Kian
Kian
In Irish mythology the father of Lugh (who was the father of the Ulster warrior-hero Cuchulain). Kian had a magic cow with a wonderful supply of milk. After the cow was stolen by Balor (king of the Fomorians), Kian took revenge by making Balor's daughter, Ethlinn, the mother of three sons. Two were drowned by Balor, and the third, Lugh, escaped by falling into a bay and being wafted back to his father, Kian.
Some years later while fighting in Ulster, Kian encountered the three sons of Turenn, whose house was at enmity with his. To escape their notice, he turned himself into a pig, but they recognized him and one of them wounded him. He begged to be allowed to restore himself to his human form before dying. This request was granted, and Kian rejoiced in having outwitted his enemies; they would have to pay the blood fine for a man instead of a pig. The brothers, determined that there should be no bloodstained weapon as evidence of the deed, stoned Kian and buried his body.