#lugh lonnbeimnech

[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. 

[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

[xxyumeno]

Name: Lugh Kanji: ラ Alias: Lug or Luat Face Claim: Jack Vessalius Seiyuu: ... Age: Immortal Zodiac: ??? Sex/Gender: M/M Height: 191cm 「6'3"」 Weight: ???kg 「???lb」 Blood Type: Ichor

Servant Info (will update at a later time)

Attribute: Sky or Earth Class: Lancer (can also be summoned as a Saber, Archer, or Rider) Alignment: Lawful Neutral(?) Traits: Diving, Humanoid, King, Male, Pseudo-Servant, Servant, Weak to Enuma Elish Singularity: N/A Likes: ??? Dislikes: Bres, Tuireanna's Sons Talents: Carpentry, Blacksmithing, Warrior, Poet, Harpist, Scientist, Physician, Sorcerer, and Sculptor Cards: Buster, Buster, Quick, Art, Art │ Extra Hits: 4, 4, 2, 3, 3 │ 4

Lore

Lugh (pronounced Loo), is a Celtic (Irish) God of many many many talents (or skills). He is the god of oaths, granting domain over rulers and nobility. A god of justice in many forms, often without mercy. A sun god (as he was worshiped as such) as well as a fierce warrior. Let’s not stop there, he was also known as a god of storms, in particular to thunderstorms. Last, but certainly not least a god of light and god of all arts and crafts. 

Despite some of his wholesome roles, Lugh has also been known to be a trickster, willing to lie, steal, and cheat to overcome his opponents. This is quite the contrast to his son Cú Chulainn who is born later in his lore.

“What are his talents?” one may ask, his talents just to name a few are those of a carpenter, a master blacksmith, a warrior, poet, harpist, scientist, physician, sorcerer, and sculptor. He is one who can do all of these. Due to his many talents Lugh is typically associated with the Greek god Hermes/Roman god Mercury and to some degree Apollo through his association with Lugus. Then there the possibility of him also being a triple god comprising of the Gaulish gods Esus, Toutatis, and Taranis.

He associated with the raven, crow, and lynx, and has a magical hound. Aside from this Lugh has several magical weapons as his disposal including an invincible Spear, one of the treasures of the Tuatha Dé Danann. The spear is said to never missed its target (sound familiar?) was called Gae Assail, Areadbhar, or “the Slaughterer” (depending the writing). It said the spear was so bloodthirsty it would often try to fight without its owner. According to other stories would fight anyone wielding it. Due to Lugh being a god known for his many skills he was called many things such as Lugh Lámhfhada (Lugh of the Long Arm), Lleu Llaw Gyffes (Lleu of the Skillful Hand), Samildánach (Skilled in All the Arts), Lonnbeimnech (fierce striker, sword-shouter) or Macnia (boy hero).

Descended from two bloodlines, Lugh is the son of Cian, the son of Dian Ced, healer of the Tuatha Dé Danann and Ethniu, the daughter of King Balor of the dreaded Fomorians. Cian had disguised himself as a Druidess entered Balor’s stronghold, where Eithne (Balor had his daughter locked up for reasons…) lived and seduced her. In time this fruitful relationship between Cian and Eithne produced triplets. Due to a prophecy from a druid that said Balor would be killed by the hands of a grandson. The main reason to why he locked up his daughter to begin with. Practically had her raised in a tower being unaware of men.

In order to avoid the prophecy from coming true Balor gathers the triplets into a blanket and orders them to be drowned in a whirlpool. Lugh is the only to have survive his would be death. As luck would have it the messenger that had carried him and his siblings to their death had unwittenly dropped him in the harbor where he rescued by Biróg. She brings the baby Lugh to her father and the father then gives him to his brother, Gavida the smith, in fosterage.

Gavida is one of many foster parents to Lugh as his foster parents varies depending on different stories: the Irish sea god, Manannán mac Lir; Tailtiu, Queen of the Firbolg; and of course, Gavida, god of the smiths.

When still a young man Lugh had travelled to the Hill of Tara to join the court of King Nuada, the high king of Ireland. Lugh wanted to join the Tuatha Dé Danann in their fight against the Fomorian King Balor. King Balor had been governing the Tuatha dé Dananna unfairly. He wanted to join them despite being half Fomorian. Due to being half of a hated enemy he wasn’t particularly trusted.

One day he arrived at the gate of King Nuada’s palace as a stranger. At first he was denied entrance into the hall, because no one could enter (or were admitted) without being the master of some craft. The gatekeeper doing his job inquired about Lugh’s profession and the conversation between them proceeded as such:

“I am a carpenter,” said the stranger.

The gatekeeper replied that the king already had a skilled carpenter and had no need of another.

“Then tell the king I am a master smith.”

“We already have a smith,” answered the gatekeeper.

“Then I am a warrior, too,” said the stranger.

“We do not need one,” replied the gatekeeper. “The great Ogma is our champion.

