Crom Dubh (Old Irish: [krˠuumˠ d̪ˠuβˠ], Scottish Gaelic: [kʰɾɔum t̪uh]), meaning "dark crooked [one]" (also Crum Dubh, Dark Crom) is a mythological and folkloric figure of Ireland, based on the god Crom Cruach, mentioned in the 12th-century dinnseanchasofMagh Slécht.[1]
According to one legend, Cainnech of Aghaboe saw a number of demons flying past and when he inquired of their errand, one of them told him that Crom Dubh had died and they were after collecting his soul. Cainnech bid him on their return to tell him how they had fared. Some time later the demon returned limping badly. He told Cainnech that they were just about to seize Crom Dubh's soul when St Patrick appeared with a host of angels and saints and drove them off, Crom Dubh's good works having outweighed his sins.[2]
Dé Domhnaigh Crum-Dubh (Crom Dubh Sunday)[3] is the first Sunday in August.
Another location associated with Crom Dubh is Downpatrick Head in County Mayo. According to Irish legend, St. Patrick came to the headland to confront Crom Dubh, who is variously identified as a pagan chieftan, god, pirate, or robber. Crom Dubh attempted to throw St. Patrick into an eternal fire, but Patrick countered by drawing a cross on a stone and casting it into the fire, which became Poll a' Sean Tine (the hole of the old wave). Crom Dubh was then driven by St. Patrick into his home of Dun Briste, which Patrick separated from the mainland by driving his crozier into the ground. The site of Downpatrick Head became an important place of ritual and pilgrimage during the Festival of Lughnasadh - similar to Croagh Patrick. The alternate names associated with Crom Dubh at Downpatrick Head include Cormac Dubh, Geodrisg, Deodrisg and Leodrisg. In other stories St. Patrick banishes the snakes of Ireland to Dun Briste. [4]
Festivals: Domhnach Crom Dubh - Last Sunday in July or First Sunday in August. During Lughnasadh - (The August festival of Lugh)...
This article incorporates text from Dwelly's [Scottish] Gaelic Dictionary (1911).
Celtic mythology series
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