Of all the trees, it is the oak that has been most associated with the druids as their sacred tree. Some scholars argue that the very word “druid” derives from the word “oak-knowledge” (dru-vid), mainly because Pliny the Elder associated it with being cognate with the Greek word for oak. Certainly veneration of the oak was widespread among the Celts wherever they were. In Galatia, the state set up by the Celts on the central plain of Turkey, the capital was recorded by Strabo as Drunemeton—the oak sanctuary. Maximum Tyrius went further and claimed that the Celts saw the father of the gods (Zeus) in the image of a lofty oak. However, in Irish mythology the yew, hazel, and rowan trees are more frequently referred to than the oak. Certainly sacred trees were common and used as totems. Each clan had its sacred tree, and the most demoralising thing a hostile clan could do to another was to invade and fell the sacred tree. These were regarded as the crann bethadh, or “tree of life.” In early Christian tradition we find many churches significantly sited by druidic oaks in Ireland: Cill Daire (Kildare), the “Church of the Oak,” founded by Brigid; the great monastic school of Daire Maugh (Durrow), “Plain of the Oaks,” in Wexford; and Daire Calgaich (Derry), Colmcille’s favourite spot, which was the “Oak Grove of Calgaich.” Mistletoe, associated with the Continental Celts, is not a native Irish plant and was only transported to Ireland in the eighteenth century.
[I] Aigéan scuabadoir. A magical ship that knew a man’s thoughts and was propelled without sails or oars wherever he willed it. Lugh Lámhfada brought it from the Otherworld. It was given as a gift to Manannán Mac Lir.
[I] The “Moaner.” Enchanted shield of Conchobhar Mac Nessa that moaned whenever its owner was in danger.
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