#Ildanach

[revisionlightning]

Irish Deity and master of many skills, Lugh, with the sword Fragarach. I am so incredibly proud of this piece, ya'll have no idea. From the rainbow vine etching to the colors in the clothes to the violet in his hair and the soft expression, I just love how this turned out.

[reejindeed]

Another Lugh-inspired drawing. He’s easy to go for inspiration, especially right now when things are feeling their craziest.

[taisestarr]

Lugh Ildánach’s qualities and devotional acts for this aspect

Summary of Lugh’s Ildánach characteristics. More details on my mapping of Lugh’s aspects to the myths are in this post.

Ildánach is a young Lugh that comes to Tara, telling and proving his skills in ‘The Second Battle of Moytura’. Although he is called Lonnannsclech and Samildánach in that part of myth, I deliberately called him Ildánach here. This will be helpful when I’ll explain which keys of self-improvement Lugh’s story provides to us. Distinguishing Lugh’s aspects is also useful for devotees to specify the area of work.

Lugh represents all parts of Ireland (see this post for details): he is an artisan, a musician, a wiseman and a warrior. He also represents all people of that time: Tuatha Dé Danann by his father, Fomorian by his mother, Fir Bolg by his foster mother and an outsider with the knowledge of reincarnation by his foster father Manannán (I separate Manannán from Tuatha Dé Danann and explain it later). He represents everything and knows everything, cross functional and many-sided.

Lugh Ildánach’s qualities from this post:  

He is an inventor of new games and rules, creative and ingenious. He can see into any situation from different points of view as a master of many skills. He is confident and persistent, he knows himself very well. Lugh Ildánach is also very handsome as several myths tell. I associate all fine arts and aesthetics with him.

Of course, Samildánach as a bigger aspect has all these qualities, but he has much more — and I’ll show it with the next aspects. I distinguish aspects by the parts of Ireland — that’s a new system that I’ve never seen before. Lugh always has skills in all the parts, but every aspect has one distinct direction. I associate Lugh Ildánach with the Music part: 

Music: waterfalls, fairs, nobles, reavers, knowledge, subtlety, musicianship, melody, minstrelsy, wisdom, honour, music, learning, teaching, warriorship, fidchell playing, vehemence, fierceness, poetical art, advocacy, modesty, code, retinue, fertility.

Although Lugh Ildánach is a warrior and a future ruler, I associate this aspect mostly with arts (especially music), self-improvement and self-knowledge. That provides:

Devotional acts for Lugh Ildánach

In my experience, the best devotional acts for Lugh are actions. He is a god of skills and self-development. These 4 directions cover all parts of Ireland that Lugh represents:  

Prosperity — any craft and creation, even if it’s a small improvement. Cooking too! 

Music — any art, especially music (harp music particularly). Listening to Irish music is also good.

Knowledge — any learning and studying, especially of Irish culture.

Battle — martial arts and any workout.

That’s a lot of “any” — and that’s Lugh’s nature! Master of many skills. What else does the myth tells:

exploring your nature to know yourself — any self-awareness methods that fit you. 

assert yourself and be assertive generally. 

be creative, train out-of-the-box thinking, try to look at any situation from different angles.

play board games — that’s what fidchell tells! Especially intellectual ones like chess. I prefer social games with associations or concealed roles — this way you may also be creative and assertive. Strategic games are great too. 

In next post I'll cover personal experience of devotees working with Lugh (including mine).

[taisestarr]

I love @reejindeed vision of Irish gods and sense of humour so much! The best illustration of Lugh's coming to Tara :D

When the interview process is WAY more thorough than you expected….

[lightningskissed]

Love Song to the Many Skilled

I fell in love with lightning

With bravado and skill

With the scent of wild autumn

With the pulse rush of the storm front.

With the first rain on dry soil

And the knowledge of a thousand tasks

The unforgiving but the adoring

The truth bearing flash of light.

An artist would fall in love

With the master of arts

For who else would be closer

To art itself?

[seafrightened-blog]

@ildanach​ asked to say hello! 

      “This is her.”

      It was a child’s drawing, some little girl’s ink scribble on parchment. Whatever it was supposed to be-- a striped oval with limbs and a serious-looking face atop-- Ninny took her portrait of Too-Ticky as solemnly as a Renaissance master presenting their work. 

      “You’re a selkie, so you would know if she’s a selkie too, right? Does this look like a selkie to you?”

