The Dagda is a central figure in Celtic mythology. He is considered the chief god among the Tuatha Dé Danann, and is generally represented as a strong yet benevolent father figure.
In most Celtic myths, the Dagda is associated with magic, wisdom, agriculture, and fertility. As a druid-like figure, the Dagda maintains control over crops, seasons, and weather.
The Dagda carries a large staff with him that is named “Lorg Mór”; with one end of the staff, he can kill ten men in a single blow. With the other end of the staff, he can return the slain to life.
The Dagda also owns a cauldron, known as the Coire ansic, which never runs empty and from which it is said none ever walk away unsatisfied.
The title “The Dagda” is said to translate to “The god who is good”. The Dagda’s other names include “Eochu” (meaning “horseman”) and “Ruad Rofhessa” (meaning “lord of great knowledge”).
As the High King of the Tuatha, The Dagda is said to possess great magical power. Before the Second Battle of Mag Tuired, where the Tuatha fight against the vicious Fomorians, the Dagda remarks that he “will take the side of the men of Erin both in mutual smiting and destruction and wizardry. Their bones under my club will be as many as hailstones under the feet of herds of horses.”
The Dagda ruled over the Tuatha for 70 to 80 years, before succumbing to his wounds during the Second Battle of Mag Tuired.
