Crom Cruach

Crom Cruach was the vile Serpent of Ireland who, in the 5th century, managed to take control over the druids to be worshipped as a god. He would meet his downfall at the hands of St. Patrick, who drove him and his serpents away.

History

It is believed that Crom Cruach was once one of the Tuatha de Danann who travelled to Ireland, and was a participant in the Battle of Mag Tuired. However, he would find himself removed from the Seelie Court of the Aos Si fey. According to their king, Lugh Longarm, Crom was of a "eager but evil heart", and his ambition was one of power rather than to use his fey blood for good. Thus, Crom Cruach was exiled from the Seelie Court of Tir Na Nog and wandered the lands as Unseelie, losing much of his power. His bitterness and evil heart led him in his magical ways to slowly turn into a great snake.
He soon grew a following on the island with other lesser unseelie, who transformed into adders and began to view Crom Cruach as their king. This caused great fear for the people of Eire. However, Mug Ruith, the first and the greatest of the druids, challenged against Crom Cruach and defeated him using lightning. Crom's physical body was destroyed, and his spirit wandered the earth afterward looking for revenge.
He would scheme against the druids for many years, until Mug Ruith died. Afterward the druids would offer him sacrifices to please him, in order for him to leave them alone. Crom Cruach grew tired of the sacrifices eventually, and began to influence the druid Lurchu to begin working for him. Lurchu had Muach, the descendant of Mug Ruith, killed, and then framed Danu his daughter for the murder. Crom Cruach, now gaining power over the druids, exiled Danu and gave Lurchu control over the Macroom circle. He then positioned himself as a god over the Irish people.

Arrival of St. Patrick

Crom Cruach, however, could not have chosen a worse time to make his return. The missionary St. Patrick arrived at the island of Ireland to preach the Christian gospel. Patrick's message was against the pagan ways, which threatened Crom Cruach's power. Crom Cruach had a festival held in his honor, but at the festival the arch-druid Lurchu met his death. There, the High King grew afraid, but St. Patrick assured he would drive the "snakes away from Ireland."
Crom Cruach would corner Patrick toward the coasts of Ireland, seeking to destroy him. Patrick had no weapons, but only his faith. Before he was about to kill Patrick, Crom Cruach mocked Patrick and his efforts. He lunged at the missionary, but was miraculously held. An angel acted on behalf of St. Patrick, and the angelic power forced Crom Cruach to throw himself into the sea. Crom Cruach plunged into the abyss, with all the snakes of Ireland following him.

Defeated, Crom Cruach sunk to the bottom of the Irish sea, spiritually chained and screaming, as he would never see the light of day again. Patrick delivered a curse upon him: that the faithful would prevail in Ireland, and Crom Cruach would never return. Thus, Crom Cruach would remain in the abyss for 1500 years, a prisoner of this curse.

Divine Classification

Fey (Unseelie Court)

Current Status

Imprisoned at the bottom of the Irish Sea.

Species

Dragons

Life

400 BC 60 AD 460 years old

Circumstances of Death

Killed by Mug Ruith, wanders as a spirit

Sex

Male

First Appearance

The Mystical Emerald-Man #9