The image of the Cultural Hero has broken up to some characters (that in general typically for the given type in many mythologies). However, similar division as it was shown, existed in Gaulish epoch when along with Smertrius - Ogmios, Lugh
(Mercury) was venerated. As for to the Irish sagas, image Ogmios he began to be called Oghma) was added to following fig. First, Oghma attributed creation of the pagan letters, which have arisen in 4 century A.D. and named ogam. Second, mentioned his characteristic as the god - connector finds acknowledgement in a plot "Tain Bo Cuailnge" (the Cattle-Raid of Cuailnge) when Cuchulain (the main Irish hero) wishing to detain enemy army, has braided in unit a tree and has traced on it ogamic symbols. At last, from "The second Battle of Maige Turedh" it is known about destruction of Oghma from hands of demons - Fomhoire, that frequently happens with heroes.
Is more popular in the Irish sagas (as well as in general in the Celt culture) Lugh - "Shining". On his name such cities, as Leiden, Lyons, Liegnitz are named. His other epithet - "Master of hundred crafts". It was already marked, that this Celtic god was identified by the Romans with Hermes /Mercury. Lugh has occupied a sacred royal throne, having replaced Nuadha (the given pair surprisingly corresponds to the Scandinavian pair Scandinavian Odin / Tyr which will be considered below). Lugh has brought great contribution to a victory of Tribes of Goddess Danu above sea demons Fomhoire (the struggle similar to an opposition of the Greek Olympians and titans, the Scandinavian gods and mountainous giants, the Indian gods and asuras). Thus he has struck Fomorian king, monstrous one-eyed Balar, that is, perhaps, the central episode of all Irish mythology. The given duel sometimes treats as variant of struggle between the Thunder god and his opponent though the Lugh has no any attitude to a thunder. The opinion of is more convincing. The opinion that a duel Lugh with Balar is display typical for the Celts oppositions between old king and his young contender is more serious. (Mac Cana, 1973).
From some sagas the plot of Lugh's destruction, but as usually in a case with the Hero, it is not final is known. At last - and it is important, Lugh is considered the father of most famous hero Cuchulain, which for the Irish epos has the same value, as for example, Ahilles for Greek.
"The way to castle of Scathach." (A. Fantalov 1999)
Cuchulain, greatest hero of Ireland, leave for Scotland to study military art ( that was teached by women-warrior Scathach). Hero was attacked by various monsters during his traveling, but he won them.
"Heroic Cuchulain." (A. Fantalov 1999)
During the Tain Bo Cuailnge (the Cattle-Raid of Cuailnge). Cuchulain checked an army of quin Medb inspite action of war-goddess Morrighan. The goddess in imago of a cow, an eal, she-wolf attacked hero but in first time appeared as a red women on chariot with a red horse.
"The marvellous traveling of Cuchulain." (A. Fantalov 1999)
Cuchulain, greatest Irish hero, viseted the Otherworld. He was invited by fairies to helpTuatha De Danann against Fomhoire (as Heracles helped gods against giants). A magic island of Manannan Mac Lir is shown.
For consultations or tutoring: history, political science, cultural science, art criticism, painting and theories of composition; purchase of pictures and also installing of advertising - E-mail:
fantalov@hotmail.com