Lugh, Celtic Sun God, Shining One, Celtic Mythology Celtic Mythology Irish Mythology The Partholonians Kelpies Lugh The god Lugh whose name means "shining one" was a Celtic sun god. He was handsome, perpetually youthful, and full of life and energy. This energy manifests itself especially in the number of skills he had, according to legend, mastered. He was the patron god of Lugdunum (cur: Lyon, France) and a solar deity. According to a prophecy, Balor, the god of the underworld was to be killed by his grandson. He locked his daughter, Ethlinn, in a tower made of crystal to keep her from becoming pregnant. However, Cian, one of the Tuatha de Danaan, with the help of the druidess Birog, managed to enter the tower. She gave birth to a son, Lugh, by him, but Balor threw him into the ocean. Birog saved him and gave him to Manannan mac Lir, who became his foster father. He was then nursed by Tailtiu. Lugh was also sometimes considered a son of Danu and Beli. Lugh was ingenious.

One Irish tale relates of how the god travelled to Tara, and arrived during a feast for the royal court. Lugh was met by the gatekeeper, and was asked what talent he had, for it was a tradition there that only those who had a special ability could enter the palace. The god said: "I am a wright", to which the gatekeeper replied "We already have a wright, your services aren't needed here". Lugh persisted "I am a smith". Again, the guard said the court had a smith that was quite adequate; but the god was not to be dissuaded. Lugh then noted that he was also a champion, a swordsman nonpareil, a harpist, a hero, a poet, an historian, a sorcerer, and a craftsman. The gatekeeper merely nodded his head, and stated bluntly that all these trades were represented in the court by other members of the Tuatha de Danaan. "Ah, but you do have an individual who possesses all of them simultaneously?", was Lugh's clever reply. The guard was forced to admit his defeat, and so Lugh entered and joined the festivities.

Lugh Lamhfada led the Tuatha in the Second Battle of Mag Tuireadh against the Fomorians. During this battle, Balor killed King Nuada with his eye, but Lugh ripped the fatal eye out with a sling, killing Balor. Lugh was husband of Rosmerta. After the god Nuada lost an arm in the Second Battle of Magh Tuiredh and was forced to abdicate his kingship since he was no longer perfect, Lugh became the leader of the Tuatha De Danaan. Lugh's name is the origin of that of the Pagan festival Lughnasadh (which is also the Irish Gaelic name for the month of August). He was the father of Cuchulainn by Dechtere. His daughter was Ebliu, she married Fintan. Alternative forms: Lug (Old Irish), Lugos (Gaulish). Epithets/Cognomens: Lamfhada ("of the long arm" in Irish), Samildanach ("versatile in every art" in Irish) Lugos is also a commune in the Gironde département, in France.

Among the places named after him are: France: Lugdunum (cur: Lyon), Lugdunum Clavatum (cur: Laon), Lusignan, Loudun, Montlucon Switzerland: Lugano, Locarno, Lugarus Romania: Lugoj Italy+Spain: Logo Lug handles are a kind of flattened knob attached to the side of pottery. Lugs may have small perforations to take a cord. They are sometimes found on prehistoric ceramics such as Hembury ware. Lugh, the Celtic Craftsman God Updated July 10, 2016. Patron of the Arts: Similar to the Roman god Mercury, Lugh was known as a god of both skill and the distribution of talent. There are countless inscriptions and statues dedicated to Lugh, and Julius Caesar himself commented on this god's importance to the Celtic people. Although he was not a war god in the same sense as the Roman Mars , Lugh was considered a warrior because to the Celts, skill on the battlefield was a highly valued ability. In Ireland, which was never invaded by Roman troops, Lugh is called sam ildanach, meaning he was skilled in many arts simultaneously.

Lugh Enters the Hall of Tara: In one famous legend, Lugh arrives at Tara, the hall of the high kings of Ireland. The guard at the door tells him that only one person will be admitted with a particular skill -- one blacksmith, one wheelwright, one bard, etc. Lugh enumerates all the great things he can do, and each time the guard says, "Sorry, we've already got someone here who can do that." Finally Lugh asks, "Ah, but do you have anyone here who can do them ALL?" At last, Lugh was allowed entrance to Tara. The Book of Invasions: Much of the early history of Ireland is recorded in the Book of Invasions, which recounts the many times Ireland was conquered by foreign enemies. According to this chronicle, Lugh was the grandson of one of the Fomorians, a monstrous race that were the enemy of the Tuatha De Danann . Lugh's grandfather, Balor of the Evil Eye, had been told he would be murdered by a grandson, so he imprisoned his only daughter in a cave. One of the Tuatha seduced her, and she gave birth to triplets.

