Dagda

Also known as: the Dagda / the Red Man of all Knowledge · Family: Tuatha de Danaan · Role: father of Eire, Fodla, and Banba · First appears: The Gods · The Coming of the Tuatha de Danaan · The Fight with the Firbolgs · Part 1

Among the Tuatha de Danaan, Dagda was father of Eire, Fodla and Banba, whose names were later given to Ireland. In the reign of Bres, he was put to building raths and made a trench around Rath Brese. When Cridenbel demanded the best portions of his food each evening, Angus Og advised him to give the blind man gold with his meal. Cridenbel died after swallowing it, and Bres ordered Dagda’s execution, but the gold found inside the body confirmed his account.

Before the battle with the Fomor, Lugh sent Dagda to spy on them and delay their advance. The Fomor granted a delay and served him an enormous cauldron of broth, threatening him through Indech, son of De Domnann, if he left any uneaten. On his way back, Morrigu promised to bring Indech’s heart’s blood to Ireland’s men. At Magh Tuireadh, Ceithlenn, wife of Balor, wounded Dagda with a casting spear. He recovered his harp, then played tunes that made the Fomor’s hosts cry, laugh and sleep, allowing the three to escape. After the battle, the call of a heifer he had received as wages from Bres brought back the cattle the Fomor had taken.

Later, Bodb Dearg was chosen king in recognition of his father, his own standing and his place as eldest among Dagda’s children. Dagda made a great vat for his daughter Ainge, though it did not satisfy her, and gave Corann a tract of land for his harping. Angus Og obtained Brugh na Boinne from his father permanently with Manannan’s help; when Dagda heard of the enchantment Manannan had put on his people and household, he left with them. After Corrgenn killed Aedh, one of Dagda’s sons, Dagda spared him but made him carry the body until he found a fitting gravestone, then had builders raise a rath around the grave.