https://mythopedia.com/celtic-mythology/gods/dagda/

The Dagda was chief of the Tuatha dé Danann, the foremost of the Irish ancestral gods. Highly skilled and wise beyond measure, he was not only the god of life and death, but of seasons, agriculture, fertility, magic, and Druidry as well. He wielded three sacred treasures: a cauldron of plenty, a club of life and death, and a harp that controlled men and seasons alike.

The Dagda (Gaelic: An Dagda) was a title, meaning “the good or great god,” that reflected his mastery over many skills rather than the fortitude of his character. This Gaelic name was first derived from the Proto-Indo-European Dhagho-deiwos, or “shining divinity." As the language evolved into Proto-Celtic, the root morphed into Dago-deiwos. It is from the word Dagos that the Dagda’s name receives its two meanings: “shining” in relation to daytime, or “good” as in skilled.

Beyond the Dagda, his many titles included Eochaid Ollathair (Horseman or All-Father), Fer Benn (the Horned Man), Ruad Rofhessa (Lord of Great Knowledge), Dáire (the Fertile One), and Cerrce (Striker), among others.

The Dagda was described as a giant of a man, oafish in both demeanor and attire. His beard was long and unruly, and he wore a woolen cloak about his head. His clothing never fit right, often exposing his stomach and buttocks. Nevertheless, these faults did little to distract from his good looks.

Some scholars have theorized that his gruff appearance came from the Christians who recorded Irish myths and traditions; these early historians may have wished to make the Dagda appear comedic and foolish in contrast to their own deity. Even in these portrayals, however, the Dagda was still described as wise, witty, and wily on a consistent basis. Such versions also allowed him to remain a druid schooled in magic, art, and military strategy.

The Dagda often carried three sacred relics with him that defined several of his many talents:

  1. The coire ansic, a cauldron that could produce a bountiful feast; one could never be found wanting in the company of the Dagda. This particular relic was one of the Four Treasures of the Tuatha dé Danann, which were crafted in Murias.
  2. The lorg mór, a mighty club (or staff) that possessed two distinct powers; its head had the power to slay nine men in a single swing while its handle could revive the slain with but a touch.
  3. The uaithne, an ornate harp carved of oak. This harp could place the seasons in the proper order and command the wills and emotions of men. With these potent abilities, the Dagda was often seen as a god of order putting everything in its place, every time in its season, and every man to their rightful action.

Views: 49

Have questions?

Need help? Visit our Support Group for help from our friendly Admins and members!

Have you?

Become a Member
Invited Your Friends
Made new Friends
Read/ Written a Blog
Joined/ Created a Group
Read/ Posted a Discussion
Checked out the Chat
Looked at/Posted Videos
Made a donation this month
Followed us on Twitter
Followed us on Facebook

Donations & Sponsorship

~~~~~~~~~~~
Please consider a donation to help with our continued growth and site costs

Connect

Visit The Temple
on Facebook:

....

Blog Posts

coat of arms of McIntyre clan.

Posted by Ghillie Dhu on March 2, 2024 at 5:06am 4 Comments

Are Ouija Boards Evil?

Posted by Bill Walker on February 1, 2024 at 8:15pm 1 Comment

TO RISE AND FIGHT AGAIN

Posted by Kitt on December 14, 2023 at 8:55pm 2 Comments

Osiris the Warlock: The Cursed

Posted by 06iiris on October 13, 2023 at 8:30am 0 Comments

Osiris the Warlock: Horus Lives!

Posted by 06iiris on October 13, 2023 at 7:00am 0 Comments

Osiris the Warlock: Nanna-Sin

Posted by 06iiris on October 12, 2023 at 3:30pm 0 Comments

Osiris the Warlock: Daemon

Posted by 06iiris on October 12, 2023 at 6:00am 0 Comments

Osiris the Warlock

Posted by 06iiris on October 12, 2023 at 5:30am 0 Comments

The (3l)ack & Red Dragon

Posted by 06iiris on October 11, 2023 at 1:00pm 0 Comments

The Sin (3l)ood Omen (II)

Posted by 06iiris on October 11, 2023 at 8:30am 0 Comments

The Sin (3l)ood Omen

Posted by 06iiris on October 9, 2023 at 7:30am 0 Comments

The 3nki (Doc)trine: Ptah-Øsiris

Posted by 06iiris on October 5, 2023 at 1:00pm 0 Comments

NOVEMBER AWARENESS

© 2024   Created by Bryan   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service