Lugh, the Many-Skilled, and His Hound Failinis
- Justine Guittonny Cappelli
- May 4
- 1 min read
Lugh is one of the most fascinating deities of Celtic mythology. Known as Lugh Lámhfhada ("Lugh of the Long Arm"), he was a warrior, a master of all crafts, and a god of kingship, light, and storms. He played a crucial role in the Tuatha Dé Danann's victory over the Fomorians, defeating Balor, his own grandfather, with a slingshot. Lugh is often linked to the Roman Mercury due to his associations with skill, trade, and travel. Similar figures appear in other mythologies: he shares Odin’s wisdom, Apollo’s radiance, and Hermes’ cunning.
In this painting, I wanted to capture Lugh’s radiance and complexity. Cloaked in midnight blue and gold, he embodies both wisdom and power. He holds Lugh's spear, his legendary spear, one of the Four Treasures of the Tuatha Dé Danann. Said to be unstoppable in battle, always striking true, Lugh's spear was so powerful it had to be kept in a vat of water to prevent it from igniting everything around it.
At his side stands Failinis, his enchanted hound, a creature of great magic and strength. Said to be undefeated in battle and hunting, capable of turning water into wine, Failinis symbolizes loyalty, skill, and the wild energy of the Otherworld.
The swirling mist and stars around them evoke both the celestial and the earthly... Lugh, after all, is a god of many realms, a master of all paths.
Commentaires