Think you have issues with your daddy?
‘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 was also featured at first solo pottery exhibit (which was pre-pandemic), ‘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 Eye of Balor’ and the associated story?
You can check out another vase story that involves giants here.
Enter to win a raku vase, mug, and two cute little animals
to be drawn before the year wraps up!
There are two such things in this part of world too:
1. In a prophecy, Kamsa was told that the eighth child of Devaki would kill him. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamsa
2. Holika (Sanskrit: होलिका), sometimes also known as Simhika was a demoness in scriptures, who was burnt. Holi celebrates the death of Holika in order to save Prahlad and we see where Holi gets its name. Hiranyakashyap decreed that only he be worshiped as a god, His son Prahlad disagreed with his father, and refused to worship his father as a god.
Thank you so much for sharing these stories with me. I have heard of the holiday Holi, but never knew the story behind it! I hope you are having a wonderful week so far!
Thanks, my pleasure. These are the oldest epics, I think may be available in real scriptures as well in India. You can share this story of Holiwith your colorful vase as well—-if you like it though 🙂
And the first example I gave was of birth of Lord Krishna— the birth is celebrated as Janamashtmi. Lord Krishna is a prominent God in this region.
Yes my week is well. Hope yours is going good. BTW nice curry salad on week so far blog on Sunday 🙂
It’s really informative. Thanks for sharing. Have a great day.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. I am glad you found the story informative. I hope you have a great day!
Yeah I have a great day. It’s mine pleasure dear. Have a great day
I know little about Celtic mythology, so this story was especially interesting. Thanks for sharing.
You are very welcome, and thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. It is very much appreciated. I hope you have a wonderful day!
As someone with Irish ancestry, I was delighted to learn about this legend. Thanks for sharing, and continued success with your stunning pottery. 🙂
Thank you Mike! It is quite the tale and I am glad to hear that you liked both the story and the pottery 🙏 Hope you are keeping safe and well!