Lugh

Also known as: Ildánach / Lugh Lamh-Fada / Lugh of the Long Hand / the Ildánach · Family: Tuatha de Danaan · Role: Master of all Arts · First appears: The Gods · The Coming of the Tuatha de Danaan · The Reign of Bres · Part 1

When Ethlinn gave birth to him, Balor ordered the child thrown into the sea. Birog rescued him and brought him to his father, Cian, who placed him in fosterage with Taillte; he was also foster-son of Echaid the Rough. Later, at a feast at Teamhair, Nuada admitted Lugh after he won every chess game, then gave him the throne for thirteen days so the gathered people could hear his counsel. Known as Lugh Lamh-Fada, the Ildánach and master of all arts, he returned to Ireland with the Riders of the Sidhe and his foster-brothers Sgoith Gleigeil, Goitne Gorm-Shuileach, Sine Sindearg and Donall Donn-Ruadh. He had Manannan’s horse, armour and sword, and attacked the Fomor tax-gatherers, sparing nine under Nuada’s protection.

When the Fomor landed at Eas Dara, Lugh sought help from Nuada, then gathered support from Cian, Cu and Ceithen. At Magh Mor an Aonaigh he demanded the return of Ireland’s milch cows from Bres, who refused; after the battle, Lugh spared Bres and granted him protection. He then learned that the sons of Tuireann had killed Cian, found and marked his grave, and demanded a fine from Brian, Iuchar and Iucharba. Lugh lent them Manannan’s curragh for their quest, but later cast a spell that made them forget part of the fine. When they returned, he accepted what they brought but refused to give Tuireann or his sons the healing skin they asked for.

At the Great Battle of Magh Tuireadh, Lugh strengthened the army and rushed to the front. In battle with Balor, he drove a spear through his eye and struck off his head; he later freed Bres after accepting his advice about when to plough, sow and reap. Lugh was made king over the Men of Dea, buried Taillte and ordered yearly games in her honour. After the battle, he gave his mother Ethlinn in marriage to Tadg. He later went away from Ireland, was seen again keeping watch over Cuchulain during his three days’ sleep, and told Conn of the Hundred Battles, “I am Lugh of the Long Hand, son of Ethlinn.”