one-eyed figures

one-eyed figures. While the threatening giant with a single eye in the middle of his forehead like Polyphemus in Homer's Odyssey is widespread in world folklore (folk motif F531.1.1.1), not all Celtic instances of one-eyed figures match this paradigm. Most are found in Irish and Scottish Gaelic traditions. T. F. O'Rahilly argued (1946) that the single eye evokes the sun, as evidenced by the epithet, Deirgderc [red eye], of King Eochaid (1). The lack of two eyes did not disqualify Eochaid from kingship when kings could not have any physical shortcomings, such as Nuadu's lacking an arm. Further, the single-eyed Goll mac Morna, whose name goll literally means ‘one-eyed’, might also be called Áed [fire]. In many Fenian stories Goll's solar origin, if he has one, is obscured by having him wear an eye-patch, rationalizing the loss of the second eye.

Persons with a single eye may appear more menacing when they are also one-armed and one-legged. The Fomorians of the pseudo-history Lebor Gabála [Book of Invasions] are made to appear more fearsome when described this way before a battle, while at other points in the text they appear to have both eyes, arms, and legs. Fer Caille, the forbidding churl in Togail Bruidne Da Derga [The Destruction of Da Derga's Hostel], is described in the same way, as are the frightening dgrave;reach and fachan of Scottish Gaelic oral tradition. And when early Irish poets sought to deliver their most threatening curse, the glám dícenn [poet's execration], they stood on one leg (like a crane?), closed one eye, and extended one arm. Other important one-eyed figures include: Balor, whose eye could destroy; Congal Cáech; Dáire Derg; Éis Énchenn, a one-eyed old hag, the only female listed here; Eochaid Áenshúla, whose name means ‘of the one eye’; Eochaid mac Luchta; Fiachra mac Fergusa; Goll mac Carbada; Goll mac Morna; Ingcél Cáech, whose single eye has three pupils; Mug Ruith; Nár; Searbhán the Surly; the sons of Uar (1). Additionally, Fintan (1), the salmon of knowledge, also known as Goll Essa Ruaid, has but one eye.