King Oengus Og

Fanart of King Oengus Og by brenoftarth https://brenoftarth.tumblr.com/post/176755084599/one-of-not-poignants-ocs-oengus-he-wont-get

## General details

### Relatives

High King Dagda (father); the river Boann (mother); Midir (foster parent); Caer Ibormeith (partner, deceased); many descendants

## Physical description

### Hair color

Auburn

"*I will never stop missing her*"
―King Oengus Og[[The Ice Plague: Book 1 - The Forest of Fire, Chapter 22: Twisting and Turning]]
**King Oengus** **Og** was a Master Mage, and formerly served as a teacher at the School of the Staff and member of the Thirteen, but retired to find Caer Ibormeith. He perished while combating the ice plague.

#### Appetite

Shown eating humble fare, like apples, breads and stews

## Appearance

Pronunciation

* Own-goos (goos rhymes with puss)

#### Heartsong

Romance

When Gwyn ap Nudd and his party meet Oengus during the ice plague, Oengus had 'auburn curling hair, the pointed ears of the Tuathe De' and appeared as 'a vision of sober beauty with ancient wisdom radiating from his eyes.' His Mage's Motley was yellow, green, and ivory diamonds. He also wore a 'golden circlet, [had] an otherwise bared chest, and sandals' and carried an Irish wooden flute, as well as two swords strapped at his sides. He also had brown eyes and facial freckles.

## Personality

Oengus was wise, sharp, and a bit sad. He didn't care for Court politics. He also didn't seem to consider personal boundaries all that much before stepping over them, although he did usually detect them at some point and apologize, at least some of the time, after the fact. He was also thoughtful, like when he let some of the bread rolls burn so they would be more palatable for Eran Iliakambar. He also believed love didn't make someone 'worthy', but that 'every fae should feel worthy simply for walking this earth.'

Gwyn implied that Oengus only looked to the future, rather than fixing what's in the present.

He had a slightly flowery way of speaking.

Oengus didn't keep servants at his tower, and could cook and bring food to his guests with magic, but prefered to do it all himself and by hand, because 'it is meaningful to [him] to do it this way.'

## Life

Oengus 'was born to the river Boann and High King Dagda . . . fostered to Midir, and killed Elcmar for killing him. Many years passed and [he] became a Mage with the School of the Staff. Many years passed and [he] became one of the Thirteen, holding its power and the school itself, tutoring there.' It's possible this was when he helped train Fenwrel the Mouse-Maiden as a mage. He began having dreams of a mysterious woman, and an overpowering love and passion for her took hold of him. He left the school and retired from the Thirteen to look for her, helped by family and friends.

He finally found Caer Ibormeith - 'a cursed swan-maiden who was only allowed to leave her true form once a year, on Samhain.' Since Oengus could not break the curse, he became a swan to be with her. They lived 'together in lakes and skies, singing our songs, a blissful infinity the like that will never be seen again.' But she was murdered by another fae, and Oengus remembered his other form and became Tuatha De again. He was heartbroken, and would never love another like he did Caer Ibormeith again.

The swans in Oengus' tower were his descendants with Caer Ibormeith.

At some point, Oengus discovered that the Gancanagh loved him, so Oengus gave the Gancanagh 'a feather of solace to sooth [the Gancanagh's] heart.'

Oengus fought alongside Gwyn while Gwyn served with the Seelie military, many times. He was with Gwyn when Gwyn forced Cyledr to eat his father's heart.

While trying to contact the Seelie Court during the ice plague, Gwyn led his party of Eran, Mosk Manytrees, and Augus Each Uisge to Oengus' tower, seeking Oengus' help to break through Olphix and Davix's magic. Oengus 'attacked' Gwyn with his magic, though it didn't seem to do much other than ruffle his hair, and eventually allowed them into his home, accepting Gwyn's offer of a life debt in exchange for Oengus' aid. He introduced them all to the Gancanagh, then showed them to rooms.

Olphix found Mosk while Mosk was sleeping, in part because of Oengus trying to break through Olphix's spells. Oengus sensed the intrusion and went to Mosk's room, bearing one of his swords and his flute. He began to use his flute against the magic, and stopped Gwyn from interfering. He demanded that Olphix reveal himself. Oengus scanned Mosk, and then dispelled an attack Olphix leveled at the Aur dryad. Oengus repeatedly ordered Olphix to leave, though Olphix refused. Ultimately, Oengus cast Olphix out using his power, and the power of being within his own dominion.

