Treasures of Power

Lately while learning about Irish mythology and the story of the four magical treasures of the Tuatha De Danann, I couldn't help but think of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy.  My friend and I shared a mutual loathing of the series. We couldn't quite understand the allure of long, boring movies about a bunch of strange people wandering around the countryside, forever in battles of one kind or another,  obsessed with a ring of power.  The audiobook couldn't even hold my interest.  Maybe I need to try again.  After all, Tolkien's masterwork draws heavily from Celtic mythology. 

In Lord of the Rings,  Sauron's big evil eye and the Mordor army marching under its' banner is similar to the Irish Mythology reference to the Formorian tyrant king "Balor of the Evil Eye".  Balor, arch-villain directed his operations from his stronghold on Tory Island before he was defeated by Lugh, his Tuatha De Danaan grandson, via a magic spear through his eye. Tolkien also found inspiration for some of the setting of his epic tale from the Irish countryside referred to as "The Burren."  If I was a true Tolkien fan, I would certainly make a point of seeing this countryside as I drive from Shannon to Westport, especially since it seems to be on the way.

But I digress, I want to talk about the treasures!  "The Tuatha De Danann arrived by cover a mist in the Connacht region of Ireland (the same West. Ireland region I'm going to be driving though). They brought Four Treasures with them from four magical "cities" of Findias, Gorias, Murias, and Falias. The treasures are the Sword of Nuada, the Spear of Lugh, the Cauldron of the Dagda, and the Lia Fail (Stone of Destiny).  Each had important properties connected to power.   The sword-with power to vanquish any enemy.  The spear with the power to never miss its' target. The cauldron with the power to feed an army and ensure no company ever went away unsatisfied.  The Lia Fail-or stone with the power to attest the sovereignty of the king.  Located near the Hill of Tara in County Meath, it is said the stones would cry out beneath the rightful kings.  

I don't know if I will have time to go over to Meath but it would be worth it.  I would love to see the Lia Fail.   It would be amazing to visit the Boyne Valley and see the important historical sites and Neolithic passage tomb, Newgrange predating the Egyptian pyramids!  I would love to see the stone monument to Eriu, the goddess for which Ireland was named.   I will be there for May day and just miss the Beltane fire festival on the Hill of Uisneach by one day.  Bummer,  I could have danced around the fire with a bunch of wanna-be Celtic witches.  

 My head starts to spin with possibilities.  So much to do!  So little time!  I could use some of that Lord of the Rings power to transport me to everything I want to see and do.   Or maybe I can channel the power of the Four Tuatha De Danaan magical treasures to drive the incredibly tiny rental car safely on the wrong side of the road to wander the Irish countryside like the would-be questers in the Lord of the Rings.  I realize my quest has already begun.  Every time I click on a youtube presentation on the history, law, culture, and mythology of Ireland, I'm making a mental journey. So many turns in the road.  So many rabbit holes to go down.  And so many treasures of knowledge were found.   I don't really plan on bringing back any Celtic treasure or tangible Irish souvenirs but I'm finding treasure along the way.  It's all in the journey.  It's all in the wanderings and wonderings-kind of like those Lord of the Ring guys.  Knowledge is power I treasure-ditch the ring.

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