Think you have issues with your daddy? Today this large vase, called ‘The Eye of Balor’, tells the tale of an Irish giant, a prophecy, his captive daughter, some serious control issues, a late night rendezvous and a whole lot of famillicide! It is also featured at my current solo art exhibit, ‘The Myth of Family, which you can learn more about here.
According to Irish legend, a race of giants, the Fomorians, were said to be among the early settlers of Ireland. They even had their own king, Balor. Balor was no ordinary giant king, as he was also the god of death.
Balor would have been an unwelcome patient at an optometrist’s office. He only had one eye. Imagine the frustration of trying to fit a pair of glasses for him. This would be the least of the eye doctor’s problems though, as whoever was caught in his gaze would die instantly.
Fortunately, giants weren’t big on seeing eye doctors. And Balor kept his single eye closed until this terrible power was needed. Maybe he had a cool eye patch?
According to the prophecy, Balor would be killed by his own grandson. What was a giant cyclops to do? Imprison his own daughter in a crystal tower of course! That way she can never have any babies and the prophecy would be thwarted.
A crystal tower apparently does not make a great prison. Cian, a minor god was able to find a way into the tower and Balor’s daughter found her self with child not long after. Imagine getting pregnant with triplets from your first sexual experience? That is what happened to Balor’s daughter, Ethlinn. It seems she had terrible luck.
You can see more pictures of ‘The Eye of Balor’ here.
Balor heard about the birth of his three grandsons. But rather than passing out cigars he threw them into the sea.
One boy Lugh was able to escape his watery grave by finding refuge with Manannan Mac Lir, the god of the sea. The prophecy finally played when Lugh led the Tuatha De Danann (a race of Irish gods) into a battle where Balor would meet his fate. Death by removal of his one eye.
What do you think of the raku pottery vase ‘The Eye of Balor’ and the associated story? You can check out another vase story that involves giants here.
Beautiful raku pottery and story. Sad to read Balor threw three grandsons to sea and only one survived.
It is a very sad story from what could perhaps be considered a darker time in history. I hope you are doing well and having bright days Krishna 😉
This vase would look great in my home! 😎
That is entirely possible John! If you are interested in the piece, do feel free to get in touch. I hope you are well!
Really interesting article!
Thanks!
I like ‘Enter Sandman.’
Metallica thanks you 😉 I hope you are having a good week!
Balor was a real piece of work. Your vase, on the other hand, is a beautiful work.
Thank you so much Michael! I really appreciate your kind comment about my vase. Balor really was a piece of work! I hope you are having a great week!
In this case daddy was a gigantic asshole, but as far as I can judge, the worst psychopaths were those having mommy issues. Oedipus, Ted Bundy and consorts.
You are certainly right about Balor and those you have listed. I hope you are having a good week 😉
That was a great vase and story. Interestingly enough, there’s an Irish pro wrestler named Finn Balor who got his ring name partially because of that same tale.
I had no idea about Finn Balor, but it sounds like the name may be appropriate. I assume he was one of the ‘bad’ guys in Irish pro wrestling? Hope you are having a good day!
Yup! Hahaha! Okay, his real name is Fergal Devitt, but that’s the ring name he got after signing to the WWE. To the best of my knowledge, he hasn’t been heel (bad guy) in that company so far, but on major shows, he paints up his body to play this “Demon King” alter-ego on occasion.
Thanks!
Thank you! 😊
Beautiful pottery and the story attached is great but also sad.
Thank you Nat for your kind comment. I hope you are having a happy day!
The Eye of Balor is a beautiful vase. That red is gorgeous and the eye peeking at you is intriguing. I do hope all’s well there and that you have power back by now and getting back to some sense of normal. Do take care, Suzanne 🌷
Thank Suzanne! Things are back to normal here and I am finally ready to do some firings today! I am pretty excited about that, and I hope I have some exciting pieces to share with you all! I hope you are having a great week!
So happy to hear it! Best wishes for firing! I look forward to the treasure you’ll create and share with us! 😊
A fascinating tale, my friend. Love the colors in the vase!
Thank you so much Eugenia! I really appreciate you and your comments.
😉
Spectacular vase, and also one of my favourite legends.
I like how you captured the Eye; I found myself imagining Lugh casting the Gae Bolg into it, with fire and boiling blood.
Keep up the brilliant work!
Thank you so much for your kind comment. I think it is very cool that you were familiar with this particular legend! Do you have a connection to the Emerald Isle? I hope you are having a wonderful week and writing with ease 😉
Thanks! A part of my family comes from Ireland, and the book I’m writing takes a lot from celtic mythology. I hope your week is great too!
A beautifully written post. You are a truly gifted writer. Thank you 💖
Thank you so much for your kind words Suzette! I hope you are having a great week so far!
Fascinating back story and I love the colour on the vase, beautiful.
Thank you so much for your kind comment. I hope you are well and having a great day!
Thanks for the story and the close-ups!
Thank you for your kind comment!
My daddy issues don’t compare. 😂
haha! Thankfully neither do mine! Thanks for the smile and I hope you are well!
Wow, the close up pics of the vase is so detailed and beautiful. I enjoyed the story as well.🥰❤️
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful comment. I hope you have had a wonderful weekend!
Hi dear, I am nominating you for the sunshine blogger award tomorrow, hope you’d participate.😍❤️
Beautiful work of ART Anand Bose from Kerala
Thank you so much!
“Sandman” is a really important song in our part of Virginia — it’s the song by which the local university’s football team takes the field. The whole crowd goes crazy and jumps up and down, an amazing sight! Here’s a short version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mm7rSeQQh_8
That is an amazing sight! What spirit and energy! How can your team ever lose making an entrance like that! Thanks for sharing the video, it was an amazing sight! I hope you are well and having a great day!
The story was so captivating! Couldn’t help but recount what I read in the book titled a wizard abroad.
Thank you so much for your kind comment 😉 I hope you had a good weekend!
Yh my weekend was good. Thanks for the follow too, made the weekend even better 😊… hope you had a great one yourself
This is such an interesting legend! I’m from N.Ireland near the Giant’s Causeway so the only giant legend I really know is that of Finn McCool. But now it’s something I feel like exploring more. Beautiful vase as well!
What a magical and beautiful land to be from! I have always dreamed of making it to the Giant’s Causeway! Here in Canada we have some interesting giant legends too, like the Three Sister rocks and Sleeping Giant Provincial park. Thank you for your kind comment and I hope you are having a lovely week.
You might want to create a “mommie dearest” vase with a hanger on the base .🕷️🕷️