Nechtan (mythology)

Nechtan (mythology)

In Irish mythology, Nechtan was the father and/or husband of Boann. He may be Nuada under another name, or his cult may have been replaced by that of Nuada. Only he and his three cup-bearers were permitted to visit the well of Segais, into which nine sacred hazel trees dropped their wisdom-bearing nuts. When Boann visited the well, it overflowed and chased her to the coast, forming the river Boyne.

The name 'Nechtan' is perhaps cognate with that of the Romano-British god Nodens or the Roman god Neptune, and the Persian and Vedic gods sharing the name Apam Napat.[1][dubious ] It may also be cognate to the Swedish mythological being Näcken, who dwells near wells and springs.

Nechtan or Nectan became a common Celtic name and a number of historical or legendary figures bear it. The name MacNaughton derives from "MacNeachdainn", the son of Nechtan.