The first Bard of Ireland, Druid and Wizard: Amergin.
The mound of Millmount, Ireland, is said to be the ancient burial place of Amergin; infamous Bard, Druid, chief of the Milesians, and some say Wizard. In Milesian mythology there exists a number of poems attributed to Amergin, and through a battle with the three Kings of the Tuaha De Danann, he is credited with laying claim to the island of the setting sun, Ireland. Many accounts of this battle live on today, a battle which gives us a very distinct and colorful description of a magickal invocation of powers.
Most commonly known as “The Song of Amergin,” it is still debated over today as to wheather Amergin actually sang this invocation of powers, or used the spoken word. As with any translations of ancient languages, we also have a ready supply of different versions available. Either way, Amergins’ magyk proved to be strong and he won the right through battle for the Milesians to settle what is now Ireland.
“What land is better than this island of the setting sun; who but I can tell the ages of the moon.” Just one of the hundreds of quotes attributed to Amergin. One of eight sons of Mil Espaine, Amergin mac Miled (or Amhairghin, [Birth of Song]),served as Druid, Bard and judge for the Milesians. The Milesians were colonists, and the journey of Espaine’s eight sons, (led by Amergin), to Ireland came about as one of revenge over the slaying of the explorer Ith by the three Kings of the Tuatha De Danann. Needless to say, this was quite the bloody battle between the druids and warriors of both sides resulting in heavy losses for each. Five of the eight brothers perished while the remaining three (Amergin was one) each slayed one of the Kings. An interesting side-note to the stories of this battle, is the involvement of the three Queens, who happened to be sisters, and their pre-battle agreement with Amergin.
The song of Amergin is an invocation of his magykal powers during the beginnings of the battle. Wheather sung or spoken, it was Amergins’ response to the magyk of the Tuatha De Danann druids who had raised a great magykal storm in an attempt to keep the Milesians from landing on the beach for battle. This invocation of magyk clearly shows Amergins’ wisdom and powers over the elements. He is joining his ‘Fein’, and ‘duile’ with the Spirit that controls the elements, in essence, becoming one with the elementals. (Or as some translate as to meaning, Amergin ‘became’ the elements. One can only read through the many translations available and perhaps form their own thoughts as to the results of this invocation.
Records and translations of Amergins’ Song are numerous and easily found around the web. Locating one of more reputable source is a bit more difficult. I currently have copies of two Gaelic versions with their translations, plus 5 other versions which have appeared over time. Of the five other versions, one is easily questionable while the rest contain points of doubt. The one I will provide here seems to be the most concise and reputable version available, at least as far as I am aware of at this time. (I remain watchful for older records) With that said, do enjoy this offering in all its’ wonders of recorded magyk and lore.
“Amergin’s Challenge
I am a wind across the sea
I am a flood across the plain
I am the roar of the tides
I am a stag* of seven (pair) tines
I am a dewdrop let fall by the sun
I am the fierceness of boars
I am a hawk, my nest on a cliff
I am a height of poetry (magyk)
I am the most beautiful among flowers
I am the salmon of wisdom
Who is both the tree and the lightning strikes it
Who is the dark secret of the dolmen not yet hewn
I am the queen of every hive
I am the fire on every hill
I am the shield over every head
I am the spear of battle
I am the ninth wave of eternal return
I am the grave of every vain hope
Who knows the path of the sun, the periods of the moon
Who gathers the divisions, enthralls the sea,
sets in order the mountains. the rivers, the peoples”
