AleBreadMilkA skill passed onA debt acknowledged and paid
Invocation Approach
Tone
Even and watchful
Address
CianSon of Dian CéchtFather of Lugh
Relationship
The father who was killed for an old score
Warning
His death is the engine of the tale of the sons of Tuireann it is not a gentle story
Resonance
Fathers those carrying a family debt those who must avenge
Symbols
The shape changeThe blood debtThe spearThe herb
Mythology Summary
Cian is a Tuatha Dé Danann warrior, the son of the physician Dian Cécht and the father of Lugh by Ethniu, Balor's daughter (Lebor Gabála Érenn). He is killed by the three sons of Tuireann, Brian, Iuchar and Iucharba, who come upon him alone and strike him down — the tale has him take another shape to hide and be killed anyway. His death is discovered, and Lugh then exacts the éric, the blood-fine, in the tale Oidheadh Chlainne Tuireann, 'The Death of the Children of Tuireann'.
Modern Practice
Cian is called by fathers and by those carrying a family debt: the practice is to acknowledge the debt and to pay it, and to pass on the skill rather than the grievance.