I have a theory. Not really a THEORY theory but. Oh my god.
You know the “Dogda” doppelgänger, right. The Dagda one where the first “a” of his name gets replaced with an “o”.
My first thought upon seeing it was “holy shit. Dogda. DOGda. As in DOG!!! That’s funny!!” And then i started looking more into the Design and stuff and. Bro.
I might be looking too much into this. This may be a reach too. But it’s too good of an opportunity to pass up. As the #1 certified Dagda Crom Cruach fan I MUST DELIVER
Observe.
Notice how Dagda, in some aspects of his design. Resembles a small dog almost. I have no say, nor any idea if this was intentional, that’s for Nacho Sama to disclose, but if this WAS indeed intentional, then holy shitttt I’m gonna go cuckoo crazy.
Another thing i wish to point out is Dogs, and their significance, as well as symbolism, in mythology.
And what do Scarecrows do? (Given Dagda is one, a Soul Scarecrow to be exact)
-Protect crops from crows
-Marks farmland territory, somewhat.
-(linked to Dagda only), resides in the Astral Circle, scaring off souls. Acting almost as a guardian.
Again, this may be a reach as well, but bear with me.
With Dagda’s occupation being listed in game to be “Soul Scarecrow”, and that he “Scares souls” as stated in not only certain Entry Requests, but even in one of his absence excuses.
This could, aside from the duties of the typical scarecrow, be associated with guard dogs. Protecting and scaring off potential predators away from people or places.
(With “Potential predators” being Souls, and the “People or Places” being the Nightmares, and the Astral Circle.)
This may even pick up on the “Small Dog” stereotype, with Dagda, having implied to be short + appearing much less threatening/have a less aggressive aura than the other Nightmares. Given his size and face—as well as his job literally being to scare souls.
With that being said. Ty for coming to my Gabby talk. Dagda is Puppycoded in a literal sense + i got the proof to back it up. Until next time buh byeee
TL:DR Dagda Crom Cruach was partially based on/designed off of Dogs, and may be the Astral Circle’s “guard dog”