Leader of the Tuatha de Danann. Father of many gods. Associated with power and plenty, fertility and protection. Holder of a magical club and a bottomless cauldron.

Name(s): Dagda (the good god), Eochaid Ollothair (father of all), Ruad Rofhessa (lord of knowledge),

Parents: Unknown.

Spouse: In the Dindshenchas the Morrigan is said to be the wife of the Dagda.

Children: Aengus (with Boann), Ainge, Brigid, Midir. In The Children of Lir, Bodb Derg is said to be a son of the Dagda. The Dindshenchas state that Aengus’ brothers, Aed and Cermait, are also sons of the Dagda.

Affiliations: Tuatha de Danann

Locations: The Dagda’s home was at Bru na Boinne, which was later inherited by his son Aengus.

The Dagda, with others of the Tuatha de Danann, is said to be buried in the center of Ireland, on the Hill of Uisnach in County Westmeath.

Tales: The Dagda’s affair with the Boann is facilitated by the Dagda sending her husband Nechtan on an errand, then stopping the sun so that one day lasts nine months (long enough for Aengus to be conceived and born).

He has a major role in the Tuatha de Danann’s victories in the First and Second Battles of Mag Tuired.

The Lebor gabála Érenn tells of the Dagda’s lengthy rule over the Tuatha de Danann.

Other details: The Dagda owns several magical items, including a club that brings death with one end (the rough) and life with the other (the smooth), a bottomless cauldron that never ran out of food, and a harp with which he could control the seasons. He also owns two swine, one of which is always roasting and ready to eat, and fruit trees that are always bearing.

He is described as being rough and loutish in appearance, wearing a short tunic that exposes him to comic effect. He is, however, a very powerful and benevolent god.

In the Battle of Mag Tuireadh, the Dagda has intercourse with the Morrigan over the River Unshin in Connacht, after which she promises her aid in the coming battle.