Also called Nechta, Nechtan son of Nuadu.
Their story
Nechtan was the husband of Boann and the keeper of the well of Segais, from which the Boyne rose. No one could go to the well except Nechtan and his three cupbearers without harm. When Boann broke that rule the water burst out and pursued her to the sea. In the tales of Fionn, the síd of Nechtan and its well are places of dangerous, hidden knowledge.
Best times to give to them
- Imbolc
- pattern days at holy wells
- Lughnasadh
What they like being given
- a prayer at a well
- clean water returned to the earth
- a hazelnut
- time spent learning
How to honour them
- Visit a holy well respectfully and follow the local custom for walking the rounds.
- Keep a hazelnut on your altar as a sign of wisdom that must be earned.
- Protect water: never leave rubbish or plastic at a well.
How they can help you
- seeking wisdom
- respecting limits and boundaries
- study
Symbols
- the well of Segais
- hazel trees
- the salmon
A link between Nechtan and the Roman Neptune is often suggested but not proven.
Sources
- The Metrical Dindshenchas
- MacKillop, Oxford Dictionary of Celtic Mythology
More Celtic gods
- The Dagda The good god, father of all
- Lugh Master of all the arts
- Cernunnos The antlered one of the wild
- Manannán mac Lir Lord of the sea and the Otherworld
- Aengus The young god of love
- Nuada The king with the silver hand
- Dian Cécht Physician of the Tuatha Dé Danann
- Goibniu Smith of the gods and brewer of the feast