Bodb Dearg was one of the kings of the Tuatha De Dannan (the people of Danu), a god-like people of the ancient Celts who were spawned in what we now know as Germany. His father was Eochaid Garb, or The Dagda as he was known to his subjects. One of his brothers was Angus Og who is known as the Celtic god of love.
King of the Tuatha De Dannan
Bodb succeeded his father as king through election. All of the Tuatha agreed to his election except one named Lir. In order to appease Lir, Bodb gave him one of his daughters, Aoibh, to be his wife. When she died while giving birth to twin sons, Bodb gave him another of his daughters, Aoire. Bodb turned Aoire into an air demon after she changed Lir’s children into swans out of jealousy for the love they still had for their mother.
Sites Associated with Bodb Dearg
Bodb had 8 children in all. Like all of the Tuatha de Dannan, Bodb lived underground. He was known to live with his daughters under a mound at Sidh-ar-Femhin in Munster, Ireland. Other sites he is associated with include Lough Derg (which is named after him), The Plain of Cashel and the Galtee mountains.
There are many folktales associated with Bodb Dearg. He was said to have led the Tuatha De Dannan when they helped the Fianna at the Battle of Ventry.
Battle of Ventry and the Fianna
The Battle of Ventry came about because the king of France’s daughter fell in love with Finn MacCumhail, leader of the Fianna. Her husband, Duire Donn, gathered an army from all over Europe to attack Ireland and get her back.
The Fianna found themselves vastly outnumbered and defeat seems imminent. However, the Tuatha De Dannan, led by Bodb Dearg, joined their side. They were magically able to heal wounded warriors and the Fianna came out victorious. During the battle, Duire Donn was killed by Finn. When his wife knew her husband was dead she lay down on his grave and died herself.
It was Finn himself who named the hill where the battle took place Ventry, which means “fair hill”.
Irish Mythology
These are just a couple of the many stories from Irish mythology. The folklore of Ireland is filled with gods, and fairy people, and heroes. It is understandable why so many of us want to be Irish on St. Patrick’s Day; Ireland is a country of wondrous imagination, history and mythology.
Sources
Cath Finntraga. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1885.
Susan Keeping - Susan has been writing online for over 10 years and is currently developing a website for women.
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