The Dagda

Also Irish like Danu, the Dagda was the great father God who ruled over Gods and men. He played a similar role to Odin or Zeus. Like Odin, he was sometimes called the All-Father. He was also king to the Tuatha de Danann. The Dagda had many children, the best known being his daughter Brigid, one of the most loved Goddesses in the land.

In some myths, he is the consort of the Morrigan and he sleeps with her once a year (on the Celtic New Year, October 31st) on the bank of the Unshin river. It was during one of these trysts that the Morrigan told him of the Formorians war plans, which led to the victory of Tuatha de Danann. The location of their meetings is still called "The Bed of the Couple."

His magick cauldron (called the Undry) supplied a never-ending source of food, and his preferred weapon in battle was a huge 8-pronged club that was pulled behind him on wheels. The seasons changed when he played on his great oak harp. The Dagda is described as a huge and stocky man, who wears a short tunic and cape.

The Dagda ruled over life and death, knowledge, healing, rebirth and prosperity. He was patron to all magicians, warriors and artists.