Celtic Mythology Blog
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Aint No Athair Like the Olathair.
Athair is the modern Irish word for 'Father' and 'Olathair' is an old Irish name that ties directly with one very singular deity. Olathair is best translated as 'great' or 'ample' father and there is only one God of Ireland that fits both of those descriptors very comfortably. He is an Dagda. -
The Dagda is as the Dagda Does.
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 Three Strains
One of the most welcomed people in this skilled society were the bard's whose performances added much needed cheer in tales songs and music. Of course there are many who could turn their hand to an instrument, but there were few who could claim true mastery of it. -
With Great God Comes Great Responsibility!
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. -
The Dagda - I'm not 'Good'... I'm just Good at it!
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 - Do the Work
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. -
Drinking with the Dagda - A Lesson in the Power of Words
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. -
What Would Dagda Do?
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. -
A Body Made of Daggers - The Mórrígan by An Scéalaí Beag
We had a recent question from our community regarding the source of the text for one of our best selling T-Shirts and I realized that, though it stands on its own, sometimes the back story adds to the appreciation.
So, 'What is the background to this quote?'...
“A Body Made Of Daggers. Forged In The Heat Of Her Rage. Sharpened Upon The Wheel Of Her Intent.”
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'Good God' - The Dagda, Irish God of Hearth and Home
'Good God' - Let's talk about The Dagda, Irish God of Hearth and Home.
There are many amazing and wondrous things to learn about the Dagda. It can be hard to know where to start. Hopefully we can give some insights on that here.
