Name:
Balor
of the Mighty Blows / 'Evil Eye'
Race:
Fomorian
Profession:
King 
Warrior
Magician
Associated
Sites: Tor Mór
Tory
Island, Lochlann (Norway)
Magh Tuiredh
(Moytura, Co. Roscommon)
Associated
Deities: Domnu
Grandfather:
Net
Wife:
Ceithlenn
Daughter:
Ethnea
Grandson:
Lugh
Lámhfada
Some historians believe that the Fomorians were of Asiatic or of Northern
African origin they being described often as having dark skin and hair colouring.
Balor of the Evil Eye or Balor of the Mighty Blows was one of their chief leaders and was
renowned for his gigantic size and strength. He was also a magician. He
probably lived in the north west of Ireland as this is the area where the legends of his
deeds are most plentiful. Tory island in particular is connected with Balor it is
said that this was the place where he ruled. ' He had one eye in the middle of his
forehead and the other one directly opposite in the back of his head.' A glance from
this "evil eye" is said to have blasted the bleak islands lying to the west of
Scotland.
With its foul distorted glances, its piercing beams, and venomous
properties, like those of the basilisk this eye in the back of the skull would
strike people dead. Because of this Balor kept it constantly covered except when he
wished to get the better of his enemies. The Gaelic speakers still call an
"evil eye" Súil Bhaloir.
Stories, Myths
and Legends associated with Balor
