Nightbringer | The Arthurian Online Encyclopedia

Luin of Celtchar


An enchanted spear owned by the god Lug in Irish mythology.

In battle, the weapon tore through the enemy ranks like lightning. After battle, it had to be quenched in a cauldron full of blood to render it safe to handle. When the hero Celtchar hefted it, blood dripped from its tip, landed on his body, and killed him.

Proponents of a Celtic origin for the Grail legend have identified the Luin of Celtchar with the Bleeding Lance, which also bled from its tip. In addition, the Luin is associated with a cauldron, which some advocates see as the origin of the Grail.