[reignofolympus]

      ❛     why is the phrase, revenge is a dish best served cold?   honestly, i prefer my revenge to be hot.  very hot.   lightning hot.     ❜

@ildanach

[vindictiveolympianqueen-arch]

@ildanach liked for a starter

One thing that  had never ebbed for Hera was her desire to explore the world. Never having gotten to as a child, the moment she’d adjusted to the light, she’d taken every chance she could to wander. And, even now, when she was so consumed with her own pantheon and her duties as its queen, it still lingered. It may not be often that the burdened queen got to do as she wished.

But, the goddess had the perfect excuse now- having had enough of her husband’s behavior and blatant disregard for her, she had separated herself from him. And she was using her time alone to do things that genuinely happy. This isle was so entirely different than Greece, and it was refreshing for the visiting goddess- it was actually the exact thing that she needed.

Still, some things were the same no matter where she went. And Hera couldn’t stop herself from stepping into a field to pet a particularly beautiful cow. ❝Well, hello lovely. Aren’t you a beauty?❞

[grandmastercultivation]

☀️LUGH☀️

Lugh or Lug or Luc is the Irish Deity of the Sun, Storms, Oaths, Justice, and Arts; he is the Jack of all Traits, possessing many talents. He is the Patron of Kings, Blacksmiths, Artists, and Warriors. Lugh is half Tuatha de Danann and half Fomorian. His Tarot Card maybe represented by Justice and Sun.

Lugh is the son of Cian and Ethniu, grandson of Balor of the Evil Eye, possible foster son of Manannán mac Lir, and son of Ulster Cycle Hero- Cu Chulainn.

Lugh's most notable tale is that of the battle of Mag Tuired against his grandfather Balor.

☀️PRIOR TO/ BIRTH OF LUGH☀️

Before his birth, a prophecy was foretold to Balor that one of his grandchildren will slay him. To prevent such an event he had his daughter locked in a tower where she was cared for by 12 women and not knowing about the existence of man. Lugh's father Cian, was helping Manannan mac Lir retrieve a stolen magic cow who was said to give such an abundant milk to everyone.

Upon seeing a tower, he climbs up to where he meets Ethniu. Together they had a night of leisure and she bore him triplets.

Word got out and Balor had all children drown with only one being saved by Manannan mac Lir himself and possible fostered so not to raise suspension. That child was Lugh.

☀️TUATHA DE DANANN VS. FOMORIANS☀️

Years later as a young man, Lugh travels to Tata to join the court of King Nuada of the Tuatha Dé Danann. The doorkeeper will not let him in unless he has a skill he can use to serve the king. He offers his services as a wright, a smith, a champion, a swordsman, a harpist, a hero, a poet, historian, a sorcerer, and a craftsman, but each time is rejected as the Tuatha Dé Danann already have someone with that skill. When Lugh asks if they have anyone with all those skills simultaneously, the doorkeeper has to admit defeat, and Lugh joins the court and is appointed Cheif Ollam of Ireland.

During the Second Battle of Mag Tuireadh against the Fomorians, King Nuada of Tuatha de Danann is killed in battle by Balor. Lugh then faces Balor, who opens his poisonous eye that kills all it looks upon.  In other stories it was told that Lugh used a spear that never missed its mark so bloodthirsty that it will go out to find war but in reality however, Lugh shoots a stone from a sling-shot that drives his eye out the back of his head, killing Balor.

☀️FAMILY☀️

Father- Cian, Son of Dian Cedh, healer of the Tuatha Dé Danann. Although some speculate he could be the Son of Danu.

Foster Father- Possibly Manannan mac Lir, the Deity of the Sea

Mother-Ethniu, Daughter of Balor of Evil Eye

Foster Mother-Possibly Tailtiu

Grandfather- Balor of Evil Eye. Leader of the Fomorians and Father of Ethniu. His life was ended by his own grandson due to a prophecy.

Son- Cu Chulainn. His name translates as "Chulainn's Hound" and he's known as the great hero of the Ulster Cycle. Lugh had once came to his son's aid, saving his life.

☀️TITLES☀️

One of Lugh's most infamous titles is Lugh Lamfada meaning Lugh of Long Arm. Not meaning he had long arms but because of the length of the spear he was given.

Ildanach- Skilled God as he was known to possess many talents. He is the Jack of all Traits.

Macnia- Youthful Warrior. It was said that he was very youthful looking or that he could have actually been a youth.

