Midir

A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology | 2004 | 700+ words | Copyright

Midir, Midhir, Mider, Midar. Chieftain of the Tuatha Dé Danann, conventionally portrayed as proud and haughty, ruler of the otherworldly dwelling of Brí Léith, husband of Fuamnach, and lover of Étaín Óg in Tochmarc Étaíne [The Wooing of Étaín]. A certain pride in his possessions brings Midir much grief. His magic cauldron, one of the treasures of the Tuatha Dé Danann, is stolen by Cúchulainn. And his three cranes, symbols of stinginess and unpleasantness, were thought to have been stolen by the satirist Athairne Ailgesach. The place-name story of Lough Ree has Midir giving a magical but mischievous horse, whose urine forms the lake, to Eochu mac Maireda and his brother Ríb. In an extraordinary number of variant texts he is given roles played elsewhere by other figures. He is sometimes cited as the foster-father of Angus Óg, instead of Elcmar, advising his charge on the taking of Brug na Bóinne [Newgrange]. He is sometimes the father or brother of the Dagda, and sometimes the father of Macha and Bláithíne. Daughters unquestionably his include Ailbe (1) and Doirind.

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JAMES MacKILLOP. "Midir." A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

JAMES MacKILLOP. "Midir." A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O70-Midir.html

JAMES MacKILLOP. "Midir." A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology. 2004. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O70-Midir.html

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