Crom Cruach

Crom Cruach (Old Irish: Cromm Crúaich [ˈkɾˠʊmˠ ˈkɾˠuəç]) was a pagan god of pre-Christian Ireland. According to Christian writers, he was propitiated with human sacrifice and his worship was ended by Saint Patrick.

He is also referred to as Crom Cróich, Cenn Cruach/Cróich ([ˈkʲɛnˠː ˈkɾˠuəx]) and Cenncroithi ([ˈkʲɛnˠː ˈkɾˠɔhɨ]). He is related to the later mythological and folkloric figure Crom Dubh.

The references in a dinsenchas ("place-lore") poem in the 12th century to sacrifice in exchange for milk and grain suggest that Crom had a function as fertility god. The description of his image as a gold figure surrounded by twelve stone or bronze figures has been interpreted by some as representing the sun surrounded by the signs of the zodiac, suggesting a function as solar deity.

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