Lonnbeimnech- Fierce Striker. This title is probably best known for when he strikes Balor's eye.

Conmac- Son of Hound.

☀️WEAPONS☀️

Lugh's most infamous weapon is the Spear of Assal. It is one of the Four Jewels of the Tuatha Dé Danann. This spear was unbeatable in battle and could take the form of lightning when thrown. With a word “Ibar”, it hit its mark; with another “Athibar!” it returns to him.

Cloich tabaill, or slingshot, wielded in battle against Balor of the Evil Eye.

Fragarach, or “The Answerer,” sword of his foster-father Manannán. The sword would force those it was pointed at to answer questions truthfully

☀️SABBAT☀️

Lugh's Sabbat is Lughnasadh. A holiday that falls on every August 1st. This festival celebrates the beginning of the harvest season. Many people have suggested this holiday was dedicated in honor of Lugh's foster mother while others believe it to be translated as "Lugh's Wedding".

☀️ANIMALS☀️

Animals that are associated with Lugh are- lion, horses, raven, stag, crow, hound, lynx.

☀️ASSOCIATIONS AND OFFERINGS☀️

Day- Sunday

Symbols- Spear, Slingshot, Harp and Sun

Food- Corn, Bread, Apple, Potato, Berries, Chocolate, and Pie

Beverages- Wine, Mead, Apple Cider, and Water

Crystals- Citrine, Carnelian, Sunstone, Topaz, Quartz, and Black Obsidian

Incense- Apple, Cinnamon, Pumpkin, and Rose

Candle- Yellow, Orange, Blue, and Green

Flowers- Marigold, Goldenrod, Sunflower, Carnation, and Rose

Herbs- Bay, Basil, Allspice, Rosemary, and Cinnamon

Colors- Brown, Gold, Yellow, Green, and Blue

Elements- Air and Fire

[sabrinasgrimoire]

God Studies: Lugh

Also known as Lug Lámfhota (Irish) and Leu Llaw Gyffes (Welsh), Lugh is one of the Celtic High Gods. The name “Lugh” may be derived from a few different etymological sources. It could come from “lug-” which roughly translates to “oath” or “pledge”. The second is more likely, and comes from “leuk” meaning “light”. He is similar to the Roman deities Mercury and Mars in that he was a God of great skill in general, and great skill on the battlefield. He was even nicknamed Sam Ildanach in Ireland, which translated roughly to “the many skilled”. One such legend that gives him his name sake is of his entry to Tara. When Lugh approached the great gates of the city, he was stopped by the guardsman at the gate. When Lugh asked the man why he was being denied entry, he was told that they were only accepting one person of each craft, i.e. blacksmith, cook, tailor, etc. So Lugh began to go down the list of professions, asking the guard in turn if they already had someone of each practice in the city. Each time, the guardsman said they already had one such person. Finally, Lugh asked him if they had anyone who could do all those things. When the guardsman said no, Lugh was admitted into the city.

Another equally important aspect of Lugh is that of the sovereign and war. We see his warrior aspect in a few myths, specifically in the Second Battle of Mag Turedh. Many Celtic warriors also bore his name as a form of devotion, and as noted in the Leinster poems. His sovereign aspect is explored in a few myths as well, the most notable in the tale “Baile in Scale”. In this story, Conn Ceadcathach goes on a hunting trip with a band of men. In the middle of the woods, they come across a thick and mysterious fog. Seeing no other way out, the men travel into the fog and end up in the Otherworld at the House of Lugh. Here, the God offers Conn Ceadcathach a golden cup from which to drink. Lugh tells the man of the future High Kings of Ireland, the drink from the golden cup sealing the future.

Lugh carried with him many mythical weapons and had many animal companions. I will go over a few of the most important and notable of these items. The first is the Spear of Assal, which was said to be unbreakable and unbeatable in battle. It was also said to have transformed into a lightening bolt when Lugh threw it, and came back to his hand at his call. The second weapon was a sword named Fragarach, “The Answerer”, which forced the truth from any man who touched it. Both these weapons were gifted to Lugh by his foster father Mannanan Mac Lir, a Sea God. Another gift from Mannanan was the horse Enbarr, who could travel over land and sea. His final animal companion was an Irish Greyhound named Failinis, who accompanied Lugh into battle and turned his water to wine.