Oengus went to speak to Eran the next morning while Oengus fed the swans. Eran confided in Oengus, admitting he was unsure if he did something wrong, and he enjoyed doing it. Oengus said that Eran was young, and still learning.

Oengus finally broke through Olphix's spell, and contacted the Unseelie Court. Fenwrel made a portal to Oengus' tower, and came through it, alongside Gulvi Dubna Vajat, Julvia Dubna Vajat, and Ash Glashtyn. Oengus greeted them all warmly, particularly Fenwrel. Gwyn, Augus, and the Gancanagh joined them all to discuss what was happening with the ice plague. Ash greeted the Gancanagh warmly, and the Gancanagh returned the warmth, and Ash realized that the Gancanagh had been intimate with Augus, and asked the Gancanagh to say which of them was a better bed partner. Gulvi said it had to be Ash. Oengus said 'I'm not sure about that'.

Julvia called on her life debt with Augus to bring her along on their journey, which Gulvi argued against. Oengus supported Julvia's decision, which angered Gulvi. They moved back to discussing strategy and what they knew of the situation. This revealed that none of them knew Olphix's true alignment, as they all had different opinions on what it was. Gulvi pointed out that Gwyn had issues remembering which alignment he was, which made Oengus curious. Fenwrel pointed out Crielle ferch Fnwy's dra'ocht, which made Oengus figure a few things out about Gwyn's past and Crielle's role in it, and how even *Oengus* been deceived by her to some extent.

The group eventually moved on to eating dinner. The next morning, when Mosk wandered down from his room, Gwyn threatened to have Augus use his compulsions to interrogate Mosk, and Oengus berated Gwyn for treating Mosk so harshly, reminding him that Mosk was a guest of the Unseelie Court, an orphan, a torture victim, someone who managed to 'rid the world of one of the worst magical scourges ever seen', and that Gwyn was treating him cruelly potentially in part because of Mosk's youth and convenience, and it was how Gwyn was used to being treated.

Eran helped Oengus prepare a meal, and asked about his magic and the tower, as well as if Oengus experienced the Gancanagh's dra'ocht. Oengus discussed his friendship with the Gancanagh, and how he was happy to have the group at the tower, for various reasons.

The ice plague finally found the tower, and Oengus held it back long enough for his guests to gather themselves and what belongings they could. Gwyn offered his magic to help, which Oengus took, and then he opened a portal for them all to go through. Oengus promised to follow after them, and the Gancanagh begged him to go with them. Ash ended up using his compulsions to push all but himself, the Gancanagh, and Oengus through, then physically dragged the Gancanagh along. Oengus used a burst of his own flute magic to spur them forward, before he was stabbed with an ice skewer, seemingly while Oengus was smiling. The portal shut behind them.

Eran performed a small memorial for Oengus before the group moved on.

Fenwrel took Oengus' place on the thirteen, temporarily.

## Special Abilities

Oengus could 'make magic just by speaking'. He could also make music by playing notes on his flute, which served as his Mage's staff. Oengus also had spells on his tower that forbid unnamed fae from entering.

## Relationships

#### Ambari

Oengus met Ambari many times, where they talked about Eran.

#### Ash Glashtyn

Ash seemed friendly with Oengus, even embracing him, and Oengus was happy to see him.

#### Augus Each Uisge

Although Oengus seemed to think Augus was a better sexual partner than Ash - implying that he and Augus, and/or perhaps Ash and Oengus, have possibly slept together before, or that Oengus at least respected Augus' professional abilities as a dominant - Oengus called Augus Gwyn's 'base, cruel lover'. He was also rather dismissive of Augus.

#### Caer Ibormeith

According to Oengus, he and Caer loved each other deeply, and he seemingly remained in swan form during his time with her until her death. He still mourned her passing, even after so long, and would not love anyone else like that.

#### Davix and Olphix

Oengus once tutored Davix and Olphix in 'the arts of song and charm and wordplay'. At one point, Oengus called Olphix and Davix his friends. Olphix saw Oengus as a weakling trapped in his memories.

