Spear of Lugh- Celtic ArtifactArtifact · Weapon
Also known as: Gáe Assail, Spear of Assal, and Areadbhar
Description
So bloodthirsty that its head had to be kept immersed in a cauldron of blood to prevent it from raging uncontrollably, the Spear of Lugh blazed with fire when readied for battle. One of the Four Treasures of the Tuatha Dé Danann, it never missed its mark and no armor could turn its point.
Mythology & Lore
Brought from Gorias
The Spear of Lugh was one of the Four Treasures that the Tuatha Dé Danann brought to Ireland from their four sacred cities. It came from the city of Gorias, where the druid Esras taught its use and secrets. The god Lugh Lámhfhada wielded the spear, and in battle no defence could withstand it and no armour could turn its point.
The Living Weapon
The spear was not a passive instrument but a weapon with its own terrible bloodlust. When not in use, its head had to be kept immersed in a cauldron of blood or a sleeping potion, for otherwise the spear would rage uncontrollably and strike down anyone nearby. In the Oidheadh Chloinne Tuireann, the spear blazed with fire when readied for battle, its point burning with a heat that could not be quenched except by the blood in which it was steeped.
The Second Battle of Mag Tuired
Lugh brought the spear to the Second Battle of Mag Tuired, where the Tuatha Dé Danann fought the Fomorians for sovereignty over Ireland. Lugh slew his grandfather Balor of the Evil Eye, whose single eye could destroy entire armies, and the Fomorian host broke.
Relationships
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