Manandán (məˈnanˌdan)
Manandán is one of the Ellyll, and the god and patron of the island of Vannin. During the Conquest of Ynys, Manandán was the greatest of the Ellyll to remain unbound by the Clarati. He was able to raise a cloak of mists around the island, hiding it from physical and magical senses, and barring passage in either direction. This protection kept the Vanninee safe while their neighbors were being conquered. This barrier remained in place for seven years, after which the Clarati had settled into the territories they had carved out for themselves, and were no longer expanding their grasp.
Manandán is the leader of the spirits of Vannin, called the mooinjer veggey by the Vanninee. Unlike most of the Ellyll, Manandán is not a subject of Gwynn ap Lludd, treating him instead as a monarch of equal rank and a larger domain. When Manandán chooses to appear in the court of the Ellyll on Mynydd Ellyll, he does so with a crown upon his head and does not bow nor bend a knee to the king.
The land and waters around Vannin are sacred to Manandán, and he is a god of both land and sea. Ships of the Vanninee always carry a shrine to Manandán, and they beseech his aid whenever they are endangered. He has been known to bend the weather to support his people when they are in the Gwlff Ffynid, especially when it will aid in their victory in battle.
Manandán also rules over the afterlife of the Vanninee, said to exist upon an island beyond the mists. It is a beautiful place, with vast orchards and wondrous palaces. Only those who are most favored by the gods are permitted to enter his realm, while most others are reborn to try again. A few spirits of the dead are judged to be too evil to be allowed to exist, and these Manandán obliterates. There is no place of punishment or torment in Manandán's realm.
Manifestation
Manandán appears as a giant human, with red hair and beard. He drives a chariot that can pass over land, air, and sea with equal ease, and is pulled by animals that shapeshift between horses, dolphins, or swans depending on where the chariot is at the moment. He wears a great cloak of mist and spray that smells of the ocean. He bears with him a magical bag which holds various magical treasures that he has occasionally loaned to his most devoted followers. One of these is a self-navigating coracle, while another is a helmet that allows the wearer to pass unseen at need. These he reclaims when the bearer dies, returning them to his sack until he chooses to lend it once more.
Ceremonies & Celebrations
The most significant holiday dedicated to Manandán is at Midsummer, when the Vanninee hold a great festival in his honor. During this festival, the Vanninee gather rushes from the wetlands as an offering to Manandán, to whom these plants are sacred. They also hold competitions in his honor, the most important of which are a series of boat races, including sailboats and rowboats. The competitions span every aspect of Vanninee life and culture, including music, combat, and athletic events.
He is also the personal patron of the Kingdom of Vann, and is invoked during the coronation of each new monarch. The new ruler must stand knee deep in the river Dhoogloss to receive the crown, and if they are unworthy to rule, Manandán will use the river to drag them down into the sea.
Very interesting god. Love the description and his abilities/customs.