Correspondence Chart:

Other Names: Lug Lámfhota (Ireland), Leu Llaw Gyffes (Wales)

Solar System: Mercury, the Sun

Celebrations: Lith, Lughnasadh, Yule

Trees: Apple, Birch, Holly, Yew

Plants: Gorse, Grain

Stones: Obsidian, Sapphire, Topaz

Metals: Brass, Gold

Magickal Beings: Faeries

Animals: Rooster, Crane, Eagle, Raven, Boar, Dog, Horse, Lion, Lynx

Issues & Intentions: Agriculture (Harvest), Battle/War, Beginnings, Business, Communication, Confidence, Creativity, Decisions, Defense, Healing, Knowledge, Light, General Magick, Solar Magick, Solar Power, Prophecy, Protection of the Weak, Rebirth/Renewal, Revenge, Skills, Warmth

Works Cited:

Patti Wigington (April 26th, 2019), Lugh, Master of Skills, Learn Religions, https://www.learnreligions.com/lugh-mas ... ls-2561970

Sandra Kynes (2013), Complete Book of Correspondences, Llewellyn, Print, Page 336

Mary Jones (2007), Lugh Lamhfada, Jones’ Celtic Encyclopedia, https://www.ancienttexts.org/library/ce ... /lugh.html

Gregory Wright (Unknown), Lugh, Mythopedia, https://mythopedia.com/celtic-mythology/gods/lugh/

[colourphone-blog]

@ildanach a ajouté votre billet à ses coups de cœur :starter call while i dust off the about and rules... 

      “Oh, I think you Irish sorts have the most fun accents. I can’t do any of them to save my life, though! What a shame, a shame, a shame--” She sung out, practically dancing with her words like they were a song. “No, no, I’m no good at actin’, ‘nd I think accents are part’a acting if it ain’t your own. I dunno what I’d say my accent is, ‘cause I don’t hear no accent, ‘cause I just hear myself.”

      Iris adjusted her hair clip, which was her cloud-pitcher in disguise. Unlike the more powerful gods, who often had supernatural knowledge about these sorts of things, Iris was a minor goddess; she had no idea if the person before her was human, god, monster, or anything in between. All she knew was that the accent she’d heard him speaking in was absolutely entertaining.

[taisestarr]

7 aspects of Lugh

These are 7 aspects of Lugh, which I’ll describe in detail in later posts.

I separate Lugh’s manifestation by 3 levels:

1. Lugh’s transcendent form — Trefuilngid Tre-eochair from the “Suidigud Tellaich Temra” (The Settling of the Manor of Tara) 

2. Lugh as a god of a humankind — Samildánach ("equally skilled in all the arts") from all myths about Lugh.

3. Lugh as a god among humans — Macnia (“youthful hero”), incarnating in heroes and legendary rulers with names derived from Lugh.

I’ll prove why Trefuilngid Tre-eochair is a manifestation of Lugh later. His name is close to “Triple Bearer of Three Powers” (or keys, or fruits, which he gave to humankind). 

Lugh Samildánach as a god of humankind is the Lugh from Irish myths. Trefuilngid Tre-eochair divides Ireland into 5 parts (he gave this knowledge to Fintan):

knowledge in the west, battle in the north, prosperity in the east, music in the south, kingship in the centre.

This is how I associate Lugh’s aspects with these parts:

1. Scál find (“light phantom”) — knowledge

2. Lonnbéimnech/Lonnansclech ("fierce striker") —  battle

3. Lámfada (“long hand”) — prosperity

4. Ildánach ("skilled in many arts") — music

These are 4 faces of Lugh Samildánach, who has all the skills and correspond to the kingship in the centre. 

Altogether there are 7 aspects of Lugh. I use the common epithets (you may find them even in Wikipedia), except for the Scál find. I’ve added this aspect based on Lugh’s manifestation after his death. He is Scál indeed in Baile in Scáil (text), also there’s an ancient praise poem on Labraid (text), where Lugh is called Scál find. “Find” by itself also matches Lugh. 

I choose epithets corresponding to Lugh’s functions and will explain everything in the later posts. Lugh Samildánach always have all faces, I divide them for the clarity of human interaction with Lugh. For example, Ildánach is the best choice for inspiration and creation. Also, Lugh’s story gives us a way of self-development, which is easier to adapt with separating his functions into several aspects. 

This system is my innovation, so it might seem strange without details. Please be patient, I’ll prove everything later based on myths’ analysis, it will take several weeks. 

