Sword of Nuada- Celtic ArtifactArtifact · Weapon
Also known as: Claíomh Solais
Description
Once drawn, no enemy could escape its stroke. Nuada's sword was bound to his sovereignty: when he lost his hand fighting Sreng of the Fir Bolg, he lost both kingship and blade, and only when Dian Cécht fashioned him a hand of silver did the rightful king reclaim his weapon and his throne.
Mythology & Lore
Brought from Findias
The Sword of Nuada 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 Findias, where the druid Uscias taught its use and secrets. The sword belonged to Nuada Airgetlám, first king of the Tuatha Dé Danann, and its defining property was that once drawn, no enemy could escape its stroke and none could resist its blade.
Nuada's Kingship
The sword was bound to Nuada's sovereignty. When Nuada lost his right hand fighting Sreng of the Fir Bolg at the First Battle of Mag Tuired, he was compelled to relinquish the kingship, for a king of the Tuatha Dé Danann was required to be without physical blemish. The half-Fomorian Bres took the throne and ruled tyrannically until the Tuatha Dé Danann could no longer endure his oppression. When the physician god Dian Cécht fashioned Nuada a hand of silver, and later Miach, Dian Cécht's son, replaced it with one of living flesh, Nuada reclaimed the kingship and with it his sword.
The Second Battle of Mag Tuired
Nuada bore the sword into the Second Battle of Mag Tuired. He fell to Balor of the Evil Eye before Lugh could intervene, but the Tuatha Dé Danann carried the day.
Relationships
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