Buy me a coffeeDanu ‘Goddess of Fertility and Prosperity’
Danu is a goddess in Irish mythology, associated with nature, fertility, wisdom, and the land.
- Pantheon: Celtic
- Deity Title: Danu, also known as Dana, Danann, or Anu
- Deity Symbol: A silver armlet or torc, representing wealth and prosperity, or a cauldron, representing abundance and nourishment.
- Home Plane: Tir na nOg, the Irish Otherworld
- Deity Level: Greater deity
- Alignment: Neutral good
- Aliases: Anu, the Mother Goddess; Danann, the Tuatha Dé Danann
- Superior: None
- Traditional Allies: The other members of the Tuatha Dé Danann, particularly Lugh and Brigid, as well as the Sidhe, or Irish faeries.
- Traditional Foes: The Fomorians, a group of chaotic and malevolent beings who are often depicted as enemies of the Tuatha Dé Danann.
- Divine Artifact: The Sword of Light, a magical weapon that glows with the radiance of the sun and can cut through darkness and evil. It is said to have been forged by the smith god Goibniu and given to Lugh, who in turn gifted it to Danu. The Sword of Light represents truth, justice, and the power to vanquish evil.
- Servants: The leprechauns and pookas, mischievous but loyal faerie creatures who serve Danu.
- Servitor Creatures: Deer, swans, and other creatures associated with nature and the Otherworld.
- Sacred Animal: The swan, which is associated with beauty, grace, and the Otherworld.
- Manifestations: Danu is often depicted as a beautiful, mature woman with flowing hair and a serene presence. She can also manifest as a river, particularly the River Danube in Central Europe.
- Signs of Favor: Abundance and prosperity, particularly in the form of bountiful harvests and healthy livestock.
- Worshipers: Farmers, hunters, and others who rely on the land for their livelihoods. Danu is also revered by those who seek wisdom and guidance, particularly in matters of nature and the environment.
- Cleric Alignments: Neutral good, lawful good, chaotic good
- Specialty Priests: Druids, who specialize in nature magic and are dedicated to preserving the natural world.
- Holy Days: The festivals of Samhain (October 31) and Beltane (May 1), as well as the summer solstice (June 21) and the winter solstice (December 21).
- Portfolio: Nature, fertility, wisdom, and the land.
- Domains: Animal, Earth, Good, Plant, Protection
- Favored Weapon: Spear
- Favored Class: Druid
- Favored Race: Elves
- Duties of the Priesthood: To protect and care for the natural world, to provide guidance and wisdom to the people, and to maintain balance and harmony in the world.
- Major Cult/Temple Sites: The Hill of Tara in Ireland, which was once the seat of Irish kingship and a center of religious worship. Other important sites include the sacred wells and springs associated with Danu throughout Ireland.
- Benefits: The priesthood of Danu is granted powers related to nature magic, as well as the ability to communicate with animals and faeries. They also receive blessings of abundance and prosperity, and are often respected and honored by the people they serve.
Danu is a goddess revered in Irish mythology, known for her connection to the land, wisdom, fertility, and nature. She is a powerful figure who is often depicted as a nurturing mother figure, who protects and provides for her people.
As a character, Danu is wise and compassionate, and she uses her knowledge to guide and help those in need. She is deeply connected to the earth and all of its inhabitants, and she works tirelessly to ensure that the natural world is cared for and respected.
Danu’s primary goal is to promote harmony and balance between humanity and nature. She understands that the natural world is essential for human survival, and she seeks to educate and inspire others to respect and care for the environment. Danu also champions fertility and growth, both in the natural world and in human society.
Despite her immense power, Danu is a humble and approachable deity, who is always willing to listen to the needs and concerns of her people. She is a fierce protector of her followers, and she will go to great lengths to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
Danu is often depicted as a beautiful, mature woman with flowing hair, dressed in flowing robes that represent her connection to nature. She has a serene and motherly presence, with kind eyes that exude wisdom and compassion. She is often shown carrying a basket of fruit or holding a staff that symbolizes her power and authority. Her presence is both regal and approachable, inspiring awe and reverence in those who encounter her.
Overall, Danu is a complex and multifaceted character, whose strength and wisdom make her a beloved figure in Irish mythology. Her commitment to promoting balance and harmony in the world continues to inspire and guide people to this day.
Danu, Celtic Goddess of Nature
Huge celestial (nature), chaotic good
Armor Class: 25 (natural armor)
Hit Points: 650 (40d12 + 240)
Speed: 60 ft., swim 60 ft., fly 80 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Score | 30 (+10) | 24 (+7) | 26 (+8) | 30 (+10) | 30 (+10) | 30 (+10) |
| Modifier | +10 | +7 | +8 | +10 | +10 | +10 |
Saving Throws: Str +21, Con +22, Wis +21, Cha +21
Skills: Insight +21, Nature +21, Perception +21
Senses: truesight 120 ft., passive Perception 31
Languages: all, telepathy 120 ft.
