Lugh
Master of Skills
Irish
Lugh (pronounced Loo) is a sun god, shining brightly among the Celtic deities. He honors craftsmanship and skill in its many forms. Considered a warrior god (due to his skill in battle), he is also agrarian and connected to the earth. Precious metals and smithing are especially dear to him. Lugh is the son of Cian, grandson of Danu and Dian Cécht of the Tuatha Dé Danann. His mother is Ethniu, daughter of Balor of the Fomorians. One telling of Lugh’s birth reveals he was born under the prophecy that he would kill his maternal grandfather, Balor of the Evil Eye. Eventually, this does come to pass and Lugh kills Balor in the Battle of Mag Tuired with a slingshot casting a stone into Balor’s single eye. This victory heralds the rise of power for the Tuatha Dé Danann in Ireland. In order to live to fulfill his prophecy, Lugh is raised by someone other than his parents. Some say Cian gave the boy to Tailtiu (queen of the Fir Bolg). In another telling, a leanan sídhe (fairy woman) named Biróg saves him from his grandfather’s murderous intent and then gives Lugh to Gavida the blacksmith for safekeeping.
Magic of Lugh
General
Chakra:
Element: Fire, Earth
Sabbat: Lughnasadh
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Color: Red, Orange, Yellow, Brown
Day:
Herb: Corn, Oats
Totem: Horse, Raven, Crow, Lynx, Lion
Stone: Citrine, Amber, Topaz. Gold
Offering: Sunflower seeds
Power
Build
Craft
Skill
Fight
Heal
Prosper
Luck
Aromatherapy
Sandalwood
Frankincense
Rose
Glossary
Sleg
In the magical city of warmth called Gorias, this Irish treasures was crafted. Kept by Lugh, Sleg was a bloodthirsty spear, always battle ready. It did not need anyone to wild it, for Sleg had its own vicious will and would rip through any enemy, never missing its target. In order to be at rest, Sleg required a sleeping-draught made from the fresh seeds of poppy plants. In parts of Ireland, the people say that Lugh and Balor are sparring when thunderstorms roll in off the ocean.
Énbarr
On loan to Lugh was a magnificent horse named Énbarr (water froth). She had a beautiful mane and could ride over both land and sea at breakneck speed. At times she pulled the boat Scuabtuinne like a chariot, which means that she could travel to the Otherworld as well. Enabling safe passage wherever she traveled, no rider was killed while riding upon her back. She was furnished to Lugh by the magician and sea god Manannán mac Lir, who saw himself as a kind of step-father to Lugh.
Scuabtuinne
Lugh made use of a magical boat, called Scuabtuinne (Sweeper of the Waves). Also a shared gift of Manannán mac Lir, it navigated the seas without sail or oar, guided simply by the thoughts of those who sailed it. This boat was not limited to the seas but would ferry souls into the afterlife. Scuabtuinne had the ability to alter its size in order to accommodate any required number, size or shape of her passengers.
Failinis
The Lebor Eren Gabala (book of the taking of Ireland) gives us the story of how Lugh came to aquire Failinis his trusted dog. When Lugh discovered that his father Cian was murdered by three brothers, the sons of Tuireean, he demanded as éiric (a forfeit) a dog so impressive that “all the wild beasts in the world would bow down before it”. Failinis was that tribute. An ancient greyhound, she could shapeshift at night, she turned water into wine, and was a fierce warrior in combat.
Sling
Lugh was, not surprisingly, the master of the sling. Oddly, this sling remains unnamed to the best of my knowledge. Nevertheless, it is strongly associated with Lugh and was the weapon that helped him defeat his grandfather, Balor. Made with a small cradle held in the middle of two cords of leather, it essentially works by extending the length of the arm, which in turn allows the stone to travel with much more force and distance than could be done simply by hand. Lugh was often called Lugh Lámfada, Lugh of the long arm.