Balor drowned two of them, but Lugh survived and was raised by a smith. He later led the Tuatha in battle, and indeed killed Balor. Roman Influence: Julius Caesar believed that most cultures worshipped the same gods and simply called them by different names. In his Gallic War essays, he enumerates the popular deities of the Gauls and refers to them by what he saw as a corresponding Roman name. Thus, references made to Mercury actually are attributed to a god Caesar also calls Lugus -- Lugh. This god's cult was centered in Lugundum, which later became Lyon, France. His festival on August 1 was selected as the day of the Feast of Augustus, by Caesar's successor, Octavian Augustus Caesar , and it was the most important holiday in all of Gaul. Weapons and War: Although not specifically a war god, Lugh was known as a skilled warrior. His weapons included a mighty magic spear, which was so bloodthirsty that it often tried to fight without its owner. According to Irish myth, in battle, the spear flashed fire and tore through the enemy ranks unchecked.

In parts of Ireland, when a thunderstorm rolls in, the locals say that Lugh and Balor are sparring - thus giving Lugh one more role, as a god of storms. The Many Aspects of Lugh: According to Peter Beresford Ellis , the Celts held smithcraft in high regard. War was a way of life, and smiths were considered to have magical gifts -- after all, they were able to master the element of Fire, and mold the metals of the earth using their strength and skill. Yet in Caesar's writings, there are no references to a Celtic equivalent of Vulcan, the Roman smith god. In early Irish mythology, the smith is called Goibhniu, and is accompanied by two brothers to create a triple god-form. The three craftsmen make weaponry and carry out repairs on Lugh's behalf as the entire host of the Tuatha De Danann prepares for war. In a later Irish tradition, the smith god is seen as a master mason or a great builder. In some legends, Goibhniu is Lugh's uncle who saves him from Balor and the monstrous Formorians.

One God, Many Names The Celts had many gods and goddesses, due in part to the fact that each tribe had its own patron deities, and within a region there might be gods associated with particular locations or landmarks. For example, a god who watched over a particular river or mountain might only be recognized by the tribes who lived in that area. Lugh was fairly versatile, and was honored nearly universally by the Celts. The Gaulish Lugos is connected to the Irish Lugh, who in turn is connected to the Welsh Llew Llaw Gyffes. Celebrating the Harvest of Grain The Book of Invasions tells us that Lugh came to be associated with grain in Celtic mythology after he held an harvest fair in honor of his foster mother , Tailtiu. This day became August 1, and that date ties in with the first grain harvest in agricultural societies in the Northern Hemisphere. In fact, in Irish Gaelic, the word for August is lunasa. Lugh is honored with corn, grains, bread, and other symbols of the harvest. This holiday was called Lughnasadh (pronounced Loo-NA-sah).

Later, in Christian England the date was called Lammas, after the Saxon phrase hlaf maesse, or "loaf mass." An Ancient God for Modern Times For many Pagans and Wiccans, Lugh is honored as the champion of artistry and skills . Many artisans, musicians, bards, and crafters invoke Lugh when they need assistance with creativity. Today Lugh is still honored at the time of harvest, not only as a god of grain but also as a god of late summer storms. Even today, in Ireland many people celebrate Lughnasadh with dancing, song, and bonfires. The Catholic church also has set this date aside for a ritual blessing of farmers' fields. Celtic Gods and Goddesses List Ceridwen is a Celtic shape-shifting goddess of poetic inspiration. She keeps a cauldron of wisdom. She is the mother of Taliesin. Cernunnos Cernunnos is a horned god associated with fertility, nature, fruit, grain, the underworld, and wealth, and especially associated with horned animals like the bull, stag, and a ram-headed serpent. Cernunnos is born at the winter solstice and dies at the summer solstice.

Julius Caesar associated Cernunnos with the Roman Underworld god Dis Pater. Source: "Cernunnos" A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology. James McKillop. Oxford University Press, 1998. Epona Epona is a Celtic horse goddess associated with fertility, a cornucopia, horses, asses, mules, and oxen who accompanied the soul on its final journey. Uniquely for the Celtic goddesses, the Romans adopted her and erected a temple to her in Rome. Esus Esus (Hesus) was a Gallic god named along with Taranis and Teutates. Esus is linked with Mercury and Mars and rituals with human sacrifice. He may have been a woodcutter. Latobius Latobius was a Celtic god worshipped in Austria. Latobius was a god of mountains and sky equated with the Roman Mars and Jupiter. Lenus Lenus was a Celtic healing god sometimes equated with the Celtic god Iovantucarus and the Roman god Mars who in this Celtic version was a healing god. Lugh Lugh is a god of craftsmanship or a solar deity, also known as Lamfhada.

