Manannan Mac Lir
Known in Wales as Manawydan ap Llyr, Manannan Mac Lir sails the ocean beyond the land of youth (Tir nan Oc) in a boat which needed no oars or sails. The Isle of Man was named after him.
Manannan is associated with rebirth and is believed to be an expert on weather forecasting and a skilled sailor. He is an illusionist, shapeshifter, a psychopomp (guiding the dead to the afterlife) and a supernatural father.
Manannan Owns magical pigs which are restored once eaten. He also owns cows and a seafaring horse called Acallamh na Senorach (speech of the ancients). He used to own a pack of hounds who chased a boar into a lake and all drowned, hence Loch Con (Lake of Dogs).
Adapted from 'A guide to the Gods' by Richard Carlyon
