The Spear of Lugh Eisteddfod
Introduction
Since its inception in 2004, the Lammas Games has held a bardic contest in the spirit of the Celtic Eisteddfod - a competitive festival of music and poetry in Wales. The word (pronounced Eye-Steth-Vod) originates from the Welsh 'eistedd' (sit) meaning literally a 'session' or seated gathering. That may refer to the custom of awarding a special carved chair to the winning bard, although prizes over the years have included silver harps, crowns, torcs and so on.
The Druid Network was inspired to offer as the prize for the Lammas Games Eisteddfod, itself a recreation of the funereal games of Lugh, the fabulous Spear of Lugh - a symbolic version of the legendary weapon of the Bright One, one of the four treasures of the Tuatha de Danaan and a Hallow of these Isles. The brilliance of this prize is that it is a moveable feast - the winner literally becomes the spear-holder for a year, honorary defender of the Goddess of the land.
As your 'badge of office' it's what you make it – you do not have to be an eco-warrior in direct action, although that is not a bad thing. You could use it to get gigs and spread bardic wisdom, raise awareness about druidry, about an environmental issue, or any charity, or defend anything in a symbolic way - bearing in mind the spear is only a ceremonial object (like a mayoral mace) and is only to be used in the name of peace and awen.
The first four years have seen a high standard and the competition has been tough, but that illustrates the calibre of the contestants - there are some great budding bards out there, and the Spear of Lugh Eisteddfod is a prestigious showcase for them. Being one of the only non-regional Eisteddfod (Bardic Chairs are traditionally associated with a particular locale, i.e. the Bardic Chair of Caer Badon, Bath) the Spear of Lugh contest has the makings of an English Eisteddfod, being centrally situated and open to all. With your support it can grow and grow – and remember, it's always for a good cause. So far, it has helped raise money for Trees for Life, Water Aid and other worthy charities.
This is your chance to shine! So, how can you win it?