Cian

1. The father of Lug Lámfhota and a leading figure in the Mythological Cycle. There are two stories about how he came to father the hero. One is that his magical cow, Glas Ghaibhleann, has been stolen by Balor, and in revenge Cian seduces Balor's daughter, Eithne. In another version Cian wins Eithne through long negotiation with the help of the druidess Birog in Balor's household. Three children are born from the union, two of whom are drowned at the order of their grandfather, with only Lug escaping.

Cian is himself a mysterious character, although little attention is paid to him. He may also be known as Cethern (2) or Dáire (1). He may be the son of Dian Cécht or he may bear the patronymic mac Chainte. Born with a caul on his head, he is transformed into a pig as an infant by the stroke of a druidical wand. He can always shift his shape to a pig when he is in danger. In attempting to escape from the depredations of Brian (1), Iuchar, and Iucharba (the sons of Tuireann), he changes into a pig once more, but it is in vain; they stone him to death in human form. See OIDHEADH CHLAINNE TUIREANN [The Tragic Story of the Sons of Tuireann]. Findchóem (2) is usually named as his wife.

2. One of the five famous poets of 6th-century Wales, of whom almost nothing is known. He is also known as Gwenith Gwawd [Welsh, wheat of song]. See also TALIESIN.

3. The son of Ailill Aulomm; he is cited in the genealogies of the O'Hara and O'Gara families and others. His son is Tadg mac Céin, who has a vision of Clídna.

In Irish mythology the father of Lugh (who was the father of the Ulster warrior-hero Cuchulain). Kian had a magic cow with a wonderful supply of milk. After the cow was stolen by Balor (king of the Fomorians), Kian took revenge by making Balor's daughter, Ethlinn, the mother of three sons. Two were drowned by Balor, and the third, Lugh, escaped by falling into a bay and being wafted back to his father, Kian.

Some years later while fighting in Ulster, Kian encountered the three sons of Turenn, whose house was at enmity with his. To escape their notice, he turned himself into a pig, but they recognized him and one of them wounded him. He begged to be allowed to restore himself to his human form before dying. This request was granted, and Kian rejoiced in having outwitted his enemies; they would have to pay the blood fine for a man instead of a pig. The brothers, determined that there should be no bloodstained weapon as evidence of the deed, stoned Kian and buried his body.

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