As the legend goes, it was prophesied that Balor would lose his life at the hands of his own grandson. To prevent this, Balor locked his daughter Ethniu in a tower so that she may never meet a man. But Cian, who was out for revenge against Balor for tricking him out of his prized cow, asks a faery woman (Birog) to magically transport him into the tower where Ethniu is kept. He seduces her, and she eventually gives birth to three children.
Upon learning this, Balor orders the babies to be drowned in a whirlpool, but one was dropped and rescued by Mananan (some sources say Birog), who then gives the child to Goibniu to foster. Lugh eventually did kill his grandfather Balor, using a sling stone.
As a young man, Lugh travels to the court of the Tuatha de Danann king, Nuada. Only individuals offering a unique skill may join the court. Lugh is proficient in many things including his skills as a smith (undoubtedly thanks to his foster father), poet, warrior, musician, and more, but the court of the Tuatha de Danann already comprises of individuals with these claims. Ultimately, Lugh asks the guard if there is any one person who possesses all of those skills. When the guard admits there is not such a person, Lugh is permitted to join the court and is given the title of Ollam, or "master," "highest rank."
Lugh has many names, including Lugh Lamhfhada, which translates "Lugh of the Long Arm." He is father to the warrior Cuchulainn (by Deichtine), and ruled Ireland for many years. He possessed several magical items including a spear, two swords, a dog, and a pig skin that healed wounds, some of which he gained through the sons of Tuireann in compensation for slaying his father Cian. He was also in possession of a boat called "Wave Sweeper" which he borrowed or acquired from Mananan (he seems to have borrowed a few of Mananan's things).
Tailtiu (Fir Bolg) was Lugh's foster mother, whom is revered so greatly he instituted an annual festival of games in her honor. This we know today as Lughnasadh which commonly occurs on August 1st. The festivities celebrate Lugh and harolds in the harvest season. The holiday is where the Irish word for August (Lunasa) comes from. Lugh is also credited with the invention of Fidchell, an Irish version of chess.
About the work:
Here he is, Lugh the strong-armed sun God with the fiery surroundings of his forge. On the wall hangs some of his tools and weapons. His golden-haired head is haloed by a shield with a Le Tene style design that symbolizes his relationship with the sun. Before him is a game of Fidchell, ready to play. He wears a red striped tunic, a pattern and color well liked by the Celts. He has a look of confidence about his face, which is no surprise when you're as highly skilled as he is. There is a lot of symbolism associated with Lugh, too much to fit in unfortunately. Tucked in his belt is a sling shot, not exactly the weapon he would have used to slay Balor, but illustrating a true sling stone was not fitting well in the picture. For all the other items, I've tried to reproduce or be inspired by actual artifacts of the ancient Celtic age.