#### Eran Iliakambar

Eran liked Oengus, learned a great deal from him, and offered funereal rites after his passing. Oengus seemed to appreciate Eran's curiosity to some extent.

#### Fenwrel the Mouse-Maiden

Oengus was one of Fenwrel's teachers, and she seems to have some deep fondness for him, which was mutual.

#### The Gancanagh

The Gancanagh loves Oengus, but the love was unrequited on Oengus' part. Oengus cared for the Gancanagh as a 'steadfast, true friend', who was there for Oengus when Oengus was at his lowest.

#### Gulvi Dubna Vajat

Gulvi seemed to disprove of Oengus, at least in part because of how the swan shifters lived at his tower.

#### Gwyn ap Nudd

Oengus and Gwyn were comrades in arms when Gwyn served with the Seelie military. Oengus considered Gwyn's hiding his alignment and going to serve with the Unseelie as a betrayal, but was still fond of him.

#### Julvia Dubna Vajat

Oengus seemed fond of Julvia, and even supported her in her bid to call in Augus' life debt. Julvia seemed friendly towards him.

#### Mosk Manytrees

Mosk disliked Oengus because of Oengus' Mage abilities, and found him intrusive, though Oengus, realizing he'd crossed a boundary with Mosk, apologized, and did his best to make Mosk comfortable. Eran thinks that Oengus viewed Mosk 'as an empty vessel that once held magic' rather than as a person, based on Oengus' comments during Olphix's trespass.

#### The Raven Prince

Oengus had a raven feather in his tower - a gift from the Raven Prince - and the Raven Prince was surprised to hear of Oengus' death. It is unclear if they were acquaintances or friends. After hearing of Oengus' death, the Raven Prince even stated that 'Perhaps . . . I should have stayed' rather than die to avoid Davix and Olphix. They used to discuss poetry, and seemed to share a love of the art of language.

## Quotations

* 'Leave me to decide what debt you might owe the one who wants for nothing except the impossible. And that, Gwyn ap Nudd, is something even you cannot deliver me.'
* 'You are a fool, if you think I do not know what happens in my tower'
* 'Gwyn ap Nudd, you say it is irresponsible to not wield a weapon in a time of war, but it is just as irresponsible to wield a weapon inexpertly. You yourself are as much a weapon as your sword. Do not simply cut a boy down because you can. He is not Cyledr.'
* The Raven Prince: 'Ah, Oengus, who will talk about poetry with me now? Who will understand it like you did?'

## Trivia

* Oengus noted that Olphix and Davix were powerful even when Oengus was born.
* Davix implied that the Mage's Motley, something only Mages are allowed to wear, which they must make themselves, is actually clothing that his species wore (whichever now-extinct species of fae Davix and Olphix are a part of).
* Oengus demanding others tell him their names appears to be relatively odd for fae, at least for one of his time.

## Folklore/Mythology

'In Irish mythology, Aengus or Óengus, also called Mac ind Óic, is one of the Tuatha Dé Danann and probably originally a god associated with youth, love, summer and poetic inspiration. The son of The Dagda and Boann, Aengus is also known as Maccan Óc ("the young boy" or "young son"), and corresponds to the Welsh mythical figure Mabon and the Celtic god Maponos. He plays a central role in five myths reported by medieval Irish texts.'

In one folktale, 'Aengus falls in love with a girl he sees in his dreams. His mother, Boann, goddess of the River Boyne, and a cow goddess whose milk formed the Milky Way (Bealach na Bó Finne, or the White Cow's Way in Irish), searches Ireland for a year, then his father, the Dagda, does the same. Finally, King Bodb Derg of Munster finds her after a further year. Aengus visits the lake of the Dragon's Mouth and finds 150 girls chained in pairs, including Caer Ibormeith, the girl from his dreams, among them. Every second Samhain, Caer and the other girls transform into swans for a year. Aengus is told he can marry Caer if he can identify her in swan form. Aengus turns himself into a swan and they fly away, singing beautiful music that puts all who listen to sleep for three days and nights.' 'Aengus owns a sword named Moralltach, the Great Fury, given to him by Manannan mac Lir. . . . In Scottish folklore Aengus possesses a golden harp with silver strings, and when he plays it maidens and youths follow the music through the woods.'

