Goibniu the Smith – played by Gobby Iceni
(pronounced: GWIV-nih-u)

Goibniu is primarily a smith, but dabbles in many other "crafts". He is a member of the Tuatha Dé Danann or Faerie Folk who routed the Fomorians from Ireland. He is variously the son or grandson of Danu (the Mother Goddess). In some texts he is the brother of Dian Cecht (the Healer) and the Dagda (the Good God of peace and plenty). Goibniu is frequently associated with Luichtne (the Carpenter) and Credne (the Wright). Together, they made the weapons for the Danann to use in the Second Battle of Mag Turedh (the plain of frost). Goibniu would forge a spearhead with three strokes of his hammer, Luichtne would shape the shaft with three cuts of his axe, and Credne would fasten them together with three blows of his mallet. His swords and spears would always strike true and meant instant death for the victim.

Other aspects of Goibniu’s talents include weaving, brewing and his Cow of Plenty. He created the Sacred Salmon Net by spinning and weaving the beard of Mamos, the first of the Druids. The net is silver and has a handle of pure gold. Each Beltaine Eve, he lends the net to a friend, who is allowed to catch all the salmon he can from Goibniu’s weir (supposedly located near Aberystwyth in Wales. His mead was a marvelous concoction of water from the Well of Slaine (Dian Cecht’s well), honey from Brighid’s beehives, and a secret blend of herbs and spices. One sip of this mead would grant immortality. His cow (one of the white cows with red ears which were of Faerie origin) gave milk three times a day, and in an enormous quantity. No matter how many drank from the pail, there was still some left in the bottom. As a craftsman and builder, he is credited with the building of the round towers which dot Pictland and Eire.

Goibniu’s Welsh equivalent is Gofannon (or Govannon) and he is known on the continent (Gaul) as Gobannon.

Gobby is sort of a crotchety old fellow, with a grumpy sort of wit. Perhaps he could be considered a bit eccentric in his manner and dress.