As leader of the Tuatha De Danann, Lugh defeated the Fomorians at the Second Battle of Magh. Maponus Maponus was a Celtic god of music and poetry in Britain and France, sometimes associated with Apollo. Medb Medb (or Meadhbh, Méadhbh, Maeve, Maev, Meave, and Maive), goddess of Connacht and Leinster. She had many husbands and figured in the Tain Bo Cuailgne (Cattle Raid of Cooley). She may have been a motyher goddess or historical. Morrigan Morrigan is a Celtic goddess of war who hovered over the battlefield as a crow or raven. She has been equated with Medh. Badb, Macha, and Nemain may have been aspects of her or she was part of a trinity of war goddesses, with Badb and Macha. The hero Cu Chulainn rejected her because he failed to recognize her. When he died, Morrigan sat on his shoulder as a crow. She is usually referred to as "the Morrigan". Source: "Mórrígan" A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology. James McKillop.

Oxford University Press, 1998. Nehalennia was a Celtic goddess of seafarers, fertility and abundance. Nemausicae Nemausicae was a Celtic mother goddesses of fertility and healing. Nerthus Nerthus was a Germanic fertility goddess mentioned in Tacitus' Germania. Nuada Nuada (Nudd or Ludd) is the Celtic god of healing and much more. He had an invincible sword that would cut his enemies in half. He lost his hand in battle which meant that he was no longer eligible to rule as king until his brother made him a silver replacement. He was killed by the god of death Balor. Saitada Saitada was a Celtic goddess from the Tyne Valley in England whose name may mean "goddess of grief." CELTIC GODS AND GODDESSES CELTIC GODS AND GODDESSES Celtic (Gaulish) God of the apple tree. Aine of Knockaine Celtic (Irish) Goddess of love and fertility, later known as the fairy queen. Goddess related to the moon, crops, and farms or cattle.

Aine is revered among Irish herbalists and healers and is said to be responsible for the body's life force. A woman of the Leanan Sidhe (Sweetheart of the Sidhe). Some said she was the daughter of Manannan, some said she was the Morrigan herself. There was a stone, Cathair Aine, belonging to her and if anyone sat on the stone, they would be in danger of losing their wits, sit three times and they would lose them forever. Aine was very revengeful, and it was not a safe thing to offend her. Airmid A healing Goddess of the celtic order of Tuatha de Danaan, Goddess of medicinal plants and keeper of the spring. Regenerates, or brings the dead to life again. Amaethon Celtic (Welsh) God of agriculture, husbandry, and luck. Andraste Celtic (Britania) The moon, divination, rabbit magic. Angus Og Celtic (Irish)God of youth, love, and beauty. One of the Tuatha De Danaan, name means "young son". He had a harp that made irresistible music, and his kisses turned into birds that carried messages of love.

His brugh, underground fairy palace, was on the banks of the Boyne River. Variants: Angus or Oengus of the Brugh, Angus Mac Oc, Oengus Mac In Og. Anu Manifestation magic, moon, air, fertility, prosperity. Celtic (Irish) Goddess of plenty. Mother earth Goddess and maiden aspect of the Morrigu. Aoibhell Celtic (Irish) Another woman of the Sidhe, she made her dwelling in Craig Liath. Legend has it that she gave a golden harp to Meardha, Murchadh's son, when he was getting his schooling at the Sidhe in Connacht and learned of his father's death. Whoever heard the playing of the harp would not live long afterward. It was this harp that Cuchulain heard the time his enemies were gathering against him at Muirthemne, and he knew by the sound that his life was near its end. Arawn Celtic (Welsh) God of the underworld, terror, revenge, and war. Invoke during element of earth. Only when Christian conversion, did the Welsh look on the underworld as hell. Arianrhod "The Silver Wheel", "High Fruitful Mother".

Celtic (Welsh) Goddess, the sister of Gwydion and wife of Donn. Deity of element of Air, reincarnation, full moons, time, karma, retribution. The palace of this sky Goddess was Caer Arianrhold (Aurora Borealis). Keeper of the Silver Wheel of Stars, a symbol of time and karma. Her ship, Oar Wheel, carried dead warriors to Emania (Moon-land). Artio Celtic wildlife Goddess. Babd Catha Celtic (Irish) Goddess of war. Mother aspect of the triple Goddess. Symbolizes life, enlightenment, wisdom and inspiration. Sister of Macha, the Morrigan, and Anu, the name of this Goddess means "boiling," "battle raven," and "scald-crow". Known as Cath Bodva in Gaul. A Mother Goddess and Triple Goddess and part of the trio for which Ireland was named including Eriu and Fotia or Fodla, Badb's cauldron boiled with the ever-producing mixture that produced all life. Variants: Badhbh, Badb, Banba Balor Celtic.