”The stranger proposed all possible professions he mastered, even poet, harpist, scientist, physician, sorcerer and sculptor. Each time, he was told that the king Nuada already had such a professional at court.

“Then ask the king,” said the stranger (Lugh) to the gatekeeper, “if he has with him a man of all these crafts at once, for if he has, there is no need for me at Tara…”

With this Lugh had managed to charm his way into the court and into the highest position one could possess in the court of a king: that of the Chief Ollam. This position afforded Lugh much of the same reputation and attributes only afforded to the king.

Lugh would eventually become the salvation (or bring it) for the Tuatha dé Danann. Nuada had put Lugh in charge of the coming war against the Fomorians. With Lugh being determined the Tuatha dé Nuada take an offensive stance rather than a defensive one to approach Fomorians. The war could not proceed when the First Battle of Moytura took place in the Country of Galway against the Firbolg. It was during this battle that Nuada had lost his hand, forcing him to step down as High King, because a kingdom could not be blemished. His replacement was a Bres, a half-Fomorian (or Fomorian-favoring) who ended up delaying the against his kin.

Meanwhile Cian had met his end by the hands of Tuireann, his great foe. The sons of Tuireeann’s, Brain, Iuchar, and Iucharba had hunted down Cian. At the time Cian had transformed into a big. Before the final blow was struck upon his person, Cian had turned back into his human form. This would grant Lugh a right to seek revenge for his father. The sons attempted to bury Cian, but twice the ground spat him back up. They managed to bury him on the third try. It was by chance that Cian came upon his father’s grave. Lugh asked the ground who laid there and replied it was his father’s grave. From there he started to plot his revenge.

Revenge was set into motion when he invited the sons of Tuireann to a grand feast. Unaware of what was about to happen to them a question was asked what they would require if someone murdered their father. Of course, they replied that death was only answer. Surprise surprise, falling into his trap like he thought they would, Lugh revealed he was Cian’s heir and demanded the same justice. Being a god of games, a series of tasks was given and each task was overcome. The last and final task given was an impossible one and Tuireanna pleaded for mercy on his sons, Lugh unfortunately for Tuireanna, would not relent. The final task wounded each of them and Lugh had withheld their magic pigskin that would have healed the wounds. This was how the Tuireann’s sons had died. In his own grief Tuireann died as well giving Lugh the justice and victory over his father’s enemies.

Even though Bres’ was married to Brigid of the Tuatha, the Tuatha dé Danann were enslaved once more. This further injured the already strenuous relationship between the two groups. Bres’ reign lasted for twenty-seven years.

Lugh’s grandfather and uncle crafted a silver hand and then a hand of flesh for Nuada, thus removing his blemish. He then took back the throne from Bres and Bres was than exiled. After Lugh had finished planning for the war he sought the council of the Phantom Queen, the Mórrígan. A Second Battle of Magh Tuireadh then took place.

During the battle Nuada was beheaded by Balor of the Evil Eye, but Lugh had managed to secure their victory in the end. He had killed Balor with a sling-stone and shot him straight in the eye that sank into Balor’s brain and then cut of his head. This incident wrecked chaos among the Fomorian soldiers and fulfilled the prophecy saying that Balor would be killed at his grandson’s hand. Lugh was placed in power and Bres was subjected to teaching the Fomorian enemies the skills of harvest. This was a very menial and insulting task compared to his once all-powerful position.

Lugh became King and reigned over a united Ireland.

Bres was eventually killed in the form of hospitality of receiving three hundred wooden cows filled with poisoned red milk. He didn’t deny the hospitality and drank each pail of milk without hesitation and died.

Eventually Lugh would meet his own end after his wife Buach took Cermait, son of the Dagda, as a lover. Cermait was then killed by Lugh upon discovering this affair. In turn Lugh was drowned in a lake by Cermait’s three sons who had sought their vengeance against him. The lake Lugh was drowned in was named Loch Lugborta. Lugh’s ruled lasted for forty years with his end marking the decline of the Tuatha dé Danann.

In death, Lugh dwelled in Tír na nÓg, at times appearing in the mortal world. Due to this he had sired the Irish war hero of the Ulster Cycle Cú Chulainn with a maiden by the name of Deichtine. He later appeared to his son during the Cattle Raid of Cooley, healing him over three days during battle.

Weapons

Aside from his spear called, Gae Assail, Areadbhar, or “the Slaughterer” depending on text. Lugh also possessed a sling-stone that he used to kill Balor. 

Apart from those items, Lugh had affiliations with Manannán mac Lir, God of the Sea, through some of his other instruments. He had a horse forged by Manannán allowing it to pass over land and through the ocean. He was also in possession of Manannán’s sword, “the Answerer” after Manannán’s death. Aside from those mention Lugh has other powerful objects at his disposal.

Notes

Lugh had many wives, including Buí and Nás, daughters of Ruadri, King of Britain, as well as Echtach, Englic, and Rosmerta.

