| Lugh is the god of Light in Gaul and Ireland. The grandson of Balor and of Diancect, born of Eithne and Cian, and fostered by Manannan and Tailtiu. He is the guardian of the spear of Gorias which kills all opponents. When the Tuatha de Danaan were oppressed by the Fomorians, he came to their aid. He was refused entrance to the hall of their king, Nuada, but eventually was allowed in because he combined many skills in one person, for which he was called Samildanach (Many-Skills). Nuada, the king of the Tuatha de relinquished his throne to Lugh for 13 days due to Lugh's demonstrated talents, wit, and skills. In the battle with the Fomorii, Lugh killed his grandfather Balor, a Fomorii leader, by piercing him through his baleful eye. He was the spiritual father of CuChulain, and fought in his son's place to give him rest during his lone combat at the ford during the Cattle Raid of Culaign. In the Welsh Mabinogion he is Llew, the son of Ariahnrod. His mother curses him to have no name but is tricked into naming him by Gwyddion. Angered, she curses him to have no weapons unless she arms him herself. Again Gwyddion tricks her. She then curses him to have no wife of the race of man. Gwyddion and Math create a woman from flower blooms to be Llew's bride. She later betrays him and her consort wounds Llew with a spear. Lugh is analogous to the warrior Llwch Llawwynawc who helped Arthur obtain the cauldron from Annwn. His mythos passed partially into that of Lancelot. His many epithets describe him as being skillful with weapons and crafts. This is the Ritual drama from Lughnassadh 2001: GateKeeper (GK): It was during the time that King Nuada of the Tuatha de Danann was celebrating his return to the throne that a stranger came to Tara’s gates dressed as a king. (to Lugh) Tell me your name and your errand here. Lugh: I am the grandson of Diancacht by Cian by father and the grandson of the Fomor king Balor by Ethniu my mother. GK: What is your profession for no one is admitted here unless he is a master of some Craft. Lugh: I am a carpenter. GK: Luchtaine is our carpenter. Lugh: I am a skilled Smith. GK: Goibniu is our Smith and none can parallel his work. Lugh: I am a professional warrior. GK: We have no need of you for Ogma is our Champion Lugh: I am a Harper. GK: We have already a skilled Harper. Lugh: I am a Poet and Storyteller. GK: We have a most accomplished poet and Storyteller Lugh: I am a powerful Sorcerer. GK: We have numberless sorcerers and Druids Lugh: I am a skilled Physician. GK: Diancacht is our Physician Lugh: I am a cup-bearer. GK: We have nine cup bearers Lugh: I am a Bronze Worker. GK: Credne is our worker in Bronze. We have no need of you. Lugh: Go then and ask your court if they have a man who is master of all these crafts. If you do, then there no need of me at Tara. GK: (to Nuada’s court) There is a man who calls himself Lugh the Ioldanach (ild AH na), the Master of all Arts. He wishes to enter, how should I answer? (Nuada gives him entrance) Lugh, Blessings and Welcome. |
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