Nuada Airgetlam of the silver hand (also spelling Nuadu, Nuadha, Airgeadlams) was the god-real of the Tuatha Dé Danann before they arrived in Ireland and for some time later.

Etymology

Jrr Tolkein suggested that the Nuada name derived from the Celtic root «Noudent», related to a Germanic root that means «acquire» or «make use of».

Julius Pokorny suggests that the word has its origin in a protoindeuropea root «neu-d» which means «use» «acquire» or «fishing».

Biography

Nuada Airgetlam (Nuada de la Hand/Arm of Silver), also known as Nuadu or Nuadha was the first king of the Dannan’s Tuatha. He lost his arm in the first battle of Mag Tuirad in combat against champion Fir Bolg LENG, so he could not opt ​​for the throne, since he was not physically perfect. It was replaced by bres.

Later, his arm was replaced by a silver one by the doctor Dian Cecht and Creidne Escudero and later received a real arm from Dian Cecht’s son, Miach, and his sister. After Bres governed for seven years, Nuada was restored as king.

Bres tried to resume the throne by force, joining the Fomorians against the Tuatha of Dannan and Nuada resigned in favor of Lugh, whom he considered much more skilled and capable of dealing with the threat. Nuada was killed and decapitated in the second battle of Mag Tuired by the Fomoriano Balor champion. Lugh, in turn, killed Balor and led Dannan’s Tuatha to Victoria.

Nuada’s Sword was one of the four treasures of Dannan’s Tuatha.

The current city of Maynooth bears his name. (Maight Nuada, or the throne of Nuada).

Silver arm symbolism

The silver arm granted to Nuada was deeply symbolic. After all, the loss of the right hand of the God-Rey meant that he had also lost the old right to govern. The new Nuada silver arm represented its adaptability, its resistance and the powers that allowed it to continue its reign.

In addition to being a strong physical attribute, Nuada’s silver arm became a powerful emblem of perseverance and strength.

Nuada’s light sword

According to Celtic mythology, the sword of the light -sided light was invincible once discharged: it was said that it was shone and that it was recorded with powerful spells. The sword originally came from Findias, a mystical island from the north whose exact location was unknown.

Depending on the needs of its bearer, the sword had the power to divert or dissolve. The only thing against what the weapon was unable to protect was … Balefire and its derivatives.

Associations

Nuada is associated with the Gallic and British God Nodens and with the Welsh god NUD or Lludd Llaw Eraint.

Healing, sun, childbirth, youth, beauty, ocean, dogs, poetry, writing, sorceress, weapons and war.

Nuada and Celtic Spirituality – Past and present

The god-one was and is still a very influential figure in the Celtic tradition. Its history of interior growth, value and strength inspired our ancestors and the modern practitioners of Celtic spirituality.

Nuada is deeply connected to the natural world, and those who wish to honor their energy or connect with it may wish to find a place that speaks to them. Maybe near a river, or simply in the garden, while connecting with the earth. Contemplate the history of Nuada on inner strength and resistance, and let it bring comfort and courage when you need it. Nuada reminds us that we all have the determination and the ability to do the right thing.