The King of the Silver Hand
Nuada was the first king of the Tuatha Dé Danann, leading them into Ireland and into their first great battle against the native Fir Bolg. He is best known by his epithet Airgetlám — "Silver Hand" or "Silver Arm."
In that first battle Nuada lost his hand, and because Celtic law held that a king must be physically whole, he was forced to surrender the throne. The healer Dian Cécht fashioned him a working hand of silver, and later it was replaced with one of living flesh, restoring his right to rule.
His name descends from the Proto-Celtic Noudons, also known to the Britons as the healing god Nodens. Nuada eventually yielded leadership to the brilliant Lugh, recognizing that the young warrior was better suited to lead against the Fomorian threat — a rare act of kingly humility.
Whole-bodied king who led the Tuatha Dé into Ireland.
Crafted by Dian Cécht after he lost his hand in battle.
A flesh hand returned him to the throne for a second rule.
Common Questions
Why did Nuada lose his throne?
He lost a hand in battle, and Celtic tradition required a king to be physically unblemished, so he had to step down until he was healed.
