How the Dagda got his Magic Staff
Thus it was that The Dagda, great king and druid of Ireland, carried the lifeless form of his son, Cermait Milbel, slain in a heroic battle against Lug, another High King of Ireland. With his heart heavy and his wisdom put to test, The Dagda surrounded Cermait’s body with an intricate arrangement of frankincense, myrrh, and healing herbs. With his son on his back, The Dagda ventured forth, searching the four corners of the world, eventually reaching the farthest eastern realms.
Here, he encountered three men, brothers, who were dividing their late father’s treasures amongst themselves. His curiosity piqued, The Dagda inquired about the nature of their inheritance.
The brothers explained they had a magical shirt, a staff, and a cloak. The staff, they revealed, bore dual powers — one end could take life, while the other could restore it. The cloak, when donned, could alter the wearer’s appearance as per their will. The shirt, they claimed, held the power to protect the wearer from any harm or illness.
Intrigued, The Dagda requested to examine the staff. With the power-laden artifact in his hand, he used the lethal end to slay the brothers. He then used the other end on his fallen son, who immediately revived, full of vigor and health.
Cermait, bewildered at the sight of the three lifeless bodies, questioned his father. The Dagda admitted his deed, explaining how he had used the brothers’ staff to both kill them and bring his son back to life. Cermait, however, expressed his regret at the tragic fate of the brothers, prompting The Dagda to revive them as well.
Upon their revival, the brothers recognized their folly and the power The Dagda held over them. But they demanded assurance that their treasured staff would be returned. The Dagda, confident in his wisdom, swore upon the sun and moon, the land and the sea, that he would return it after using it to vanquish his foes and revive his allies. Satisfied with his vow, the brothers agreed to lend him the staff.
As for their remaining treasures, The Dagda suggested a fair division: two brothers would hold the treasures, with the third waiting for his turn.
Armed with the magical staff, The Dagda returned to Ireland with his son. He utilized the staff to conquer his enemies, resurrect his allies, and ultimately, secure his rule over Ireland.
