NAME AND EPITHET

Lug lámhfhada, Lug "of the long arm," was the leader of the Túatha Dé Danann. Many scholars report that Lug means "bright, shining," an etymology that especially appealed to the solar mythologists. More likely, however, his name is related to the Gaulish loûgos, "raven." The name is reflected in several continental placenames, such as Leiden, Holland, and Lyons, France (ancient Lugudunum, the symbol of which is a raven).

The epithet "of the long arm" was long thought to refer to his ability to strike from a distance with his spear or war-sling. Actually it is of Indo-European provenance and refers to an arm extended in protection, one of the duties of a king.

CHARACTERISTICS

Lug is descended on his mother's side from the Fomoire, but becomes leader of the Túatha Dé Danann because he is samildánach, "many-skilled." When he first comes to Tara and asks admittance to the Túatha Dé they tell him he is acceptable only if he has a craft not possessed by any of them. He offers his expertise in a series of crafts, but none suffices. Only when he asks if they have someone who is samildánach does he gain entry.

He is generally portrayed as a youthful adult dressed in the long robes of upper-class Irish society.