Celtic Mythology Blog

In the ancient past of Ireland the art of crafting poetry was highly regarded as one of the greatest skills. There was not a Hero who could call themselves such if they could not recite certain stanzas from memory as well as display the mental agility to create their own words right there upon the spot. Though of all of the famous poets and poems of Ireland's past there can be none that compare to the Morrigan.

Whatever version of the tales you choose to follow, one thing cannot be denied. Oghma has always had a significant impact on the world around him. Battling oppression for his people. Serving the needs of his tribe. Pushing the scope of learning in new ways. To this day ogham, the script bears the name of the intellect, poet, warrior and word smith that created it. To this day, Ogham can be found carved upon the rock, some might say the very bones, of Ireland.

What kind of person could the Tuatha Dé Danann choose as their Champion?
For an answer one must simply look to Oghma.

Brighid is an expert at what she does and knows exactly how much her material can take, even though we may not. Those who come through this process can truly be considered forged by fire.

In Irish, the word Cailleach originally signified a nun, coming from the latin word 'pallium' which means veil. Over time it came to mean 'old woman' or 'hag'. MAybe its not hard to see how this, added to the ancient beliefs of power and mysticism, then filtered through the lens of the popular media representation, leads us to it's current use for 'witch'.

The Táin Bó Cúailnge or Cattle Raid of Cooley is one of Ireland's most famous epic sagas. Forming a core element of the Ulster Cycle of Ireland's ancient lore, it plays out with Medb, the Mórrígan, Conchobhar and many other well known characters, one of the most interesting and engaging conflicts between provinces, Otherworldly powers, and rival rulers.

There is a saying that knowledge is power. The knowing of a thing leads to understanding and in understanding we are empowered. Might I suggest you take some time to get to know Mananán Mac Lír, so that you too may be prepared for when the Otherworld calls.

The Dagda is known by many names among the Tuatha Dé Danann. To some he is Ollathair, the 'Great Father', to others he is Fer Benn, the 'horned man' but though he carries many names upon him there is something more that is acknowledged by his tribe. That he is The Dagda, the 'Good God' or 'Goodly one' possessed of all druidic power and wisdom.

The Dagda is a God of labour, but also a God of balance and rest. Of getting what you deserve for the efforts you put in. Honouring Him is not as hard as you might think, it can be quite easy in fact... just Do the Work.

The Dagda is known as 'the Good God' of the Tuatha Dé Danann. Possessed of every druidic art and occult knowledge. He uses his harp to turn the seasons, his cauldron to feed all who come to it, and his club to take and restore life. All in all, He's kind of a big deal. So let me share with you a story. A personal tale of Dagda work, the layers of the Irish language, the power of words, and the foolishness of a bard.

The Mórrígan is an expert at the long game - for her perspective is not measured in days or months, but in decades and indeed centuries. She will always take that which is of use to Her, but for those she calls there is greater personal work required. To achieve that which She expects, one must gather their valour and be ready to gaze upon the battlefield, for in Her service we can gain glimpses of fate to aid in the manifestation of Her design.

The Tuatha Dé Danann came into Ireland as immigrants descended from emigrants. They are said to have been a people skilled in every art and possessing all manner of occult knowledge having traveled far and wide in its seeking. Among these people came The Dagda into Ireland. The tribe of Danú included many a master - the healer Dian Cecht, the smith Goibhniu, the champion Ogma and even Lugh known as the ildanach 'he of many skills' - yet it was the Dagda who was called the chief God, even among them, for his abilities.

Goibhniu's story is one of the power of creation; for in the act of crafting an item is the intimate knowledge of that item, as it comes into being with your own hand. When one possesses complete and intimate knowledge of a thing, then there is no mystery to it... and in a way, no harm that can come from it.