Uaithne- Celtic ArtifactArtifact
Also known as: Uaitne, Daurdabla, and Coir Cethar Chuir
Description
The Dagda called to his harp by name and it flew across the Fomorian feasting hall into his hands, killing nine warriors in its flight. He played the sorrow strain until the women wept, the joy strain until the warriors laughed, and the sleep strain until the whole hall slumbered. Then he walked out.
Mythology & Lore
The Dagda's Harp
Uaithne was the magical harp of the Dagda, chief god of the Tuatha Dé Danann. It was also called Daurdabla, Oak of Two Greens, and Coir Cethar Chuir, Four-Angled Music. No sound came from its strings until the Dagda called to it by name.
The Three Strains
The harp could produce three sacred strains of music, each with a distinct supernatural effect. The gentraí, or joy strain, compelled all who heard it to laugh with uncontrollable mirth. The goltraí, or sorrow strain, caused listeners to weep with grief. The suantraí, or sleep strain, lulled everyone within earshot into deep slumber.
The Recovery from the Fomorians
After the Second Battle of Mag Tuired, the retreating Fomorians seized Uaithne and carried it away as plunder. The Dagda, accompanied by Lugh and Ogma, pursued them to the Fomorian feasting hall where the harp hung silent on the wall. The Dagda called to it by its names, and the harp flew from the wall across the hall to his hands, killing nine Fomorians in its flight. The Dagda then played the three strains in succession: the goltraí set the Fomorian women weeping, the gentraí made the warriors laugh helplessly, and the suantraí put the entire hall to sleep, allowing the three gods to escape unchallenged with the harp restored.
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