Bodb Dearg

Also known as: Bodb · Family: Tuatha de Danaan · Role: King of Connacht · First appears: The Gods · Lugh of the Long Hand · The Coming of Lugh · Part 3

Bodb Dearg, son of Dagda, was chosen king of the Tuatha de Danaan because of his father, his own standing, and his seniority among Dagda’s children. Angus Og was also Dagda’s son. After the battle of Tailltin, Lir left the gathering without acknowledging Bodb’s kingship. Bodb offered him one of his foster-children as a wife if he would accept his lordship; after Aobh died, he offered her sister Aoife (wife of Lir). He fostered Aobh, Aoife and Ailbhe, and had sons Angus (son of Bodb Dearg), Artrach and Aedh (son of Bodb Dearg). His other children included Scathniamh, Aodh Aithfhiosach, Fergus Fithchiollach, Ferdoman and Daireann.

When Bres’s army destroyed West Connacht, Lugh learned that the Fomor had landed at Eas Dara and spoiled Bodb’s country. Bodb later came with twenty-nine hundred men to join Lugh. He was a friend to Lir, and after Lir’s children were transformed, Bodb suspected Aoife’s deceit, sent messengers to Lir, then struck Aoife with a Druid wand, turning her into a witch of the air. In the time of the Fianna, Bodb agreed to Dolb’s appeal for help and summoned the Tuatha de Danaan; he also demanded hostages from Donn (son of Midhir) and his brothers. He was a patron of Eochaid (son of Lugaidh Menn), Fiacha (son of Lugaidh Menn) and Ruide.