Although he was born with two good eyes, one was ruined in an accident; the eye is so hideous that he only opens it in battle so that its venom will slay whoever is unlucky enough to catch glimpse of it; his daughter marries Cian. Also known as Balor of the Evil Eye. Bel Celtic (Irish) Fire and sun God, also God of purification, science, fertility, crops and success. Symbolizes element of fire, health. A sun and fire God closely connected with the Druids and the festival of Beltaine (May 1). Variants: Belenus, Belinos, Beli Mawr (Wales). Blodeuwedd Celtic (Welsh) Maiden form of the Triple Goddess. She was changed into an owl for committing adultry and plotting to kill Lleu. Symbolizes wisdom, lunar mysteries, initiations. Known to help a garden or a child grow. Known as the Ninefold Goddess of the Western Isles of Paradise and Flower-Face, Goddess was created by Math and Gwydion as a wife for the God Lleu Boann Celtic (Irish) Goddess of the River Boyne and mother of Angus Mac Og by the Dagda.

She was the wife of Nechtan, a god of the water. Likewise, Boann was herself a water-goddess, and one of her myths concerns the water. According to legend, there was a sacred well (Sidhe Nechtan) that contained the source of knowledge. All were forbidden to approach this well, with the exception of the god Nechtan (as was noted, Boann's husband) and his servants. Boann ignored the warnings, and strode up to the sacred well, thus violating the sanctity of the area. For this act, she was punished, and the waters of the defiled well swelled and were transformed into a raging river, a river that pursued her. In some versions, she was drowned; while in others, she managed to outrun the currents. In either case, this water became the river that was known henceforth as the Boyne, and Boann thereafter became the presiding deity. Another aspect of the myth of Boann is that she bore Angus. She and the All father of the Tuatha De Danaan, the Dagda, engaged in an illicit affair that resulted in the birth of this god of love.

However, since both Boann and the Dagdha wished to keep their rendezvous a secret, they used their divine powers to cause the nine month gestation period to last but a single day - or so it seemed, for the sun was frozen in the sky for those nine months, never setting and never rising. On this magical day, Angus emerged into the world. She held the powers of healing. Variants: Boannan, Boyne. Bran Celtic (Irish) God of health. A beautiful woman appeared before Bran and told him to search for a group of islands where there was no sorrow, sickness, death, or evil. He voyaged until he found these islands, most importantly the Isle of Women. He eventually was lured away by a friend, but when he found he was unknown in his native Ireland, he left again. Brother of Branwen and Angus Mac Og. Also known as Bran the Blessed. Branwen Celtic (Irish)Goddess of love and beauty. The sister of Bran the Blessed and Manannan mac Lir, daughter of Lir, and wife of the Irish king Matholwch. Died of a broken heart after Bran's death.

Known as Venus of the Northern Seas Brighid Celtic (Irish). One of the triple Goddesses of the Celtic pantheon. She is the daughter of The Dagda, the All Father of the Tuatha de Danann, one of the most ancient people of Northern Europe. Some say there are actually three Brighids; one is in charge of poetry and inspiration; one is in charge of midwifery and healing, and the last is in charge of crafts and smiths. She probably began as a sun Goddess. According to legend, she was born at sunrise and a tower of flame beamed from her head. As Goddess of fire and water, she is immortalized by many wells and springs. Most important of her monuments, though, was a shrine at Kildare where there was a perpetual flame burning for Brighid. It was tended by nineteen virgins called the Daughters of the Flame, wearing deep crimson habits and bearing swords. They would not talk to men, nor could men come near the shrine. Her feast is St.Brighids Days in Ireland and is the Pagan Festival of Imbolc When Christianity began its onset, so loved was Brighid that she was made a saint.

However, the upkeep on her flame was considered pagan by the church and it was extinguished out of more than a thousand years of burning. St. Brigit remains one of the most popular Irish saints today, along with Saint Patrick. Identical to Juno, Queen of Heaven. Symbolizes human potential. Also known as Brigit, Brigid, Brigindo, Bride. Dark the bitter winter, -Translated from Gaelic text. Bris The Celtic (Irish) God of fertility and agriculture. He is the son of Elatha, a prince of the Fomorians, and the Goddess Eriu. Caer Ibormeith Celtic Celtic(Irish) Goddess of sleep and dreams; and perhaps a less violent version of Mare; daughter of Ethal Anubail, a faery king of Connacht. She often took the form of a swan who lived on a lake called Dragon's Mouth, and wore a copious golden chain with 130 golden balls on a silver chain about her slender neck. She was loved by Aengus MacOg, God of young love. When he awakened from a dream of her he sought her out.

