Lugh | Irish Mythology

Also Lug or, in modern Irish, Lú.

According to Irish mythology, Lugh was a god (in early versions), and later a hero and Ard Rí, or High King of Ireland.

Lugh was born to Cian, a member of the Tuatha Dé Danann, and Ethniu, daughter of the Fomorian king Balor. The marriage of Cian and Ethniu came from an alliance between the Tuatha Dé Danann and the Fomorians.

Lugh’s father, Cian, is killed by the three sons of Tuireann: Iuchar, Iucharba and Brian. As king, Lugh seeks his vengence by sending Tuireann’s sons on difficult quests, which they manage to accomplish but not without suffering fatal wounds. Among these quests was the retrieval of a pigskin which has the power to heal them, but Lugus denies them the ability to use it. The three sons die, and soon after Tuireann also dies of grief.

Lugh keeps the artifacts acquired by Tuireann’s sons, and leads his people, the Tuatha Dé Danann, in a battle against the Fomorians. In this battle, known as the Second Battle of Mag Tuireadh, he faces Balor, who is then king of the Fomorians. Balor is known for his “evil eye” which can kill anyone with a single gaze. Balor attempts to kill Lugh with the eye, but instead Lugh drives a stone through the eye, forcing it out the back of Balor’s head where it kills several Fomorians.

In the Ulster Cycle, Lugh is identified as the father of the Irish hero Cú Chulainn.

The name Lugh and some of his attributes come from the earlier pan-Celtic god Lugus. In Wales, a similar figure Lleu Llaw Gyffes appears. Earlier versions of Lugh in Ireland are likely that of a war god.