What is the name of the Dagda's magical harp?

The story behind the answer

The name most commonly given to the Dagda’s magical harp is Uaithne.

In the tale of the Second Battle of Mag Tuired, the Fomorians steal the Dagda’s harp and hang it in their feasting hall. The Dagda later enters the hall and calls the instrument by its two other names, Daur Dá Bláo and Cóir Cetharchair.

The harp then flies from the wall to its owner, killing nine men on the way. The Dagda uses it to play three magical musical modes: sorrow, joy, and sleep. These strains help him immobilise his enemies and escape.

Some translations and interpretations treat Úaithne as the name of the Dagda’s harper rather than the harp itself, so the terminology can vary. Nevertheless, Uaithne is the standard quiz answer for the magical harp. Cruit is a general term for a harp, while Daur and Coire are not the usual standalone answer.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026

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