Beyond the Claddagh - More Celtic Stories and Folklore
Many people around the world are familiar with the Celtic Claddagh story, or if nothing else, the symbolism of the Claddagh featuring the crown, clasping hands and the heart. While this story is an interesting one, the Irish culture is chock full of stories, legends and folklore just as compelling, and they are enjoyable to learn about and pass along to others.
The Coming of the Tuatha de Danann to Ireland - On the first day of May, called Beltaine, the Tuatha de Danann (the people of the gods of Dana) arrived through the magical high air to Ireland. They saw nothing but mist surrounding them, rolling over the green hills and shrouding everything in mystery. They came from the north, and brought with them their revered Four Treasures: The Lia Fail: the Stone of Destiny, a sword from which there was no escape, a Spear of Victory and the Cauldron that made sure no guest was ever left with an empty belly. Below the sea, the De Danann people had a magical well where nine hazels of wisdom grew.
The fruit from these hazels provided food for five waiting salmons. If someone were to eat one of these salmon, they would adsorb the wisdom and poetry the salmon gained by eating the hazel. Upon the de Danann’s arrival in Ireland, Eochaid was the residing king of Teamhair. His messengers informed him of the new group’s arrival, and a great battle for the land was arranged at Magh Nia. On the fourth day, the de Danann people defeated the indigenous Firblog tribe, and took possession of Teamhair.
St. Patrick and The Reek - Back when Ireland was the land of the Druids, there was a beloved bishop by the name of Patrick. He came to Ireland to teach the word of God, and he was loved as a saint everywhere he went. During his travels, St. Patrick arrived at The Reek, and started to climb its massive hill. He grew tired as he hiked, so he stopped to regain his energy. As he resumed the difficult climb, he was attacked by the demon Corra. St. Patrick fought the demon off with his staff, and sent her away by throwing his silver bell at her. In fury, Corra blackened the ball and turned it to iron, fleeing.
After reaching the summit, St. Patrick offers blessings of the land, and holding his blacked bell high, banished all the snakes to the green gloom of the sea. They fled, never to return. For 40 days and 40 nights St. Patrick fasted on the mountain, fasting for people’s sins and ensuring that people who perform penance shall not go to hell.
The Coming of Lugh - Nauda, king of the Tuatha de Danann, held a great feast in hall at Teamhair. A young messenger came to the door, asking to see the king. The doorkeeper asked who he was, and the young man answered that his name was Lugh. The doorkeeper asked if Lugh had any skills, and Lugh responded that he was a smith, warrior, and a champion. The kingdom at Teamhair already had a person who was a master of each of these crafts, and the two went back and forth until Lugh asked if there was a need for a master of all trades in Teamhair. King Nuada invited Lugh in, and after Lugh won every chess game that he was challenged to.
Thus, Lugh proved his worth and was invited to take the Sage’s seat in the halls of Teamhair. He was even offered the king’s seat for thirteen days so that he could offer his advice to the entire kingdom.
L Maher is a content writer who writes and researches about gorgeous and extraordinary Celtic jewelry, as well as Irish culture and history. Get more information regarding Claddagh Rings