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Crom Cruach

In Celtic mythology, Crom Cruach was one of the chief gods of Ireland. He may have been a solar deity.

There was an idol on the Mag Sleact in Cavan County, Ulster devoted to Crom Cruach. His statue was an upright stone pillar coated in gold and silver and surrounded by twelve smaller, stone statues covered in bronze. This alignment would have represented the sun surrounded by the signs of the zodiac.

Parents sacrificed one third of the children to him on Samhain in exchange for a fertile growing season.

His worship was said to have been introduced by King Tigernmas.

St. Patrick cursed and destroyed the idol and stopped his worship.

He is mentioned in the 6th century Dinnshenchas in the Book of Leinster, as well as the Tripartite Life of Patrick and the 14th century Book of McGovern.

Alternative: Cromm Cruac ("bloody crescent"), Cenn Cruaic ("bloody head"), rid-iodal h-Eireann ("the king idol of Ireland")

This might be the god Crom that Conan often addresses, or at least the name may be inspired by him.

Last updated: 10-12-2005 18:13:05
Last updated: 01-04-2007 01:18:57
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