Divine Aura: Danu exudes an aura of life and growth, causing plants to grow and flourish within 1 mile of her presence. All creatures within this radius gain advantage on all Wisdom saving throws and cannot be magically charmed or put to sleep.
Divine Resistance: Danu has resistance to acid, cold, fire, lightning, and thunder damage.
Magic Resistance: Danu has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Legendary Resistance (3/Day): If Danu fails a saving throw, she can choose to succeed instead.
Divine Weapons: Danu’s attacks are considered magical and can overcome any resistance or immunity to non-magical attacks.
Actions:
Multiattack: Danu can use her Fists of the Earth, , or she can make three Sword of Light attacks
Fists of the Earth: Melee Weapon Attack: +21 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 48 (6d10 + 10) bludgeoning damage plus 14 (4d6) force damage.
Spear of Light. Melee Weapon Attack: +30 to hit, Hit: 30 (6d8 + 10) radiant damage.
Divine Presence (1/day). Danu manifests her divine power, unleashing a wave of energy in a 100 ft. radius centered on herself. Creatures within the area must make a DC 30 Constitution saving throw, taking 100 (20d10) radiant damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. Creatures that fail their saving throw are also blinded for 1 minute.
Call of the Wild: Danu lets out a mighty roar that can be heard up to 1 mile away. All animals within 1 mile of her presence are immediately charmed and will follow her commands for the next 24 hours.
Divine Magic:
Danu can cast spells from the following domains at will:
- Nature Domain
- Life Domain
- Knowledge Domain
Legendary Actions:
Danu can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Danu regains spent legendary actions at the start of her turn.
- Healing Touch: Danu touches a creature and restores 80 hit points to them.
- Fertile Ground: Danu causes the ground to become fertile and rich, allowing all plants within 60 ft. to grow to full maturity instantly.
- Divine Inspiration: Danu inspires a creature within 120 ft. of her to gain advantage on their next attack roll, ability check, or saving throw.
Lair Actions:
On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Danu can take a lair action to cause one of the following effects:
- Call of the Wild: Danu can use her Call of the Wild action, without expending any actions, to command animals within 1 mile of her to attack intruders or defend her lair.
- Entangling Vines: Danu causes vines to grow and entangle all creatures within 60 ft. of her. All creatures in the area must succeed on a DC 23 Strength saving throw or be restrained until the end of their next turn.
- Nature’s Blessing: Danu blesses all creatures within 120 ft. of her, granting them temporary hit points equal to her level (40) and immunity to poison and disease for 1 hour.
Regional Effects:
The region around Danu’s lair is transformed by her divine presence, which creates the following effects:
- Flora and fauna in the region grow and prosper, becoming more lush and abundant.
- The weather in the region becomes more temperate, with milder temperatures and less extreme weather conditions.
- The area around Danu’s lair is suffused with a powerful aura of fertility and growth, making it easier for plants to take root and grow. This effect extends to all soil within 1 mile of her presence.
The Sword of Light
Weapon (longsword), artifact (requires attunement)
The Sword of Light is a magical weapon that glows with the radiance of the sun and can cut through darkness and evil. It is said to have been forged by the smith god Goibniu and given to Lugh, who in turn gifted it to Danu. The Sword of Light represents truth, justice, and the power to vanquish evil.
Properties:
- Damage: 1d8 slashing damage
- Damage vs. Evil: Against creatures with the “evil” alignment, the Sword of Light deals an additional 3d8 radiant damage.
- Brilliant Light: When drawn, the Sword of Light emits bright light in a 30-foot radius and dim light for an additional 30 feet. The sword’s light can’t be extinguished by normal means, and it can be used as a source of light even in magical darkness.
- Sunlight Aura: While holding the Sword of Light, the wielder is surrounded by a 10-foot aura of sunlight. Creatures within the aura can’t become invisible, and they have disadvantage on attack rolls against the wielder.
- Radiant Strike: Once per turn, when the wielder hits a creature with the Sword of Light, the target must make a DC 20 Constitution saving throw or be blinded by the radiant light for 1 minute.
- Divine Blessing: The Sword of Light grants its wielder resistance to necrotic damage and immunity to the frightened condition.
Curse:
- The Sword of Light has no curse, as it was created to be a force of good and purity.
Destroying the Sword:
- The Sword of Light can only be destroyed in the presence of an avatar of an evil deity, using a hammer forged by Goibniu, and by casting a powerful dispel magic spell.
