The name comes from the ancient Irish mac óg or 'Young Son', linking him to the Daghdha. According to legend, he was the product of an illicit union between the Father-God and the goddess Bóinn. The Daghdha tried to conceal Bóinn's pregnancy by causing the sun to stand still for the nine months of her confinement so, strictly speaking, Oengus was conceived and born on the same day. He is portrayed as both a lover and a poet, demonstrating the strong connection between the two elements in the Celtic mind.

In the ancient Irish poem Aislinge Oengaso – The Dream or Vision of Oenghus – deemed one of the greatest Otherworld narratives, the god was smitten with a great passion for a young girl whom he does not recognise. He could think of none but her and wrote many ballads in her honour. He fell sick with love for her – an illness that no druid could heal. Eventually, he learnt that her name was Caer Iobharmhéith – Yew Berry – and, on searching for her, found her with her companions beside a lake. He had also learned that Caer was one of the Sidhe, and a shape-changer, and that every other year she must renounce human form and take on that of a swan.

Oengus approached his friend King Ailill of Connacht to intercede for him with the girl's father Eathal Anbhuail of Sidh Uamhain. The king had no success, but learnt that the only time Caer could be taken was when she was in her swan guise.

Oenghus waited for the great Celtic feast of Samhain on 1 November, when her metamorphosis was to occur. He approached Caer and flew off with her, having transformed himself into a swan by the power of his poetry. They circled the lake three times, singing a magical song that enchanted all who heard it.

Oengus took Caer to live with him in his palace at Brugh na Bóinne where he continued to provide inspiration for poets and bards. It wass said that while he lived in the Brugh, Oengus never aged, and his poems and ballads were as clear and fresh as the day on which he wrote them.

In accordance with the frequent triplication of Celtic deities, Oengus also appears as one of the three sons of the Daghdha. Thus he commanded divine status and was one of the leaders of the Tuatha Dé Danann.

In essence, Oengus portrayed the constant theme of love within the Celtic mythological cycles. He also served as a symbol of the divine and idealistic young man – the eternal appeal of youth. He represented creativity in the Celtic world and was looked on with great favour by the bards and filí. He appears in the Northern British counterpart, Maponos and in the Welsh Mabon, both of whom appear as ‘divine sons’.

See also: Spirits of Earth and Air

From Complete Guide to Celtic Mythology by Bob Curran