Tag: Irish mythology
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Manannán mac Lir: The Ocean’s Spirit One of the most resonant figures in Irish mythology is Manannán mac Lir, a divine entity associated with the sea. Whether known as a Celtic god, an ancient king, a member of the Tuatha Dé Danann, or a mystical overlord of the Otherworld, his identity remains a tapestry woven…
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Balor of the Evil Eye: A Mythical Icon of Irish Legend Link the infamous cyclops of Greek mythology, Polyphemus, with the iconic Marvel Comics character Cyclops—who shoots energy beams from his eyes—and one finds a character reminiscent of Balór na Súile Nimhe, known as Balor of the Evil Eye. Balor, alternatively named Balar or Bolur,…
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In the realm of Irish mythology, Bodb Derg, known as Bodhbh Dearg in Middle and Modern Irish, is depicted as the offspring of Eochaid Garb or the Dagda, the latter being central to many myths. He holds the notable position of being the successor to the Dagda as the ruler of the Tuatha Dé Danann.…
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The Enigmatic Goddess Clíodhna Among the captivating figures of Irish mythology, the Goddess Clíodhna stands out prominently, enchanting all those who hear her tale. Renowned as the most beautiful woman of her time, Clíodhna embodies love and reigns as the Queen of the Banshees in Ireland. Her legend is firmly entrenched in the folklore of…
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Overview Aengus, known as the Young One, is recognized in Irish mythology as the deity of love and poetry. Renowned for his creativity and cunning nature, he inherited charm and wit from his father, the Dagda, and played a significant role as one of the leading bards among the Tuatha Dé Danann, a revered tribe…
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In the realm of Irish mythology, Balor, traditionally spelled Balar, stands as a fierce tyrant of the Fomorians, a race of supernatural beings notorious in ancient tales. He is depicted as a colossal figure with a singular eye that, once opened, brings about devastation. The most notable story involving Balor centers on his demise at…
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Lir, a prominent figure in both Irish and Welsh mythology, is revered as the deity of the sea. His presence is particularly noted among the Tuatha De Danaan, an ancient race of deities that reigned over Ireland long before the advent of human civilization. The most renowned story featuring Lir is the “Children of Lir,”…
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The Dagda, also known by various names including Daghda and Dagda Mór, is a central figure in Irish-Celtic mythology, celebrated for his diverse abilities and leadership among the Tuatha Dé Dannan, the legendary invaders of Ireland. He played a vital role in defeating the native Fir Bolg, followed by another victory over the seafaring Fomorians.…
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The figure of Fionn mac Cumhaill is a prominent character in numerous narratives within Irish mythology. Many of us in Ireland grew up enchanted by tales of this legendary hero, often known by the names Finn McCool or Finn MacCool. From the fabled Giant’s Causeway to the mystical Salmon of Knowledge, the number of stories…
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Donn of the Dead: Guardian of the Underworld in Irish Mythology In the realm of folklore, tales that traverse generations often transform, adapting to the evolving narratives of their times. Such is the case with Donn of the Dead, a formidable figure associated with the afterlife, who presides from his formidable tower, where his three…