magical harp of the god Dagda in Irish mythology
Uaithne
Uaithne is the magical oak harp of the god Dagda in Irish mythology, also called Daurblada and Coir-cethar-chuir. Its music could bring on weeping, laughter or sleep.
The myth
During the Second Battle of Mag Tuired, the Fomorians stole the harp. The Dagda, with Lugh and Ogma, sneaked into their stronghold and found it hanging in the feasting hall. When he called it by its names, the harp flew to its master and killed nine men along the way.
The Dagda played three melodies: the Goltraiges, which made the Fomorians weep; the Gentraiges, which set them laughing uncontrollably; and the Suantraiges, which plunged them into deep sleep. He and his companions then escaped unharmed.
Legacy
The name lives on in the Irish choir Anúna, which was originally called An Uaithne. The harp also appears as a relic in the Symphogear anime series.
Ancient sources: Cath Maige Tuired (Second Battle of Mag Tuired) and Táin Bó Fraích (The Cattle-Raid of Fraech), which says Uaithne had three sons with Bóand.