Ogma Basics

Ogma, or Oghma, is one of the Tuatha De Dannan. He is attested to in the Táin Bó Cúailnge, the Lebor Gabála Érenn, the the Do Cath Mag Tuired, the Foras Feasa ar Éirinn, and the Ogham Tract. His name means “To Cut” or “Cutting One.” He is the legendary creator of the early Celtic writing system Ogham, the first script in which Gaelic was written. Also called the Tree Alphabet, Ogham letters were made by cutting lines into wood, and sometimes into stone (Historically Ogham is related to both Germanic Runes and the Greek Alphabet). Sometimes described as ‘honey-mouthed,’ Ogma is considered to be the Celtic god of not only writing, but also speechcraft and poetry. Poetry in ancient Celtic culture was institutional and included many disciplines, such that it may be best thought of as ‘higher learning’ in the broadest sense. Ogma is indeed understood to be a god of learning and applied knowledge.

Ogma’s titles include Grianainech (“Sun-Faced”), Griain-éigis (“Shining Sage”), Trenfher (“Strongman” as in champion), and “The Father of Ogam.” He is often depicted in a triad with his brothers, the Dagda and Lugh, forming the Tri Dee Dana, the “Three Gods of Skill.” In the Ogam Tract he declares he is the father of the alphabet and his carving knife its mother. A mighty warrior and champion of the gods, Ogma is also associated with physical excellence.

In the Irish texts Ogma’s father is Elatha, a Fomorian king. His mother is Ethliu, also known as Eriu, the Formorian goddess who gives her name to Ireland. Ogma is the brother of Bres, who marries Brigid to help unite the Tuatha and Fomorian tribes, and takes the throne after Nuada. Ogma’s wife is Etain, and he is the father of Dalbaeth and Tuireann. He is also the father of Taranis, a Celtic counterpart to Germanic Thor. Ogma is depicted as a mighty, mature man wielding weapons, either a club or sword, as well as bow and arrows.

When Nuada loses his arm – and thus his right to the throne – King Bres demotes his brother Ogma from the role of champion to the King and gives him to the menial task of carrying firewood. During this time of labour and servitude, Ogma impresses Bres with his impressive displays in athletic and combat competitions.

When Bres is overthrown and Nuada is reinstated as king of the Tuatha, Ogma in turn is reinstated as the king’s champion. However, when Lugh arrives on the scene, Ogma must defend this position. He challenges Lugh to a boulder-hefting competition, shot-putting rocks so heavy they would take eighty oxen to drag. Lugh wins the contest by hurling the rocks back to the position Ogma lifted them. When Lugh is given command of Nuada’s armies, Ogma is honored to in turn become Lugh’s champion. In the final battle against the Fomorian’s, Ogma wins the sword of the Fomorian king, the Orna, which proclaims and orates the victories of its wielder when drawn. In the Irish tales, Ogma and Indech, champion of the Formorians, defeat each other in combat.

Ogma was known to the Gallic Celts as Ogmios who rouses and inspires warriors with impassioned speeches. In the archeological record, Ogmios is depicted as a massive warrior with chained warrior bands in tow. The chains extend from Ogmios’ mouth or tongue, and are attached to the ears of his band. These ‘prisoners’ are described by scholars as ‘happily enslaved,’ following their war chief’s inspiring words, inciting them to victory.

Ogma has been suggested to be identified with Eufydd fab Don in The Mabinogion. Eufydd is described as a magician and assists his brothers just as Ogma aids his brothers in the Irish lore.

The Romans syncretized him with their own champion of the gods, Hercules, and Ogma is thus sometimes referred to as Gaullish Hercules.

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Thoughts on Ogma

Ogma is associated with excellence and strength in both body and in mind: there is no nerd/jock dichotomy here! In Celtic culture, eloquence is considered one of the gifts of old age. Ogma is depicted as an older man in peak physical and mental shape. This brings to mind images of Óðin, who is likewise described as variously older, robust and virile. In this Ogma may perhaps be looked to a guide in getting in and staying in shape as we age, as well as keeping the mind sharp. Both Ogma and Óðin are warrior-poets, and gods of both might in battle and in knowledge. Like Ogmios, Óðin is depicted with a retinue of warriors with whom he marches into battle. Ogma descends from the Formorians, and earlier dynasty of gods, which parallels with the Æsir who descend from an older generation, the Jötnar.

His depiction of Ogmios, whose eloquent chains link his words to his happy warriors brings to mind the power of motivational speech and skill in encouraging people. Even Ogma’s sword proclaimed his exploits. Ogma may perhaps be looked to as a helper in using the power of words to motivate oneself and in working with others.

“God of Poetry” has much broader connotations in the ancient Celtic sense. The Irish poet, or filidh (“fee-lee”) was a master of many disciplines. In particular, filidh were revered (and feared!) for their power of lampooning political enemies, inflicting the “poet’s curse” which could destroy a person’s reputation. Ogma was thus a god who won battles not only with strength, but also with words.

Warrior poets were, additionally great entertainers who sung and storied the tales of great heroes. They served a function in society that today is filled by action movies. Ogma and his trinity of brothers were all-around, “MCU”-sized superheroes not just in their own time, but ours as well, as their stories live on to inspire us today.

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Signs and Symbols

The Ogham alphabet and other alphabets by extension. Writing and writing implements. Learning, education and language. Carving and carving tools. Chains. Strength training and fitness. Sports and athletics competitions. Motivational speeches and songs. Satire, lampooning and roasts. Poetry and lyrics. Action heroes. Public speaking. Sports announcers, coaches, and political commentators.

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Associated Names

Oghma, Ogmios, Gaullish Hercules, Cermait, Eufydd fab Don.