๐๐๐ง๐๐ง๐งรก๐ง ๐ฆ๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ซ, ๐๐ฎ๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐๐ง ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฌ
- Justine Guittonny Cappelli
- May 4
- 2 min read
Manannรกn mac Lir is a revered figure in Celtic mythology, a deity belonging to the mystical race of the Tuatha De Danann (thoo'a-hay-day-danawn). As the son of Lir, the Irish god of the sea, Manannรกn was titled Lord of the Sea, beyond which lay the Land of Youth and the fabled Islands of the Dead. Known for his wisdom and trickery, he was also celebrated as the Master of Illusions.
Stories tell of Manannรกnโs wife, Fand, the Fairy Queen known as "The Pearl of Beauty," and of his children, including his foster son Lugh, the Great Warrior, whom he gifted with enchanted items. Among Manannรกn's magical possessions were his steed, Enbarr of the Flowing Mane, which could travel across land and sea; the Ocean Sweeper, a boat that needed no oar or sail; the Cloak of Mists, which changed colors and created thunder when he was angry; and his legendary sword, Fragarach, also known as The Answerer, capable of cutting through any armor.
The Isle of Man, named after Manannรกn, was his stronghold, with legends placing his throne atop Barrule and his court at Cronk y Voddy. His spirit is said to ride on storms, particularly near the Tonn Banks off the coast of Donegal, a site of many shipwrecks that is believed to embody his enduring power.
In this painting, I sought to embody the essence of Manannรกn as both an imposing guardian and a timeless force. His flowing beard and robes swirl with oceanic patterns, echoing the movement of waves and currents. Fish, waves, and intricate Celtic designs surround him, grounding him in the depths he commands. The golden accents shimmer like sunlight on water, capturing a sense of divine radiance. He holds his staff with quiet authority, his gaze resolute, as if watching over his domain with a mixture of pride and sorrow.
In creating this work, I couldnโt ignore the state of our seas today. Manannรกn, in my vision, is not at peace. Once a guardian of life and mystery, he now stands witness to the destruction of his domain. Pollution, overfishing, and the alteration of natural water cycles threaten countless species, from the smallest organisms to the largest marine mammals.
In some parts of the world, movements are beginning to recognize bodies of water as living entities, entities with rights, to help protect and preserve them. This โre-enchantmentโ of nature can inspire us to see rivers, lakes, and oceans as worthy of respect and care, rather than resources to exploit. May this painting serve as a reminder that we are not separate from the world we inhabit.
Comentarios