After he found her, he too became a swan, and the two of them flew and sang the sweetest, most restful music ever heard upon this earth. Together they flew away to Bruigh na Boinne, his megalithic site north of Tara, where they sang so wonderfully that the whole of Ireland fell into a peaceful sleep for three days and three nights. Cailleach Celtic (Irish & Scottish) Goddess of disease and plague. A Destroyer, or Crone, Goddess, she was also called "Veiled One". As the Crone, she ruled with the Maiden and the Mother. Monsterous Dogs guarded the gates of her afterworld realm where she received the dead. Celtic myth has her gatekeeper dog named Dormarth "Death's Door". Irish bards who could curse with satire were often called cainte "dog". Camalus "Of the Invisible Sword", "Heaven". Celtic God of war and sky. Similar to Mars, only more vicious. Cernunnos Celtic God of virility, fertility, life, animals, forests and the underworld.

The Horned or Antlered God is born at the winter solstice, marries the Goddess at Beltane, and dies at the summer solstice. He alternates with the Goddess of the moon in ruling over life and death, continuing the cycle of death, rebirth and reincarnation. Symbolizes element of earth, love, fertility, death the virile male aspect and the dark half of the year. The two fold aspect of the God year with the Greenman or Jack o' the Green being his light aspect. This takes on a similarity to the Oak King and Holly King legend. Leads the wild hunt at Samhain, hence the day best associated with the Dark Lord. Also A consort to the mother Goddess. Druids knew him as Hu Gadarn, the Honored God. Ancient Celtic images show him seated in a lotus position, naked, with antlers or horns on his head. Christians demonized this benevolent God for easy conversion and is where the image of the Christian devil comes from(Couldn't be further from facts nor truth but alas yet another tragedy of misdeed and "bearing false witness", to quote a commandment).

Animals that were sacred to him: bull, ran, stag, and horned serpents. Variants: Cerowain, Cernenus, Herne the Hunter. Cerridwen Celtic (Welsh) Moon, Grain and Nature Goddess. Cerridwen's symbol is a white sow. Patron of the poets, greatest of all the bards. She prepared in a cauldron a magical brew which stewed for a year and would yield three precious drops. These would bestow on the receiver the wisdom of the past, the knowledge of the present, and the secrets of the future. Cerridwen symbolizes luck, element of earth, death, fertility, regeneration, inspiration, inspiration, the arts, science, poetry, astrology/zodiac. Cian Celtic (Irish) The father of Lugh Creidhne God of metalworking; one of the trio of craft-gods of the Tuatha De Danaan. Creiddylad Celtic (Welsh) Goddess of flowers, love. A daughter of the sea God Lir, connected with the festival of Beltane and called the May Queen. Variants: Creudylad, Cordelia.

Cyhiraeth Celtic Goddess of streams, her scream fortells death. Coincides with the Beansidhe or Banshee The Dagda Celtic (Irish) God of the Earth and All Father. He mates with his wife The Morrigan or Raven on the Celtic New Years Eve (Samhain) Also had a secret love of Boann. Also a God of death; the father of Brighid. A formidable fighter, but a God of simple tastes who dresses in a brown tunic, hooded cape and leather boots. Dagda had a club which could slew nine men with one end, but could bring back life with the other end. He possessed two swine, one of which was perpetually roasting, the other perpetually growing. His other symbols are the bottomless cauldron of plenty and a harp with which he controls the seasons and is the harp that is seen on many Irish flags and symbolizes Ireland to this day(Hehe, Including the signature symbol for Guiness Beer). God of the arts, knowledge, magic, music, prophecy, prosperity, regeneration.

Known as the "Good God" and "Lord of the Heavens," he was one of the high kings of the Tuatha De Danaan and had four great palaces under hollow hills. Danu Celtic (Irish) Goddess, the mother of The Dagda the All father, Creation Goddess, and Mother of the Tuatha de Danaan. Aspect of the Morrigan or Triple Goddess. Considered to have been an early form of Anu, the Universal Mother. Patroness of wizards. Symbolizes rivers, water, wells, prosperity, magick, and wisdom. Tuatha de Danaan literally means Children or Clan of Danu. The Tuatha de Danaan are the Fae folk of Ireland. EXTREMELY potent Goddess form I easily connect with and work very closely with, personally for most of my rituals and castings. Her celebrations were either Beltane and/or Litha (Summer Solstice) Dewi An old Celtic (Welsh) God represented by a red serpent or dragon. Diancecht Celtic (Irish) God of healing and medicine. Once saved Ireland. Held sacred to the Druids due to healing powers and often called upon for such castings and rituals.

In the first battle of Moy Tura, Nuada lost his hand. Diancecht fashioned a new one of silver and joined it to Nuada's arm. One day, Diancecht's son Miach took what remained of Nuada's original flesh hand, placed it next to Nuada's arm, and spoke an incant. After three days and nights the hand was rejoined to the arm seamlessly. Nuada rejoiced, but Diancecht was furious that his son was a better healer than he was. Diancecht struck Miach thrice on the head with his sword. Miach was able to heal each wound. Diancecht, more furious now, split Miach's head in two, killing him. From Miach's grave grew 365 herbs, each one with curative powers for one of the 365 nerves in the body. Miach's sister, Airmid, picked these herbs and arranged them according to their curative powers. Diancecht became so enraged that his son rivaled him even after death that he scattered the herbs about, hoplessly confusing them. If Diancecht hadn't done this, man would be immortal.

