Said the Dagda: ‘The power which ye boast I shall wield it all by myself.’ ‘It is thou art the Dagda (good hand)’ saith everyone: wherefore thenceforward the name ‘Dagda’ adhered to him.
The Tuatha Dé Danann came into Ireland as the descendants of those who had emigrated to avoid oppression. They took rule of the land and began to prosper, yet there were dark times in their future. Something which could not have escaped the notice of those gifted in prophecy.
The Lebor Gabála Eireann, or Book of Invasions tells of the coming to Ireland of the Tuatha Dé Dannan. As this tribe struggled to establish themselves upon the land and then defend it from invasion and war, there was one among the heroes who offered to do all that any other could volunteer. The lore tells us that they called him An Dagda as he was their Great God of druidry and magic.
What deeds could there be had if there were no one to record and remember them? Who would recall the names of the slain in times to come if not for the observation of their passing? Who could stand and gaze into the harming and slaying with a will to see, with a mind to recall every detail, and with a heart that could not be broken?
Said the Dagda: ‘The power which ye boast I shall wield it all by myself.’ ‘It is thou art the Dagda (good hand)’ saith everyone: wherefore thenceforward the name ‘Dagda’ adhered to him.
The Tuatha Dé Danann came into Ireland as the descendants of those who had emigrated to avoid oppression. They took rule of the land and began to prosper, yet there were dark times in their future. Something which could not have escaped the notice of those gifted in prophecy.
The Lebor Gabála Eireann, or Book of Invasions tells of the coming to Ireland of the Tuatha Dé Dannan. As this tribe struggled to establish themselves upon the land and then defend it from invasion and war, there was one among the heroes who offered to do all that any other could volunteer. The lore tells us that they called him An Dagda as he was their Great God of druidry and magic.
What deeds could there be had if there were no one to record and remember them? Who would recall the names of the slain in times to come if not for the observation of their passing? Who could stand and gaze into the harming and slaying with a will to see, with a mind to recall every detail, and with a heart that could not be broken?
