Lugh
Lugh is a major figure in Irish and broader Celtic mythology, known as a sun god, a skilled craftsman, and a powerful warrior. He is also associated with light, justice, and craftsmanship. Lugh is often depicted with epithets like "Lugh Lámfada" (long-armed) and "Lugh Samildánach" (skilled in all arts).
Lugh’s connection to the sun reinforces his role as a bringer of light, both literal and metaphorical. As a solar deity, he embodies illumination, growth, and the cyclical nature of life. This association makes him a patron of agriculture and sustenance, tying him to the natural rhythms of the earth.
One of Lugh’s most iconic attributes is his spear, known as Gáe Assail or the “Spear of Assal.” This weapon is said to be unstoppable, capable of defeating any foe, and often requires careful containment due to its immense power. The spear symbolizes Lugh’s martial prowess, precision, and the focused application of his many talents.
As a sun god, Lugh represents the cycles of life and the interplay between light and shadow. His myths often involve themes of overcoming darkness, as seen in his defeat of Balor, and the restoration of balance. This role emphasizes his importance in ensuring the prosperity of both the land and its people. Lugh is typically described as a youthful warrior. In the brief narrative Baile in Scáil, Lugh is described as being very large and very beautiful and a spear-wielding horseman. [2]
When he appears before the wounded Cú Chulainn in the Táin Bó Cúalnge he is described as follows:
A man fair and tall, with a great head of curly yellow hair. He has a green mantle wrapped about him and a brooch of white silver in the mantle over his breast. Next to his white skin, he wears a tunic of royal satin with red-gold insertion reaching to his knees. He carries a black shield with a hard boss of white-bronze. In his hand a five-pointed spear and next to it a forked javelin. Wonderful is the play and sport and diversion that he makes (with these weapons). But none accosts him and he accosts none as if no one could see him.
Lugh's horse and magic boat
Lugh had a horse named Aenbharr which could fare over both land and sea. Like much of his equipment, it was furnished to him by the sea god Manannán mac Lir. When the Children of Tuireann asked to borrow this horse, Lugh begrudged them, saying it would not be proper to make a loan of a loan. Consequently, Lugh was unable to refuse their request to use Lugh's currach (coracle) or boat, the "Wave-Sweeper" (Irish: Sguaba Tuinne).
Lugh in the Second Battle of Moytura
One of the most famous tales involving Lugh is the Second Battle of Moytura, a pivotal event in Irish mythology that highlights his strategic brilliance and martial prowess. In this epic conflict, the Tuatha Dé Danann face the oppressive Fomorians, a race of monstrous beings led by Balor, a fearsome giant with a deadly eye.
Lugh’s entry into the tale is marked by his rejection at the gates of Tara, the seat of the Tuatha Dé Danann, where he seeks entry. He is initially denied because the gods believe they have no need for another member. However, Lugh cleverly asserts his worth by demonstrating his mastery of multiple disciplines, including blacksmithing, poetry, magic, and warfare. His versatility earns him a place among the gods, setting the stage for his pivotal role in the battle.
During the Second Battle of Moytura, Lugh’s leadership and tactical acumen prove instrumental in rallying the Tuatha Dé Danann against the Fomorians. In the climactic moment of the battle, Lugh confronts his grandfather, Balor. Using his sling or spear—accounts vary—Lugh strikes Balor’s poisonous eye, killing him and turning the tide of the conflict. This victory not only secures freedom for the Tuatha Dé Danann but also establishes Lugh as a saviour figure in Celtic mythology.
As a sun god, Lugh represents the cycles of life and the interplay between light and shadow. His myths often involve themes of overcoming darkness, as seen in his defeat of Balor, and the restoration of balance. This role emphasizes his importance in ensuring the prosperity of both the land and its people.[3]
Etymology
The meaning of Lugh's name is still a matter of debate. Some scholars propose that it derives from a suggested Proto-Indo-European root *(h2)lewgh- meaning "to bind by oath" (compare Old Irish luige and Welsh llw, both meaning "oath, vow, act of swearing" and derived from a suffixed Proto-Celtic form, *lugiyo-, "oath"), suggesting that he was originally a god of oaths and sworn contracts. When Balor meets Lugh in the Second Battle of Moytura he calls Lugh a "babbler".
In the past his name was generally believed to come from another suggested Proto-Indo-European root *leuk-, "flashing light", and since the Victorian era he has often been considered a sun god, similar to the Greco-Roman Apollo. However, the figure of Lugh in Irish mythology and literature is thought by academics to be a better match with a romanized god identified with Mercury, described by Julius Caesar in his De Bello Gallico.
Toponymy
The County of Louth in Ireland is named after the village of Louth, which is named after the Celtic sun god Lugh. Historically, the place name has had various spellings; "Lugmad", "Lughmhaigh", and "Lughmhadh" (see Historic Names List, for full listing). Lú is the modern simplified spelling. Other places named for Lugh include the cairn at Seelewey (Suidhe Lughaidh, or Lug's Seat), Dunlewey, and Rath-Lugaidh in Carney, Sligo. Seelewey was located in Moyturra Chonlainn and, according to local folklore, was a place where giants used to gather in olden days.
The modern city of Lyon was founded as Colonia Copia Felix Munatia in 43 BC. By the end of the first century AD it was known as "Lugdunum", a Latinized variant of the ancient Gaulish name *Lugudunon, meaning "Fortress of Lugh".
One of the four regions in Galicia is called Lugo, in honour of this sun god. [4]
References