Children: Ibic, Ebliu, and Cú Chulainn (mortal).

Weapons: Gae Assail, Fragarach, and Tathlums

[lizardchub]

Picture portraying the Celtic hero god, Lugh. Credit to Mickie Mueller, you can see their signature in the bottom right hand corner.

This is my first post in what I hope to be a series, the Tuatha de Danann breakdown. Feel free to suggest who I should do next.

-Aelish

Lugh is the Celtic hero god of sun and storm. He is a jack of all trades and a warrior, young and handsome with thick curly red hair. When he was a child the god Manannan took him to Tir-nan-Oge where for twenty-one years Lugh grew. Manannan spoke to Lugh and gave him his sword, his horse which could ride over land or water, his helmet and breastplate. Then Lugh made his way to Ireland. After arriving to Ireland he made his way on foot to the dun of Nuada where he was told he needed a craft they did not already have within if he was to enter. The king approved his entrance after hearing Lugh alone could do everything his court members could combined. He was called the Ildana, the master of every craft.

When the sons of Turann killed Lugh’s father, Cian, the wind and the Earth told Lugh and let him to the body. To avenge the Earth and his father Lugh told King Nuada what the three brothers had done and sent them to gather many treasures with the boat of Manannan to pay for their crimes. When they returned to Ireland with all the treasures the brothers passed away. They met Cian in Tir-na-Moe, he gave them each a golden apple. When they ate the apples they knew everything that had ever happened in the world and everything that ever would. They knew the Tuatha de Danann would defeat the Fomor. It is there in Moy Mell they wait for news of the victory.

The Tuatha de Danann went to war with the Fomorians with the aid of Lugh and his companions from Tir-nan-Oge. In this great battle Lugh killed his grandfather, Balor of the Evil Eye. Some sources say he did so by thrusting his spear into the Fomorian’s eye, other sources say he used his sling. After the battle Lugh was named king as Nuada had been killed. He ruled for twenty (some sources say fourty) years. He had five wives, one unnamed wife had been seduced by Cermait, son of Dagda. Lugh killed him for this. Cermait’s three sons, Mac Cuill, Mac Cecht and Mac Grené drowned Lugh in the lake now called Loch Lugborta. He was succeeded as High King by Dagda.

Epithets:

Lámfada (“long arm” or “long hand”), Ildana/Ildana have (“skilled in many arts”), Lonnbeimnech (“fierce striker”), Macnia (“youthful warrior/hero”), Conmac (“hound-son”). He is given the matriname Mac Ethlenn or Mac Ethnenn (“son of Ethliu/Ethniu”), and the patronage Mac Cein (“son of Cian”).

Family:

Búi, Nas, Echtach, Englic and one unnamed (wives), Cian (father), Ethniu (mother), Ebliu (sister), Muirne (half-sister), Manannan Mac Lir (foster father), Tailtiu (foster mother), Dian Cécht (grandfather), Balor (grandfather), Ceithlenn (grandmother), Cú Chulainn, Cnu Deireoil (sons).

Important possessions:

His spear, a sling stone, his sword, Manannan’s self-sailing boat, Manannan’s horse that can ride over land and sea, a hound named Failinis and many others brought to him by the sons of Turann.

Special dates/events:

Lughnasadh (first harvest), also called Lúnasa in modern Irish and Lùnastal in Scottish Gaelic. It takes place on August 1st. The Assembly of Talti, similar to the Olympic Games of ancient Greece, is a summer event still performed to this day.

Food + drink:

Summer fruits and berries, bread, fruit juices, wines, mead, grains, wheat.

Animal associations:

Raven, crow, lynx. The white stag in Wales.

Colour associations:

Red, yellow, gold, bronze.

Offerings/ways to connect:

Corn, grain, bread, milk, honey, berries, alcohol, things you made like weapons or wreaths or jewelery. Sit and talk to Lugh under the sun. Try a lot of different things.

Hymn in Praise of Luck

Though it were just the single tongue That bent to sing the praises Of Luck, his skills, forever young, Could not help but amaze us.

When asked his craft, the crafts he had Were listed for the sentry. T'was numberless they were,

full glad

The gods to grant him entry:

A harper, bard, and farrier, A carpenter and tanner, A healer, smith, and warrior— A

hero,

by his manner…

The list went on and on for him, And though each task was manned, No god but him had all of them In all of that green land.

And so it later was when need Arose and king was lamed That he it was stepped forth to lead And was the one they named.

by venicebard on allpoetry.com

Sources

read “The coming of Lugh” and more

http://www.shee-eire.com/magic&mythology/gods&goddess/celtic/gods/Lugh/Page1.htm

http://darksites.com/souls/pagan/faileas/candle1.html

http://sacredwicca.com/lugh

http://tribeofthesun.com/deities/lugh/

http://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends/lugh-long-arm-martial-and-sovereign-reach-lugh-lama-fada-006367

And a big thank you to @a-scientists-grimoire for helping me with the research for this post! Check her out :)