The Grove of the Daghdha
Location: Outlands / Tir na Og / Mag Mell
In the heart of this realm is the Daghdha’s grove, a sprawling expanse of oak trees so ancient and wise, you’d think they could up and tell you the dark of the planes themselves. Their branches are so wide and leaves so thick that they create a canopy of perpetual dappled light. Each tree in the grove is ancient, gnarled, and wise, their trunks carved with runes and symbols that tell stories older than time. The air here is thick with the scent of moss and earth, a fragrance that grounds the spirit and calms the mind. It’s said that the Daghdha himself often walks these groves, his laughter booming and his good cheer as infectious as a siren’s song.
In the heart of the grove stands the mightiest oak, known as Daghdha’s Own. This tree is said to be as old as the Daghdha himself, its roots delving deep into the heart of the realm. The tree is so large that its hollow could shelter a small army, and its branches reach up to cradle the very heavens. It’s here that the Daghdha often sits, his presence filling the grove with a sense of strength, protection, and fatherly warmth.
The Grove of the Daghdha is a place of natural magic. Druids and followers of the Celtic Pantheon come here to pay homage, to meditate, and to seek the Daghdha’s wisdom. The grove has a way of speaking to those who visit, through the rustling of leaves, the pattern of shadows, and the whispering of the wind.
Wildlife in the grove is abundant and unafraid, from the smallest bird to the largest deer. These animals are considered sacred by the Daghdha, and they move among the visitors with a sense of trust and tranquility. It’s not uncommon for a seeker of wisdom to find their answer in the unblinking gaze of an owl or the cheeky dance of a squirrel.
The most mystical aspect of the grove is perhaps its ability to heal. It’s said that those who rest within its bounds find not just physical rejuvenation but emotional and spiritual healing as well. The troubles of the heart and the turbulence of the mind are soothed by the grove’s ancient presence, reminding all who visit of the enduring cycle of life, growth, decay, and rebirth.
Sacred rituals and celebrations are often held in the grove, especially during significant Celtic festivals like Beltane, Samhain, Imbolc, and Lughnasadh. These ceremonies are a blend of ancient rites and heartfelt offerings, with song, dance, and the sharing of food and stories.
Nearly, the Daghdha’s Hall will be the the heart of the festivities; a place of endless feasting and laughter. Here, the tables might grow legs and dance, the food might playfully escape your fork, and the cups refill with a different drink every time you take a sip. The bards and storytellers who perform here often find their tales coming to life around them, much to the delight of the audience.
The Daghdha’s hall is a grand, expansive place, big enough to host a town, yet always feeling cozy like a favorite tavern. Inside, the tables are always laden with a never-ending feast—meats, breads, cheeses, and fruits, all magically replenishing. The ale and mead flow like rivers, and the air is filled with the sounds of laughter, music, and stories being shared among friends old and new. Yes cutter, the celebrations in Mag Mell are legendary. They say that time loses meaning during the Daghdha’s feasts, with parties that could last for days or even weeks, yet leave you feeling as refreshed as if you’d had a good night’s sleep.
If you wangle yourself an invitation, please take me with you!
Canonical Source: On Hallowed Ground [2e] p69
Source: Jon Winter-Holt, mimir.net
