Ancient history

Nuada

Among the best-known gods of the Tûatha Dé Dânann are Nûada and Lug. Nûada was the king of the Tûatha Dé, but he had to relinquish power after losing his arm in battle, because physical deformity disqualified the island rulers, Nûada having been temporarily deprived of command, a replacement was appointed to assume the interregnum. The choice fell on Bres (the Beautiful), a decision to say the least curious because he was half Fomoiré. It was not a good reign:his lechery caused the decline of the hitherto prosperous Ireland. After their victory over the Fomoiré, Bres agreed to advise the Tûatha Dé Danann in their agricultural practices and was saved. It is interesting to note that the Tuatha Dé showed themselves to be excellent warriors and technicians, but were unaware of agricultural practices:they had to rely, in this area, on the indigenous Fomoiré. Nûada became king again after Diancecht fashioned a new arm for him, and he was henceforth known as Nûada Aigerlàm (Nûada with the silver arm). But Nûada gave in to discouragement when he saw that he could not put an end to the conflict with the Fomoiré, and the young Lug took command. Nûada can be identified with Nodens, the healing god of Lydney, Gloucestershire. Their name is said to mean "Cloud Maker", and perhaps they were atmospheric gods.


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