Irish Mythology

The Gods and Spirits of Ireland

BALOR

Irish Death Demon

Also known as Balar

Picture of the Irish Death Demon Balor from our Irish mythology image library. Illustration by Chas Saunders.

Demonic one-eyed God of Death and evil King of the Fomorians

These were a race of gigantic warriors who liked nothing better than to invade somewhere, pillage it and then gloat horribly. Balor had one huge leg and, with his one evil eye, could kill someone just by peering at them. But he usually kept it closed to avoid tripping over dead bodies all the time.

Hearing a prophecy that he would be killed by his grandson, Balor took the precaution of locking daughter Ethlinn in a transparent tower. (This was probably made of crystal as no Irish deity of double glazing has yet been discovered.)

But he’d not reckoned on the craftiness of Cían, who disguised himself as an old crone and wangled his way inside. The sneaky Cían had his willful way under the duvet with no-one the wiser until little Lugh popped out.

Balor was furious and hurled his baby grandson into the sea, but Lugh had an amazing escape and eventually killed his nasty grandpa with a sling.

Balor Facts and Figures

Name: Balor
Pronunciation: Coming soon
Alternative names: Balar

Gender: Male
Type: Demon
Celebration or Feast Day: Unknown at present

Role:
In charge of: Death
Area of expertise: Death

Good/Evil Rating: BAD, best avoided
Popularity index: 8395

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Article last revised on May 19, 2019 by Rowan Allen.
Editors: Peter J. Allen, Chas Saunders

References: Coming soon.

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