Dis Pater Celtic (Gaulish) God, originally of death and the underworld, eventually the chief of Gods. It is said that Dis Pater is the ancestor of all the Gauls. Don Celtic (Welsh) Queen of the Heavens and Goddess of air and sea. Ruled over the land of the dead. Corresponds to the Celtic (Irish) Goddess Danu. Symbolizes control of the elements, the moon. Druantia "Queen of the Druids". Celtic Fir Goddess and Mother of the tree calender. Symbolizes protection, knowledge, creativity, passion, sex, fertility, growth, trees and forests. Her feast day was Beltane Dylan Celtic (Welsh) sea God and brother of Lleu. Son of the waves, God of the sea. His symbol is a silver fish. Son of Gwydion and Arianrhod. Elaine Celtic (Welsh) aspect of the maiden, she was later transformed in the Arthurian sagas. Epona Celtic (Britania & Gaul) Goddess of horsebreeding, healing spring, prosperity and mountains. Called Divine Horse and the Great Mare, the Goddess of horses was acknowledged and worshipped by Roman soldiers.

Her symbols were horses and dogs. Eostre Celtic (Irish & Britania)Goddess of Spring, worshipped at festivals all over Britain. She gave her name to Easter and some of the present folk customs performed at that time may be traced to those who worshipped her. Pagan feast day, Ostara. Eriu Celtic (Irish)Another of the three Goddesses after which Ireland was named. Along with Banb and Fotia or Fodla. Flidais Celtic (Irish) Goddess of the forest, woodlands, and wild things. She had a magic cow that could produce milk enough for three hundred men in one night. Also a shapeshifter who rode in a deer-drawn chariot. Wife of Ailill. Associated with protection of wild animals. Fodla Celtic (Irish)Third of the trinity of goddesses of Ireland along with Babd and Eriu. Variants: Fotia. Goibhniu Irish and Celtic (Irish & Welsh) God of blacksmiths, weapon-makers, brewing.. Weaponry he forged for the Tuatha de Danaan were said to never miss or dullen. He possessed a potion which made the drinker invincible.

Also called the Great Smith. One of a triad of Tuatha de Danaan craftsmen, the other two craftsmen were Luchtain the wright, and Creidne the brazier. Gwydion Celtic (Welsh) Warrior and magician God, God of enchantment, illusion, magick. Father of Lleu and Dylan. A son of Donn, the sea Goddess, and brother to Govannon, Arianrhod, and Amaethon (God of agriculture). Known as a great wizard and bard in northern Wales. He was many skilled, like the Irish God Lugh. He was a shapeshifter whose symbol was a white horse. Gwynn Ap Nudd Celtic (Welsh)-Celtic God of the underworld. Originally a war God who hunted men's souls and lead them to Annwn, the land of the dead. In Celtic (Welsh) legend he is the king of the faeries and elves. First known as King of the Fairies and Lord of the Underworld, this God later ruled over the Plant Annwn, subterranean fairies. Also known as Gwynwas. Labraid Celtic (Irish) God of the underworld.

Corresponds with Gwynn Ap Nudd. Llew Llaw Gyffes Celtic (Irish & Welsh) God of harpers, healing, poets, smiths, sorcerers, and waters. Son of Arianrhod and raised by his uncle Gwydion. A curse prohibited him from having and earthly wife, so his uncles made him one out of flowers and named her Blodeuwedd. She and her lover, Gronw Pebr, plotted Llew's death, but because of Llew's divine origins, the death simply became an annual duel between the two men. His symbol is a white stag, and is celebrated on August 1, the Celtic ceremony of Lughnasadh. Variants: Llud Llaw Ereint, Llew, Lleu, Lugh Llyr Irish and Celtic (Welsh) God of waters and the sea. May have also ruled the underworld. The father of Manawydan, Bran the Blessed, and Branwen. Variants: Lyr, Lir. Lugh Celtic (Welsh, Irish) God, also known as Lleu, Llew and Lugh the Many Skilled.

He is a druid, carpenter, poet, and mason. His animals are the raven and the lynx. He symbolizes healing, reincarnation, prophecy, and revenge. Also a Sun God as well hence the Pagan Sabbath Lughnasadh, his namesake. Son of Cian, a Tuatha de Danaan. Of legend, his skills were without end; in Ireland he was associated with ravens; and a white stag as his symbol in Wales. He had a magic spear and otherworldly hounds. I am Lugh Samildanach I am Lugh the Il-Dana I am Lugh, master of the battle I am Lugh, master of healing I am Lugh, master of knowledge I am Lugh, master of sailing I am Lugh, master of sorcery I am Lugh, master of smithing. -"The Coming of Lugh", Iarwain. Luchta Celtic (Irish)God of wrights; one of the triad of craft-gods of the Tuatha De Danaan Macha Celtic (Irish) Goddess of war, life, and death.

