Also called Ogmius, the Gaulish Heracles.
Their story
The Greek writer Lucian describes a painting he saw in Gaul of Ogmios, an old, sunburnt Heracles who led a crowd of happy followers by fine gold chains fixed from his tongue to their ears. A Gaul explained that the Celts linked eloquence with Heracles, and that it grows stronger with age. His name also appears on Roman-era curse tablets from Austria.
Best times to give to them
- before speaking in public
- Samhain
What they like being given
- a speech or poem spoken aloud
- bread
- a candle
How to honour them
- Practise speaking clearly and kindly before a talk or interview.
- Use your words to bring people together rather than divide them.
How they can help you
- public speaking
- persuasion
- teaching
Symbols
- the golden chains from his tongue
- the club
- the bow
He is often compared with the Irish Ogma, but the connection is not proven.
Sources
- Lucian, Heracles
- Green, Dictionary of Celtic Myth and Legend
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