Irish deities are a huge part of mythology. Some of the most popular are Dagda, Danu, the Morrigan and Lugh.
But there are many others that have not received as much attention in Irish folklore. Nevertheless, they are still important and have their own stories.
Dagda
Dagda, the deity of the north, was a major figure in Irish mythology. He sided with the Tuatha De Danann in the war against the Fomorians, a rival tribe of gods who represented chaos.
He was a very powerful god, with dominion over the seasons, agriculture, fertility, and magic. He was also a great druid, and his knowledge and skills were legendary.
In addition to his powers, he had three sacred treasures that he used to further his influence over the land: coire ansic, a cauldron that never ran dry of food; a club that killed and revived men; and an ornate oaken harp known as the Uaithne, which could change the seasons with the sound of its music.
Though he was often depicted as a gruff, oafish being, he was still considered a wise and chief god by the people of Ireland. This image was likely intentional on the part of the Christian scholars who recorded the myths and traditions of the Irish.
Aine
Aine is the Irish goddess of love, summer, wealth and sovereignty. She is one of the most revered and powerful Goddesses in the Tuatha de Danann.
She is a solar deity and is worshipped on Lughnasadh when the Summer Solstice is celebrated. She is also a member of the Triple Goddess group with her two sisters – Fenne and Grianne.
Her name means ‘bright’ or ‘shining’ in Gaelic and her cult is still strong in Limerick, Ireland. People hold flaming bunches of straw to Knockainey (Aine’s hill) on Midsummer’s Eve in hopes of receiving her blessing and abundance for the coming harvest.
Aine has a number of lovers including Maurice, Earl of Desmond. She took him as her husband and she gave birth to their son – Geroid Fitzgerald – who lives beneath Lough Gur, riding around it on a white horse every seven years. He has the power to rid Ireland of all enemies.
Aengus
Aengus (Aengus Og, Mac ind Og or Mac Og) was a jinni and a member of the Tuatha de Danann who was associated with love and youth. He was also known for his good looks and witty wordplay, which helped him win battles against his enemies.
He was born in one day, conceived by the Dagda and Boann, his parents, who were hiding their affair from her husband Elcmar. He was raised by his mother and stepfather.
After he was grown, Aengus conspired with his father to steal Elcmar’s home, Bru na Boinne. In one story, the Bru belonged to the Dagda and in another it was owned by Elcmar; both versions tell of Aengus’ cleverness.
He was also able to shapeshift, another skill he inherited from his father. He was so beautiful, it’s said that he could turn any woman into a swan with just a kiss. He also had four birds, symbolizing his sweet little kisses, that flew about him constantly.
Danu
In the Irish mythology, Danu is a goddess of the north. She is the mother of the River Boyne, a powerful river that runs across Leinster in Ireland.
She is also the patroness of music and fertility. She was a powerful goddess and one of the most influential in ancient Ireland.
The Tuatha De Danann were a group of gods and goddesses that came to Ireland centuries ago. They were part of a race called the Sidhe.
This race was known for their magical abilities. They could control the ripening of crops and cows’ milk production.
Their skills also allowed them to control the weather and seasons. This helped them avert disasters and avoid famine.
Another interesting fact about the Tuatha De Danann is that they were able to resurrect dead people. This was thanks to the spear that they carried.