The Dagda, also known as Aed, Cera, Easal or simply Dagda, was the chief deity amongst most of the Irish and Celtic pantheons. He is also the Irish god of agriculture, fertility, harvest, knowledge, time and fate, as well as a member of the Tuatha Dé Danann-pantheon of Irish deities.
Description[]
Tales depict the Dagda as a figure of immense power. He is said to own a magic staff, club or mace which could kill nine men with one blow; but with the handle he could return the slain to life. It was called the lorg mór ("the great staff/club/mace") or the lorg anfaid ("the staff/club/mace of wrath").
His magic cauldron was known as the coire ansic ("the un-dry cauldron") or Dagda's Cauldron and was said to be bottomless, from which no man left unsatisfied. Uaithne, also known as "the Four Angled Music", was a richly ornamented magic harp made of oak which, when the Dagda played it, put the seasons in their correct order; other accounts tell of it being used to command the order of battle. He possessed two pigs, one of which was always growing whilst the other was always roasting, and ever-laden fruit trees.
Overview[]
A wanderer mainly , he spends his time amongst the mortal of Ireland and Scotland, spreading joy and merriment as he passes from village to village. He is often called the "good god", not due to a morality, but due being good at everything he did. He notably led the forces of Tuatha Dé Danann in battle against the Fomorians, a race of demigod-like beings that beared a resemblance to the Titans of old, where his presence often resulted in victory for his own tribe.
Despite his great power and prestige, the Dagda is sometimes depicted as oafish and crude, even comical at times. Though this might be mainly due to the strife and constant conflict the native Irish were involved with. With the Viking raiders from the north, the Frank's and Roman conquering the south and battles the the Nordic and Greek pantheons across the spirit world. He tries to spread as much joy and happiness as possible to take his mind from the constant worry that surrounds him. He is also married to the goddess Morrígan and is noted to be the lover of the goddess Boann.
Possessions of the Dagda[]
- Lorg mór, a great mace-like weapon which could both kills and resurrect people.
- A large kettle, which he often used to feed his armies
- Fruit trees which grow fruit all the time
- A harp tree which could summon the seasons
Links[]
- Dagda - Wikipedia
- Dagda - Mythology Wiki
- Dagda - Hellboy Wiki