Elcmar

In the tale-cycle surrounding Boann and the birth of Aengus (Mac Óg), Elcmar appears as husband of the goddess Boann and steward of the Brugh (Brú na Bóinne). The Dagda sends Elcmar away on an errand around the time of Imbolc so that the Dagda may lie with Boann; the Dagda then alters temporal perception (holding back the sun) so that the pregnancy appears to last only a day, concealing it from Elcmar. The child, Aengus, is fostered by Midir. Later Oengus obtains the Brugh from Elcmar by a verbal trick and, after a cycle of abductions and killings involving Midir and Elcmar's daughter Englec, Oengus kills Elcmar. These episodes are attested in the Tochmarc Étaíne material and are summarized in modern narrative accounts of the cycle.

Primary tale texts emphasize Elcmar's social role rather than an extended physical portrait; however secondary summaries and related material describe him as bearing a fork of white hazel, a gold brooch, and a cloak. The Dindsenchas and later summaries also associate him with horses, sometimes styling him as a "lord of horses." The supplied primary quotations focus on his speech and stewardship at the Brug rather than detailed bodily description.

In the supplied sources Elcmar's notable capacities are social and political: he functions as the Dagda's chief steward, a landholder of the Brugh and surrounding three lands (he is granted the fruits of the Boyne in The Wooing of Étaín), and is presented as a judge in tradition. Narrative material does not ascribe to him overt miraculous powers in these extracts; his importance derives from rank, household authority, control of property, and involvement in feuding and juridical contests rather than demonstrable cosmic or magical abilities.