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Dian CĂ©cht
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Dian CĂ©cht

Celtic mythology
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History

Dian CĂ©cht, one of the Tuatha DĂ© Danann, the gods of Celtic Ireland. He was the physician of the gods and father of Cian, who in turn was the father of the most important god, Lugh (see Lugus). When Nuadu, the king of the gods, had his hand cut off in the battle of Mag Tuired, Dian CĂ©cht fashioned him a silver hand that moved as well as a real hand. Dian CĂ©cht’s son Miach, however, was able to give Nuadu a functional human hand; Dian CĂ©cht killed his son in a fit of jealousy.

Dian CĂ©cht claimed to be able to restore any man who was mortally wounded. He did this by throwing the wounded into a well and pulling them out alive. This may refer to Celtic ritual involving ritual bathing or drowning.