Dana, the Mother
Danu is the mother figure who accompanies The Dagda. The genitive is Danann (as in Tuatha Dé Danann), and the dative Danainn.
Celtic Age Roleplaying the Myths, Heroes and Monsters of the Celts
| Dana, the Mother (20th Level Celtic druid) | |
| Size | Medium Greater God |
| Hit Dice | 15d10 + 20d8 + 175 Hit Points: 248 |
| Initiative | +10 (+6 Dexterity, +4 Improved Initiative) |
| Speed | 30 feet |
| AC | 28 (+6 Dexterity, +12 natural) |
| Attacks | Morningstar +18/+13/+8 melee (1d8+3), Enchanted shortbow: +21/+16/+11 ranged (1d6 and sleep) |
| Face/Reach | 5 feet by 5 feet / 5 feet |
| Special Attacks | sleep, Spell-casting |
| Special Qualities | Aura of Comfort, Dispel Evil 3/Day, magic circle against evil 3/Day, Prophesy, protection from evil 3/Day, Restore Life, Understanding |
| Saves | Fort +10, Ref +14, Will +26 |
| Abilities | Strength 17, Dexterity 22, Constitution 19, Intelligence 27, Wisdom 38, Charisma 22 |
| Skills | Animal Empathy +32,Handle Animal +28, Heal +40, Intimidate +30, Intuit Direction +27, Knowledge (nature) +41, Listen +27, Spot +35, Wilderness Lore +31 |
| Feats | Alertness, Combat Reflexes, Enlarge Spell, Extend Spell, Improved Initiative, lightning reflexes, Silent Spell, Track |
| Alignment | Neutral Good |
| Domains | Good, Knowledge, Protection |
Aura of Comfort (Sp): All those within 60 feet of Dana when she activates this power find themselves comforted. Their sorrows are soothed, their wounds begin to heal as though they had Regeneration 3, and their cares slip away for as long as they are within Dana’s presence. Affected creatures act as though caught within a rainbow pattern spell, only they will choose not to defend themselves against attack, so powerful is the comfort Dana gives. Once attacked, the effect is broken. Unwilling targets of this ability may attempt a Will Save at DC 35 to resist its effects.
Prophesy (Sp): Dana has the ability to foresee the future. She can use this power in both the long- and the short-term. When she chooses to use it in the former manner, it operates as though she had cast the Vision spell but without the experience cost. In the short-term, the ability can be employed in combat to give her insight into her opponents net move. She may gain +20 to her next attack roll, +20 to her AC, or any combination thereof. The duration for this effect is 1 round. Using Prophesy is a Standard Action. Dana may use it three times per day.
Restore Life (Sp): Dana can resurrect the dead at will, although she will only do this in exceptional cases. She does not tread lightly against Arawns Domain and knows that although it is within her power, he will not look kindly on frequent uses of this ability to plunder his realm. This ability works the same as true resurrection except that there is no time limit to how long the target creature has been dead.
sleep (Su): Dana’s arrows are enchanted to induce sleep in those they strike. Whenever a character is hit by her ranged bow attack, he or she must make a Fortitude Save at DC 18 or fall asleep for 1d4 hours.
Spell-casting (Sp): Dana can cast spells from all five Circles of Understanding. She has 100 points of Understanding to power them.
Currently
Danu has always been a protector of the land and its people, and the 1450s are no different. As the world experiences new developments and changes, she remains a steady force, watching over the natural world and its inhabitants.
In this time period, Danu is particularly focused on the changes brought about by the Renaissance. She is fascinated by the new ideas and innovations that are emerging, but she is also wary of their potential impact on the environment. She knows that as human society progresses, it can be easy to forget the importance of respecting and preserving the natural world.
To combat this, Danu spends much of her time in the forests and fields, speaking with the animals and plants that call them home. She listens to their concerns and offers guidance on how to adapt to the changing world. She also interacts with the humans who live in the surrounding areas, encouraging them to live in harmony with nature and avoid taking more than they need.
Danu is particularly concerned with the impact of industrialization on the environment. She sees the smokestacks and machines that are starting to appear in cities and towns, and she worries about the toll they will take on the air and water. She knows that the humans who are driving these changes are not malicious, but rather are simply caught up in the excitement of progress.
With this in mind, Danu seeks to educate and guide the people of this time period, showing them that progress and environmental preservation can go hand in hand. She believes that by encouraging sustainable practices and respecting the natural world, humanity can continue to thrive and progress without sacrificing the environment.
Despite the challenges of this time period, Danu remains optimistic and dedicated to her cause. She knows that the natural world is resilient and can bounce back from even the most difficult challenges, and she is committed to helping it do so. With her wisdom and guidance, she hopes to inspire others to see the importance of preserving the environment and working in harmony with nature.