Astral Codex Ten · science· 5 min
King Ludd
Nodens, a little-known Romano-British river god, appears to have faded from worship between 100 and 400 AD, possibly due to the rise of Christianity or just the natural evolution of religious beliefs. Interestingly, an archaeologist in 1929 linked him to the Irish god Nuada, known for his silver arm and rule over the Tuatha de Danaan. This connection extends to Welsh mythology, where Nodens becomes Nudd or Lludd, a king battling various plagues.
Geoffrey of Monmouth later reimagined him as King Lud, the mythical founder of London. Despite his minor status, Nodens has surprisingly woven into diverse mythologies, even making his way into H.P. Lovecraft’s works, thanks to Welsh writer Arthur Machen.
J.R.R. Tolkien, who studied Nodens, may have drawn inspiration for his character Celebrimbor, the elven smith who forges the Rings of Power. Celebrimbor’s story mirrors themes of ambition and unintended consequences, much like Nodens’ evolution through myth. This narrative thread continues in modern tales, with characters like Luke Skywalker and Newt Scamander reflecting Nodens’ legacy as hunters grappling with the complexities of their powers.
