|
In Irish mythology, Aengus (Áengus, Óengus, Angus) aka Aengus Óg ("Aengus the Young"), Mac ind Óg ("son of the young") or Mac Óg ("young son") was a member of the Tuatha Dé Danann and probably a god of love, youth and beauty. He was said to have four birds symbolizing kisses flying about his head. His parents were the Dagda and Boann. He was said to have lived at Newgrange by the river Boyne.
The Dagda had an affair with Boann, wife of Nechtan. In order to hide their affair, Dagda made the sun stand still for nine months; therefore, Aengus was conceived, gestated and born in one day. Elcmar was his foster-father.
When he came of age Aengus dispossesed the Dagda of his home, the Brug na Boinne (Newgrange).
Aengus fell in love with a girl he dreamed of. His mother, Boann, searched Ireland for an entire year. Then his father, the Dagda, did the same. Finally, King Bodb Dearg of Munster found her after a year.
Aegus went to the lake of the Dragons's Mouth and found 150 girls chained up in pairs. He found his girl, Caer. On November 1, Caer and the other girls would turn into a swan for one year. Aengus was told he could marry Caer if he could identify her as a swan. Aengus succeeded. He turned himself into a swan and they flew away, singing beautiful music that put all its listeners asleep for three days and nights.
Aengus was the foster-father and protector of Diarmuid Ua Duibhne of the Fianna.
Aengus is probably connected to the ancient Celtic god Maponos and his Welsh equivalent, Mabon ap Modron.
Alternative: Aengus the Young, Angus, Anghus, Aonghus, Angus Og, Aengus mac Oc, Oengus mac Oc
|
