Manannán mac Lir

Major Tuatha Dé Danann deity — sea-god, lord of the Otherworld, over-king of the Tuath Dé after the Milesian conquest. His domain is the sea-as-otherworld-passage. Wields the Sguaba Tuinne (self-navigating boat), Aonbharr (water-traversing horse), Fragarach (truth-compelling sword), and the féth fíada (cloak of mists). The Isle of Man bears his name and preserves continuous folk-cult (the Midsummer rent-paying ritual). Lord of Emain Ablach (Avalon-cognate), Mag Mell, and Tír Tairngire. Foster-father of Lugh and other Tuatha Dé children. Father of Mongán mac Fíachnai (the historical Dál nAraide king d. c. 625) by Caintigern in the bargain-with-Fíachna tradition recorded in Compert Mongáin.

Parentage

• Lir

Children

• Mongán mac Fíachnai

Domains

• sea and otherworld passage
• kingship of Tuatha Dé after Milesians
• lord of Otherworld
• foster parentage of Tuatha Dé children

Powers

• Cast the concealing mist
• Shapeshift

Epithets

• mac Lir

Relations

• parent: Lir
• spouse: Fand
• lover: Caintigern
• father of: Mongán mac Fíachnai
• foster parent: Mongán mac Fíachnai

Sources

• Lebor Gabála Érenn (c. 11th c. CE); Cath Maige Tuired (16th c. Harleian MS 5280 from earlier compilation); Immram Brain maic Febail (8th c. CE); Compert Mongáin (8th c. CE); Echtra Cormaic maic Airt; Serglige Con Culainn; Altram Tige Dá Medar; Sanas Cormaic ("Cormac's Glossary," c. 900 CE); the Dindshenchas; Manx traditional ballad