Mug Ruith

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

Mug Ruith, Mug Roith, Mog Ruith, Mug Ruth, Mogh Ruith [cf. OIr. mug, male servant]. Celebrated druid of early Ireland, sometimes called the archdruid; sometimes described as one-eyed or blind. Son of Cethern (3), his patron was the goddess Ana. T. F. O'Rahilly (1946) argues that Mug Ruith was originally a sungod, as his one eye implies. Further, by merely blowing his breath he could dry up waters or raise tempests. Because he was a champion of paganism against Christianity, a learned Christian medieval interpolator made Mug Ruith an associate of Simon Magus [Ir. Símón Druí], a bitter opponent of St Peter in later ecclesiastical legend. Together Simon Magus and Mug Ruith construct a flying machine, roth rámach [Ir., rowing wheel], which was later seen at Tlachtga, the fair named for Mug Ruith's daughter. In Forbais Dromma Damgaire [The Siege of Knocklong], Fiachu Muillethan grants him a large tract of land in north Co. Cork. Mug Ruith was also associated with Valencia Island, Co. Kerry.

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JAMES MacKILLOP. "Mug Ruith." A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

JAMES MacKILLOP. "Mug Ruith." A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O70-MugRuith.html

JAMES MacKILLOP. "Mug Ruith." A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology. 2004. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O70-MugRuith.html

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