Goddess of cunning, death, sheer physical force; protectoress in both battle and peace. Known as the Crow or Raven as she wore a cloak of Raven�s feathers, often appeared as a Raven or Crow, Queen of Phantoms, and the Mother of Life and Death, she was honored at Lughnasadh or Samhain. Variants: Mania, Mana, Mene, and Minne. Maeve Celtic Goddess of Earth, fertility and war. Also known as Queen Maeve and known as Mebd. She was a great conqueror and enjoyed enslaving the men of the Armies she defeated as spoils of war to pleasure her at will. A VERY lustful woman. Also known as the "Drunk Woman". The mere sight of Maeve or Medb blinds enemies, and she runs faster than the fastest horse. A lewd woman, she needs thirty men a day to ease her sexual appetite. Also a fertility Goddess. Manannan Mac Lir - (May-nah-naun Mac Leer) Celtic (Irish & Welsh)Patron of sailors and merchants.

His famed possessions include the yellow shaft, the red javelin, the boat, the wave-sweeper, a horse called Splendid Mane, and three swords named retaliator, great fury, and little fury, the chief Irish sea God whose special retreat was the Isle of Man. In Wales his name was Manawydan Ap Llyr. He also had a suit of armor that made him invisible; and his swine kept the Tuatha de Danaan from aging. He has the gift of immortality Margawse Celtic (Britania & Welsh) mother aspect of the Goddess, she was transformed in the later Arthurian sagas. Math Mathonwy Celtic ( Irish & Welsh) God of magick, sorcery, and enchantment. Legend has him as a king who was also a God of enchantment and magick. Mider Celtic God of the underworld. Morrigan "The Great Queen". Celtic Goddess of war and death who could take the shape of a crow or raven. Supreme warrior Goddess. She is associated with the sometimes frightening aspects of female energy. Married to the Daghda. She symbolizes the power of fertility, the dark Goddess' prowess, death, war, fate.

A shapeshifting war Goddess of sensuality, magic, prophecy, revenge, war. Known as Great Queen, Supreme War Goddess, Queen of Phantoms, and Specter Queen, she kept company with Fea (hateful), Badb (fury), and Macha (battle). Also known as a Triple Goddess form Maiden, Mother and Crone. Variants: Morrigu, Morrighan, Morgan. Myrrdin "Merlin", Celtic (Britania, Irish & Welsh) Sorcerer, Druid, Wizard and Magician. Originally an ancient Welsh Druid, priest of the old religion, and great magician. He was transformed in the later Arthurian sagas. Tradition says he learned his powerful magic from the Goddess in her forms of Morrigan, Viviane, Nimue, and Lady of the Lake. Legend says he now lies sleeping in a hidden crystal cave. Variants: Merddin, Merlyn. Nantosuelta Celtic (Gaulish) Goddess of nature, valley, and streams. Her symbol, like the Celtic (Irish) Goddess Morrigan's, is a raven. Neit Celtic (Irish) God of battle.

Nemain Celtic (Irish) Name means, "Panic". Celtic war Goddess. Niamh (Nee-av) Celtic (Irish) Goddess of beauty and brightness. Helps heroes at their death. Nostiluca Celtic (Gaulish) Witch Goddess. Nuada - (Noo-ada) Celtic (Irish & Welsh) God of harpers, healing, historians, magic, poets, warfare, writing. King of the Tuatha de Danaan at one time, he had to step down when he lost his hand in battle; it was replaced by a silver one. Variants: Lud, Lludd, Llaw, Ereint, Nudd, Nodens. Ogma A great Celtic (Irish) Warrior God often associated with Heracles. Patron God of scholars and eloquence from Gaul. He invented the runic language of the Druids, the Ogham alphabet. His name means "sun face" or �Honey Mouthed�. Married Etain. Symbolizes image and poppet magic, incantations, charms, health, eloquence, genius, inspiration, language.

Also known as Ogmios, Oghma, Grianainech (sun face), Cermait (honey-mouthed). Olwen Celtic (Welsh) Goddess of flowers and springtime. Also symbolizes love and re-birth. Under the forgotten oak -ForestCloud Pwyll Celtic (Welsh) God, prince who married the Goddess Rhiannon and bore a son, Pryderi. God of cunning, virtue. Called Pwyll pen Annwn (Pwyll, head of Annwn) because he replaced Gwynn ap Nudd as ruler of the underworld at one time. Scathach (Scau-ahch) Celtic (Irish & Scottish) Goddess of healing, magic, fighting arts, prophecy. Called the Shadowy One, She Who Strikes Fear, and the Dark Goddess, she was a warrior woman and prophetess who lived in Albion, possibly on the Isle of Skye, and taught fighting arts. Variants: Scota, Scatha, Scath. Rhiannon Celtic (Welsh) Patron Goddess of horses and birds considered the counterpart of the Gaulish Goddess Epona. She symbolizes fertility, the moon, enchantment, charms, and poetic incantations.

