest in a cave near Drogheda.
Significance in Mythology
In the stories, following the loss of Nuada’s arm during battle, Goibniu forges him a new silver arm, leading to his moniker “Nuada Airgetlám” or “Nuada of the Silver Arm.” He is renowned for crafting weapons for other gods as well. In the Lebor Gabála Érenn, his expertise in smelting is acknowledged, and it is noted that he, along with Dian Cecht, succumbed to a “painful plague.” During the Second Battle of Moytura, he encounters an attack from Ruadán, Brígh’s son, who spears him, but Goibniu retaliates and ultimately slays Ruadán with the same spear.
Additionally, Goibniu fulfills the role of a hospitaller, offering feasts to the gods. Texts like the Acallam na Senórach and Altram Tige Dá Medar illustrate how the feast created by Goibniu was granted to the Tuatha Dé warriors by Manannán to shield them from illness and decay. He is also attributed ownership of the Glas Gaibhnenn, a mythical cow symbolizing abundance, and possesses a magical bridle for the creature in folklore.
In the St Gall incantations, he is invoked to ward off thorns—literal or symbolic—highlighting:
“Nothing is higher than heaven, nothing is deeper than the sea. By the sacred words articulated by Christ on His Cross, I ask that the thorn, a sharp thorn be removed from me. Goibniu’s knowledge is profound; let his goad precede him!” This incantation is applied with butter, which avoids contact with water, to treat the thorn.
Some scholars suggest that Goibniu may overlap with the figure of Culann.
Folklore and Variants
Irish folklore also features variations of Goibniu, like Gavida and Gavigan, who play significant roles in the story surrounding Lugh’s birth. Acknowledged as smiths, these characters possess a remarkable cow, the Glas Gaibhnenn. In tales involving Gavigan, this cow, referred to as Glas Gavigan, is abducted by Balor and only returned when Gavigan causes trees to flourish on Tory Island. In this narrative, Gavigan meets Balor’s daughter and becomes Lugh’s father. Another version identifies Gavida as a smith, described as the sibling of Mac Kineely and Mac Samthainn; in this account, it is Mac Kineely who owns the famed cow that Balor steals, leading to the birth of Lugh.
Gaibhlen is yet another identified figure of the Tuatha Dé who also serves as a smith and possesses a gigantic cow. His forge was situated at Doire-na-tuan, where he melted ore from the iron-rich Sliabh an Iarainn, and the area has continued to host a forge ever since.