[an-stoirm]

thegrandmarsh replied to your post: “lordognar replied to your post: “Lugh Ildanach vs Lugus”: ...”:

Celtic + related cultures: here are our similar but distinct gods! Romans, stroking their imperialist mustache villainously: now how do we make this about us while also erasing the identity of the original gods

I just laughed out loud omfg xD

[tipsycad147]

Wicca Gods and Goddesses

Wicca is the most liberal religion in the world. There is absolutely no regimentation of dos and don’ts of any kind in Wicca philosophy so long as you cause no harm to anyone. It is not like Christian religion where you are supposed to revere the saints canonized only the church. You are free to worship gods and goddesses of your community.

There are, therefore, literally thousands of different gods and goddesses in pantheons of different religions of the world. The ones you choose to worship depend upon your spiritual path.

Most Viccans describe themselves as eclectic. This means they follow their own choice.

They may worship a god of one tradition and the goddess of another. Of course, you have to consider your special needs and the domain that the god presides over.

For example, if you are an artist and want help to improve your skills, crafts or handiwork, you cannot call upon Cupid or Venus to help you, as their domain is love and beauty and not arts and crafts. In your case, you have to invoke the Celtic smith god Lugh.

Who is Lugh?

Lugh is the patron god of skills and arts and distributor of talents. He is similar to Roman god Mercury. There are innumerable statues and inscriptions dedicated to Lugh in Celtic faith. Julius Caesar was deeply impressed by the powers of Lugh and he recommended the powers of this god to the Celtic people.

Although Lugh was not a warrior god in the sense of Roman gods such as Mars, he was still worshipped by the soldiers because he could bless them with martial skills. Since Lugh is the patron god of artisans, his blessings are specially sought in making weapons of war such as sword, arrows, bows and spears.

Lugh is worshipped as an ancient god for modern times. He is the champion of artistry. Therefore, many artisans, musicians, bards, craftsmen call for his mercy and help whenever they want inspiration and creativity.

Lugh is widely venerated in Ireland as a god of thunder and storms and sam ildanach, implying that he was skilled in many arts simultaneously. The farmers and agriculturists worship Lugh with songs, dances and bonfires.

http://www.awakethewitch.com/wicca-gods-goddess.html

[withinycu-arch]

formerly: ildanach

NAME: Lugh Lamhfada SPECIES: god ORIENTATION: omnisexual GENDER: Male-ish

APPEARANCE

The Celtic gods were always wild. Their beauty is less an idealized form and more the terror of the forest, the cliff edge or open sea. Lugh himself is the embodiment of light in all its myriad forms and metaphors. Electricity travels through his hair causing it to change constantly between black, red and gold. Each eye holds seven pupils with the outer three revolving constantly around the central fourth. His skin glistens with iridescence. 

faceclaim: Aiden Turner

RELATIONSHIPS

FAMILY: Ethniu {mother}, Cian {father}, Morgen/Tailtiu {foster mother}

SIGNIFICANT OTHER: -

CHILDREN: Cú Chulainn {son/creation} 

PERSONALITY

Nothing is quite so terrible as a talented man who has lived their entire life adored. Such is the burden and blessing of Lugh Lamhfada, everything comes easily to him- poetry, magic, music, war and as a godling he was raised on the island of Avalon where he was loved and adored by Morgen of the Nine and the Druidic population there. 

NEED TO KNOWS

Lugh is a shameless flirt and expects to be loved. He does not handle rejection well. 

He isn’t the Pan-Celtic Lugus but rather a reincarnation of sorts of him. The original Lugus died sometime before the first century and Lugh was born sometime later.

He can be very cunning and manipulative but isn’t without his softer points and can be reasoned with.

[reignofolympus]

*tosses lugh at zeus*

KISS KISS FALL IN LOVE : not technically supposed to, but accepting anyway 3/5.

    one moment, the banquet was roaring around them, alcohol consumed in droves and attendees from all different regions and pantheons partying like mad -- the next, zeus and lugh had snuck off into a quiet corridor, hands fisted in shirts as they kissed against a marble column.   in a brief moment of clarity, zeus thought that he really needed to stop messing around with those outside his own pantheon; but the booze in his system, and the clever back and forth both men had engaged in the entire evening threw caution to the wind.

    ❛     i hear someone coming.     ❜    zeus commented breathily, pulling back with a quirked brow, and that infamous smirk of his.     ❛     should we move, or do you think we should give them a bit of a show?     ❜