Song for Lughnasadh: Lugh of the Long Arm
This song, created by me, is an invocation of Lugh, a Celtic god known for his roles as a divine king of Tuatha Dé Danann, a warrior, and master of all crafts. The Irish festival of Lughnasadh meaning “the games of Lugh,” traditionally took place at the beginning of August and is named for him (in fact, Lughnasadh is the only Celtic festival definitively known to be named for an Irish deity). Lughnasadh was a celebration of the first harvest of grain or cereal crops. It was also a time for games and sports, the laying aside of disputes, the recitation of sacred stories and chronicles, and the arrangement of marriages.
This song is an invocation for Lugh to help us in whatever skill or form of knowledge we wish to grow or improve. He is named for some of his many qualities- a harper, a bard, a warrior, a keeper of oaths- and we ask him to shape us like metal at the forge (he’s also a smith, of course!), hammering and marking us to become precise, effective & strong. The name “Lugh of the Long Arm” comes from the Irish title “Lugh Lamhfada” -which may refer to the long reach of his spear. He’s also referred to here as a “honey-tongue champion” for his skills as a bard and orator.
If you make this song a part of your life, I ask that you always make an offering to Lugh before singing it. This song is a request to Lugh, and so some reciprocity is required out of respect. In my experience, he likes items of beauty.
I’ve been creating many pagan songs like this one over the past several years, and I’m determined in the next 12 months to finally make an album featuring some of my favorites! Be sure to join my newsletter for updates about music releases and workshop offerings.
Lyrics:
Part 1 (main):
Lugh of the long arm
Lugh of iron will
Lugh of the long arm
Bless me with your skill
Part 2 (drone):
Harper, hero, bard and king
Light bringer, oath keeper
Warrior
Part 3 (high):
Honey-tongued champion
Sharpen me
Set me ablaze
Honey-tongued champion
Hew and hone
Make me a blade
