Ogma

Ogma is a figure in ancient Celtic mythology, most commonly associated with Irish and Gaulish traditions. He is typically presented as a deity or heroic figure connected with speech, language, and writing, and he appears in various myths as a master of eloquence and the arts of communication.

In Irish literature, Ogma (often called Ogma mac Elada) is linked with the Tuatha Dé Danann and is described as a skilled speaker and poet. A key tradition holds that he either invented or taught the Ogham script, the early medieval alphabet used to write the Irish language. Because the script is called ogham, some legends explicitly connect the invention of the writing system to him, although sources differ on the exact details.

A close counterpart in Gaulish belief is Ogmios, a personification of eloquence and persuasive speech. Ogmios is frequently depicted as an elder, powerful figure whose bonds or chains symbolize the binding force of language. The linguistic and poetic associations of Ogma in Ireland are widely considered to be cognate with Ogmios, reflecting a shared Indo-European root that treats speech as a form of power.

Genealogically, Ogma is sometimes described in legends as a king of the Fir Bolg or as a prominent warrior and teacher within the mythic cycles. The exact role and status of Ogma vary by source, reflecting the adaptive nature of early Irish myth.

In modern times, Ogma remains a symbol of language, writing, and poetic craft, with the Ogham script and its associations continuing to be linked to his legendary legacy.