## Image Gallery

Fanart of King Oengus Og by brenoftarth https://brenoftarth.tumblr.com/post/176755084599/one-of-not-poignants-ocs-oengus-he-wont-get
## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 not\_poignant. “The Ice Plague: Book 1 - The Forest of Fire.” *The Fae Tales Verse. Archive of Our Own,* 26 July 2018. https://archiveofourown.org/works/12036105/chapters/35842707. Chapter 25: Circling Back Around.
2. ↑ Not-Poignant. "I really like the way the Gancanagh speaks. Also..." *Actually A Little Bit Poignant.* 1 Apr 2018, 12:16 AM. https://not-poignant.tumblr.com/post/172469433098/i-really-like-the-way-the-gancanagh-speaks-also.
3. ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 not\_poignant. “The Ice Plague: Book 1 - The Forest of Fire.” *The Fae Tales Verse. Archive of Our Own,* 15 June 2018. https://archiveofourown.org/works/12036105/chapters/34608941. Chapter 22: Twisting and Turning.
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 not\_poignant. “The Ice Plague: Book 1 - The Forest of Fire.” *Fae Tales Verse. Archive of Our Own,* 30 March 2018. https://archiveofourown.org/works/12036105/chapters/32604021. Chapter 18: Sparks of Revelation.
5. ↑ 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 5.11 5.12 not\_poignant. “The Ice Plague: Book 1 - The Forest of Fire.” *The Fae Tales Verse. Archive of Our Own,* 13 April 2018. https://archiveofourown.org/works/12036105/chapters/33001740. Chapter 19: Stronger Than Love.
6. ↑ not\_poignant. “The Ice Plague: Book 1 - The Forest of Fire.” *The Fae Tales Verse. Archive of Our Own,* 1 June 2018. https://archiveofourown.org/works/12036105/chapters/34291400. Chapter 21: Truths Will Out.
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 not\_poignant. “The Ice Plague: Book 1 - The Forest of Fire.” *Fae Tales Verse. Archive of Our Own,* 29 June 2018. https://archiveofourown.org/works/12036105/chapters/34995836. Chapter 23: The Arrow's Path.
8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 not\_poignant. “The Ice Plague: Book 1 - The Forest of Fire.” *The Fae Tales Verse. Archive of Our Own,* 10 August 2018. https://archiveofourown.org/works/12036105/chapters/36302208. Chapter 26: A Familiar Blue.
9. ↑ not\_poignant. “The Ice Plague: Book 3 - The Ice Plague.” *The Fae Tales Verse. Archive of Our Own,* 7 July 2022. https://archiveofourown.org/works/26266345/chapters/100527858. Chapter 36: The Light Fades.
10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 not\_poignant. “The Ice Plague: Book 1 - The Forest of Fire.” *The Fae Tales Verse. Archive of Our Own,* 16 March 2018. https://archiveofourown.org/works/12036105/chapters/32210853. Chapter 17: So It Is.
11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 not\_poignant. “The Ice Plague: Book 2 - The Seething Seas.” *The Fae Tales Verse. Archive of Our Own,* 6 June 2019. https://archiveofourown.org/works/17959874/chapters/45419827. Chapter 7: Tell Me a Story.
12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 not\_poignant. “The Ice Plague: Book 2 - The Seething Seas.” *The Fae Tales Verse. Archive of Our Own,* 7 November 2019. https://archiveofourown.org/works/17959874/chapters/50852635. Chapter 18: Long Past Due.
13. ↑ not\_poignant. “The Ice Plague: Book 2 - The Seething Seas.” *The Fae Tales Verse. Archive of Our Own,* 30 August 2019. https://archiveofourown.org/works/17959874/chapters/48516644. Chapter 13: The Glory of the House of Atros.
14. ↑ not\_poignant. “The Ice Plague: Book 3 - The Ice Plague.” *The Fae Tales Verse. Archive of Our Own,* 9 June 2022. https://archiveofourown.org/works/26266345/chapters/98951628. Chapter 34: Our Losses - Our Gains.
15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 "Aengus". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aengus. Accessed 2 May 2021.