A Gaelic cultural hero. Lugh was celebrated for his justice, nobility, and as a ruler of the Tuatha dé Danann. Lugh was seen as patron of craftmanship and a valiant warrior.
We can observe how the Irish revered Lugh of the Long Arm. He was both Ollamh Érenn (Highest Rank in Gaelic Ireland) and King of the otherworld. Equipped with the Spear of Assal, no one could stand against him. He resided at Tara, County Meath and at times Moytura, in County Sligo. He was venerated especially on Lughnasa, which fell on August 1st.
Lugh had numerous titles. However, the most famous title he possessed was Lámfada. This translated to either “Of the Long Arm,” which referenced the length of his spear in battle or “Artful Hands,” referring to his unmatched skill in craftmanship.
As mentioned, he was the chief Ollamh of Ireland. This is a title given to the highest-ranking person of any skill. When someone masters their chosen field or skill, they would receive the title Ollamh. He was the chief of the Irish experts. As the Ollamh of Ireland he was a master of many talents. He held domain over rulers and nobility. His judgement was often swift and without mercy.
The Origins of Lugh
As a son of both the Tuatha Dé Danann and Fomorians, Lugh had a unique heritage. This dichotomy assisted him in inventing notable Irish games, including horse-racing, sports, and an Irish precursor to chess.
It is said that he was the son of Ethniu, the daughter of the King of the Fomorians who was known as King Balor. King Balor was warned in a prophecy that his Grandson would kill him and usurp his kingdom. To prevent this from happening King Balor imprisoned his daughter in a tower on Tory Island. Cian a member of the Tuatha Dé Danann, seduced Ethniu and she gave birth to triplets. Immediately King Balor sent a servant to drown them. However, one of the children survived. This child was named Lugh.
Lugh and the Tuatha Dé Danann
When Lugh grew older, he visited the hill of Tara. He arrived at the hall of Nuada, the King of the Tuatha Dé Danann. He was initially refused entry. Court policy dictated that only those who had achieved mastery of a skill would be allowed to enter in the King’s Hall. Though Lugh offered many skills, he was told that each role he offered has already been filled. Lugh then responded, “Does the King have someone present who is a master of all the skills?”, the answer was “no”. He was then permitted to enter the hall and then received the title Ollamh Érenn, master of all skills.
Lugh was then tasked with bringing salvation to the Tuatha Dé Danann. King Nuada put him in charge of the coming war against the Fomorians. However, there was a war that preceded this, in which Nuada lost his hand in battle. According to Gaelic tradition, Nuada had to step down as King. This was because a King could not be blemished. This event resulted in Lugh becoming the King.
The Formorians
For twenty-seven years, King Bres forced the Tuatha Dé Danann to pay tribute to the Formorians and work as their slaves. Nuada reclaimed the throne and Bres was exiled. Lugh met with the Morrígan, the Phantom Queen and declared war.
Lugh met his grandfather in battle. The two armies met at Moytura, in County Sligo. Lugh slayed Balor and the tide of Ireland was changed. Bres was captured and granted a pardon on the condition he taught the Tuatha Dé Danann how to plough the land.
Death of Lugh
Lugh’s wife Buach had an affair with the son of the Dagda. When this was revealed, Lugh had Cermait, the son of the Dagda killed. Cermait’s three sons, however, grew, and swore revenge. They were successful in their quest, capturing Lugh and drowning him in a lake. The lake was consequentially named Loch Lugborta. After this, Lugh took residence in Tír na nÓg, in the otherworld. He would then go on to appear in the mortal realm on occasion. For instance, he is said to be the father of Cú Chulainn. He would continue to aid his son, for example, healing his wounds during the famous Cattle Raid of Cooley.