What Does Deagh-Nós Actually Mean In Carnival Row Season 2?

Carnival Row has continued its unique worldbuilding in season 2 of the show with the introduction of the Deagh-Nós, a Black Raven practice.

Warning! SPOILERS for season 2 of Carnival Row!

Season 2 of Carnival Row has introduced a new concept, the Deagh-Nós, and there are a few things the phrase could actually mean. One of the many features of Carnival Row is its fascinating usage of mythological creatures and folklore in a new setting, particularly mythology from Greek, Roman, Celtic, and English cultures. These influences are most clear in the heritage of the magical creatures on the show, but season 2 could learn further into the original material, making it fascinating to explore these older roots from folklore.

Carnival Row tells the story of Fae and human relations in a world where the Fae are an oppressed minority and relegated to the slums of a place called Carnival Row. Within that area, a Fae group called the Black Ravens rebels against their subjugation. Carnival Row largely focuses on the characters Rycroft Philostrate, or Philo, (Orlando Bloom) and Vignette Stonemoss (Cara Delevingne), with Philo as a half-Fae half-human homicide inspector and former soldier, and Vignette as a Fae refugee who joins the Black Ravens in season 1 and continues her work with them in season 2.

Related: Carnival Row Breaks A Funny Fantasy Romance Rule

Deagh-Nós Could Mean “Good Custom” In Carnival Row Season 2

In the most literal sense, Deagh-Nós is a Gaelic phrase that roughly translates to “Good Custom” or “Good Manners.” Within Irish culture, customs of hospitality and participating in a tight-knit community are important pillars that have helped shaped Irish development over the years. As such, it makes sense that a phrase referencing good customs and manners is used amongst the Black Ravens on Carnival Row to denote honor and respect for a member who has done well for the Fae community.

Why Carnival Row Season 2’s Deagh-Nós Involves Branding People

However, for a phrase with connotations of community and togetherness, it might seem odd that the Deagh-Nós of Carnival Row season 2’s story involves such a painful rite as branding those honored with the ritual. However, with the Black Ravens engaging in vigilante work on behalf of justice for the Fae people in Carnival Row, the violent act itself could be an affirmation of their goals and methods. After all, their work puts them at great risk of violence and harm, so the brand could symbolize their willingness to suffer in service of the greater good, helping to steel those honored with the mark in preparation for the personal hardships ahead.

Otherwise, the branding inherent in the Deag-Nós recognition of the Black Ravens could have a practical rationale as well as a symbolic one, even if the violence may contribute to the mixed reviews of Carnival Row. In such a chaotic world as the setting of Carnival Row, having an indelible mark on the most trusted and honored members of the Black Ravens could be an organizational tactic, as the symbol denotes those marked as ones who are particularly committed to the group. The visual mark lets other Black Ravens know they’re safe in this member’s presence, as the recipient has been so dedicated to the cause to not only be offered the Deag-Nós but has also exhibited great fortitude in going through with the ritual.

More: Orlando Bloom Is Right About Why Carnival Row Season 2 Needs To End The Show