Rhiannon gave birth to a baby boy, and while she slept, her nurses were supposed to watch over the child. But they failed in the task, and the child was mysteriously abducted during the night. Before Rhiannon awoke, the nurses found that the baby had disappeared, and fearing revenge, they smeared the blood from the dog's bones around Rhiannon's sleeping body. When she awoke, they declared that she had devoured the child. Judgement was passed, and Rhiannon's punishment was to remain in the palace of Narberth for seven years. Every day, she would sit near a horse block, and relate her story to everyone who passed unless they had knew it already. She also had to offer to guests and strangers in on her back. Forunately for her, they rarely accepted the offer and permitted her to perform her penance. Rosmerta "The Great Provider". Celtic Goddess of fertility and wealth. Her symbols are a cornucopia [horn of plenty] and a stick with two snakes. She may be invoked for fertility or money. Sequana Celtic (Irish) Goddess of the river Shannon. Smertios Celtic (Gaulish) war deity.

Sucellus Celtic (Gaulish) God of agriculture and the forest, ferries souls to the underworld. His consort is Nantosvelta. Taliesin Celtic (Welsh) God of song, known as Prince of Song, Chief of the Bards of the West, and Patron God of the Druids, he was a great magician, bard, and shapeshifter who gained his knowledge from the Goddess Cerridwen directly. Taranis Celtic (Gaulish) Thunder God. See also Jupiter. Variants: Taranus Tephi Celtic (Irish) Goddess who co-founded tea. Teutates Celtic (Gaulish) God of war, money, and fertility worshipped mainly in Gaul. See also Mars. The White Lady Celtic all Celtic countries; goddess of death and destruction. Called the Dryad of Death and Queen of the Dead, this goddess was a Crone aspect of the Goddess. BACK TO... Lúgh Why Lugh? Lugh was, and is, perhaps the most popular of the Celtic gods. With pan-Celtic appeal, he was worshipped throughout the Celtic world and was popular among all classes of people from kings to shoemakers to farmers.

He is often depicted in triplicate or described by the plural form of his name, which possibly indicates that he can be many places at once, or assist in multiple endevours. Lugh is intimately entwined with many aspects of public and private life. He presides over lightning, the harvest, protection, healing, the union of opposites, skill in any endevour, success, victory, games, especially Fidchell/Chess, ball sports, especially hurling, and by historical extension, hockey, horse racing, commerce, the marketplace, shoes, journeys, borders and boundaries, doorways, communication, social contracts, and oaths. Why an on-line Shrine? In the Romano-Celtic period, offerings were made of prayers written on tablets, which were then thrown into springs, left at shrines, or otherwise put in places where the god was deemed to be near. As a liminal god, who can be many places at once, and presides over lightning (electricity) and communication, the internet would seem to be an appropriate 'place' for offerings to Lugh, thus this electronic shine is decicated to him.

Of course, the more traditional locations for his sacred sites remain borders, fords, doorways, market places, and hill tops. Please go to Lugh's Prayer Page to read prayers dedicated to Lugh or to offer a prayer of your own to him. To participate in discussions about Lugh, please join us at the Yahoo! group Cró Loga . Lugh, Celtic Sun God - Windows to the Universe Artist's image of Lugh, the Sun god. Click on image for full size Nate Proulx, Windows to the Universe Original Lugh For the Celts, who lived in central Europe, Lugh was a Sun god. The underworld god Balor was his grandfather. Balor was the leader of the Fomorii. The Fomorii were evil people that lived in the underworld. According to a prophecy, Balor was to be killed by a grandson. To prevent the happening of the prophecy, Balor tried to kill his grandson, but Lugh miraculously survived. Lugh was secretly raised by the god of the sea ,Manannan, and became an expert warrior.

When he reached manhood, he joined the peoples of the goddess Dana, named the Tuatha De Danaan, to help them in their struggle against the Fomorii and Balor. Balor had an evil eye capable of killing whomever looked at it. Lugh threw a magic stone ball into Balor's eye, and killed Balor. Lugh corresponds to the Welsh god Lleu and the Gallic Lugos. From Lugh's name derives the names of modern cities such as Lyon, Laon and Leyden. Today, people remember the figure of Lugh with a festival which commemorates the beginning of the harvest in August. Shop Windows to the Universe Science Store!

Question: Who is the Celtic sun-god?
Answer: Lugh