The Dagda's Harp

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• published: 26 Sep 2011
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Long ago, long before St. Patrick or the Gaels or even the ancient Milesians make their names renowned on Ireland's emerald shores, the fair Tuatha Dé Danaan and dark haired Fomorians live together in harmony. But the Tuatha Dé Danaan fall under the oppression of their king, Bres, and remove him from the throne. Angry, Bres goes to his father Elathan, king of the Fomorians, and asks for help to reclaim his crown. Elathan answers fairly -- Bres had lost his crown for ignoble acts and should not retrieve it, but Balor of the Evil Eye disagrees. Together they raise a huge army. The Fomorians are mighty, but the Tuatha Dé Danaan are not without their own strength. Lug, a sage of so many talents that he could not be refused acceptance in the court is commander of the Tuatha Dé's troops. Countless druids cast spells to impede the weapons and wits of the enemy. Greatest is the Dagda, also known as Yeohay Ullahar the All-Father, whose club could kill nine men in one blow, but whose handle could return them to life also brings into battle a magical harp, a harp that would play only for him. It's music was said to order the seasons in their places and brought a valiant heart to any that heard it, and its name was Úaithne, Daur Dá Bláo, and Cóir Cetharchair, meaning oak of two blossoms and four angled music. The Tuatha Dé Danaan fight mightily, slaying Balor upon the death of their own king, Nuada. Bres is captured and forced to teach the Tuatha Dé how to plow, sow, and reap in exchange for his life. The Dagda's harp is captured by the Fomorians and taken back to their court. Lug, the Dagda, and his brother Ogma pursue them to the stronghold and find Úaithne hanging on the wall in the feasting hall. The Dagda calls it with this summon, saying: Come Daur Dá Bláo, Come Cóir Cetharchair, Come summer, come winter, Mouths of harps and bags and pipes! The harp springs from the wall, killing nine men as it flies to the Dagda's hand. The Fomorians spring to their feet to kill the three Tuatha Dé, but the Dagda strokes Úaithne's strings and plays three songs. The first is the song of sorrow, such that all there are lost to grief and weeping. The second is the song of joy, such that all there begin to laugh and are very glad of heart. The last song the Dagda played was that of sleep, and the host slumbers despite their killing intent. Thus the three warriors are able to leave Elathan's hall without being harmed, and the fair Tuatha Dé Danaan are victorious over the Fomorians.