Claiomh Solais

IRISH AND SCOTTISH MYTHS AND LEGENDS

a 1922-3 six-pence Irish stamp depicting Claiomh Solais

 

Claiomh Solais is a ‘sword of light’ that gives off a dazzling glow. It represents justice — and is always wielded by a hero. In fact, the sword appears in many Irish and Scottish Gaelic folktales as more of a heroic allegory than a weapon.

As a weapon, Claiomh Solais is effective against those mythical beings and creatures that try to make the hero’s life difficult. As with any good folktale, there is a beautiful woman involved — and oftentimes the hero has to acquire Claiomh Solais and use the sword to save her from danger. It is also effective at chopping heads off, just like Bruncvik’s Sword. 

In The Story of the Sculloge’s Son from Muskerry, a hero called Scullage tried to gamble with the Fairy Druid. He had hoped to win gold and live a better life with his wife. However, the druid was treacherous — and laid a curse on Scullage. He then ordered Scullage to steal Claiomh Solais from the Brown House, which was owned by Raven. After many trials and tribulations, Scullage finally brought the sword to the Fairy Druid, only to swing it at him. 

“The valley was lighted up in a moment as if in noon-day, and the head of the Druid was in the next moment lying at his feet.”

In The Thirteenth Son of the King of Erin, Sean Ruadh was the thirteenth prince. It was unfortunate, for the sage had prophesied that he would ruin the kingdom. As such, the king had to exile him. While wandering the lands, Sean was approached by a king. He needed the prince's help — a great serpent was about to devour his daughter and no one was strong enough to save her. Sean Ruadh was not one to abandon a damsel in distress. First, he defeated three giants and acquired Claiomh Solais. With the sword, he rescued the princess easily by “drawing his sword of light, and sweeping off the monster’s head with a blow.”