Ogma (Ogham) In Celtic mythology, orator, warrior of the Tuatha de Danann, Irish god of literature, eloquence, fertility, healing, poetry, prophecy, and war; husband of Etain; father of Cairbe, MacCecht, MacCool, MacGreiné, and Tuirenn.
He is also the fabled inventor of the Ogham alphabet, the earliest form of writing in Irish. The Latin alphabet is adapted to a series of twenty “letters” of straight lines and notches carved into wood or stone.
Ancient Roman writers identified Ogma with both Hercules and Mercury. On the Continent he was worshipped under the name Ogmios.
Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, Third Edition – Written by Anthony S. Mercatante & James R. Dow – Copyright © 2009 by Anthony S. Mercatante
Ogma, Lord of Eloquence and Literature, is credited with inventing Ogham script, a system of writing incorporating notches and strokes traditionally cut into wood or stone. It may also be used for divination and to communicate with Ogma. Ogma is a poet and a warrior. He is skilled in warcraft. His name appears on curse tablets intended to provide justice or to enforce curses. The Romans identified Ogma with Hercules.
MANIFESTATION:
Ogma is described as an old but powerful bald, sunburned man yet he is simultaneously a strong-man akin to Heracles.
ICONOGRAPHY:
Ogma leads a band of happy men attached to him by golden chains linking their ears to his tongue.
Spirit allies:
His father, the Dagda. Ogma forms a triad with the Dagda and Lugh.
ATTRIBUTES:
Bow, club
PLANET:
Sun
SEE ALSO:
- Ailinn;
- Dagda;
- Heracles;
- Lugh;
- Nuada
Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses– Written by Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.
