Book Review

Pagan Portals

Lugh

Meeting the Many Skilled God

by Morgan Daimler

Publisher: Moon Books

112 Pages

Publication Date: 04/30/2021

 

 

I’m always keen to read just about anything Morgan Daimler pens, from their exciting Between the Worlds fiction series to their many detailed and well-sourced books on Irish paganism and fairy lore. This book in particular, though, was high up on my TBR (to be read) list, as I am fascinated with Lugh and have had a back and forth relationship with this complex deity over the years.

As Morgan notes in the introduction, there isn’t really a single, solid source out there about Lugh, which seems so strange considering how important he is in terms of Irish mythology and folklore. This gap could be due to the complex nature of the original sources about Lugh, many of which contradict each other multiple times, making it so tricky to write the type of linear timeline that many modern folks expect to read about their deities. Morgan, however, bravely takes all these sources and lays them out neatly and concisely, allowing the reader to learn the background and basics of Lugh’s life without having to delve into ancient manuscripts themselves. This has two enormous benefits, the first being that finally, thankfully, there is a volume that explains who Lugh is and why he is such an important Irish deity. Secondly, because Morgan includes all the versions of Lugh’s story including the many different origin stories, this book feels very inclusive and non-judgemental; there’s no indication that one source is the “right” source or that there are any aspects of lore that hold sway over others. Readers can make up their own minds about which aspects of Lugh are pertinent to them, whilst knowing, with confidence, that all the information in this short volume is carefully sourced. Morgan is one of my favourite writers for this as sources are always cited!

As well as discussing Lugh’s origins and relationships with other Irish deities and figures, Morgan explores the associations and possessions of Lugh, explains Lugh’s links to other Celtic deities, plus an important exploration of how Lugh has been transformed by modern culture and media. It’s always fascinating to see how aspects of older tales have survived not only into modern Paganism, but into games, TV, and any number of works of fiction. Morgan also talks about how you can, should you wish to, try to connect to Lugh through meditation, prayer, offerings and more.

 

My Recommendation

It’s not an exaggeration to say I’m so grateful this book exists. It’s short, and the author stresses right at the start that it’s only an introductory volume, intended to encourage the serious seeker to use the sources to find out more. However, it’s the only single, stand-alone volume about Lugh that exists, making it an important part of any Irish- or Celtic-inspired Pagan’s bookshelf.

I’ve honoured Lugh for many years and have spent so long squinting at the lore trying to make heads or tales of the vast contradictions therein. Morgan cuts right through it all and makes it all simpler, whilst at the same time emphasising the vital importance of Lugh in terms of the Tuatha de Danaan and the history and mythology of Ireland. Highly recommended.

 

About Author Morgan Daimler

Morgan Daimler has been a polytheistic witch since the ’90?s and follows a path that’s inspired by Irish Fairy Faith combined with neopagan witchcraft. Morgan teaches various classes on Irish myth, magical practices, fairies, and other subjects across America and around the world. Morgan is one of the planet’s foremost experts anything relating to Fairy. Morgan has a number of books out via Moon Books plus has self-published a volume of Old and Middle Irish language translations titled The Treasure of the Tuatha De Danann, and a popular urban fantasy and paranormal romance series titled Between the Worlds.

 

Pagan Portals – Lugh: Meeting the Many-Skilled God on Amazon
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About the Author:

Mabh Savage is a Pagan author, poet and musician, as well as a freelance journalist.

She is the author of A Modern Celt: Seeking the Ancestors & Pagan Portals – Celtic Witchcraft: Modern Witchcraft Meets Celtic Ways.