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The Tuatha Dé Danann |
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Name: Tuatha Dé Danann/ Danaan / Men of Dea
Origin: The Islands of the North - Lochlann (Norway)?
Original Cities: Failias, Gorias, Findias, & Murias
Associated Sites: Magh Tuiredh (Moytura), Brugh na Boinne (Newgrange), Teltown, Co. Meath
Kings: 
Nuada
of the Silver Arm Bres Mac
Elatha Lugh the
Long-handed Dagda Bodb Derg
Druid: Dagda
Warrior: Oghma
Arts & Crafts: Lugh
Medicine: Dian Cécht
Smithcraft: Goibhniu
Poet: Cairpre son of Oghma
Brazier: Credne
Wright: Luchtaine
Harper: Cas Corach
The Tuatha Dé Danann (which means the people of Danu) arrived in Ireland bearing with them their stone of destiny called the Lia Fail which they placed on the mound of Tara and ever after the rightful kings of Ireland were chosen when it called out. They also brought the spear of Lugh which ensured victory to whoever wielded it, The Sword of Nuada from whom none could escape and the Cauldron of the Dagda from which none would go unsatisfied.
There is a story that they came to Ireland in flying ships but could not land as the Fomorians had set up a great energy field that they could not penetrate. So they had to circle Ireland nine times before finding a breach in the energy field and setting down on Sliabh an Iarainn (The Iron Mountains) in Co. Leitrim.
They clashed with the Fir Bolg (the men of the bags or pot-bellied ones) who they defeated at the first battle of Magh Tuiredh (Moytura) and routed towards the West of Ireland where they allowed them to stay. After defeating the Fir-Bolg they were challenged by the Fomorians and had to fight another battle this time in Co. Roscommon, which became known as the second battle of Magh Tuiredh, they defeated the great Fomorian warrior Balor, and so laid undisputed claim to the land.
They prospered under their two great heroes Nuada of the Silver Arm and Lugh of the Long Arm. They were eventually defeated by the Milesians at Teltown. As they were a magical people they decided to go underground into another dimension of space and time the entrances to which are at many sites around Ireland; one of the most famous being Brugh na Boinne (Newgrange).
It was reputed that only iron weapons could injure them. They became like gods to the later Celtic people and were worshipped as such. They became known as the people of the Sidhe (mounds) and there are many Faery Mounds in existence in Ireland today.
Stories, Myths and Legends about the Tuatha Dé Danann
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The Story of the Tuatha De Danann (Lebor Gabala) |
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