What is tuatha de danann?

The Tuatha Dé Danann (often translated as "People of the Goddess Danu" or "Tribes of the Goddess Danu") are a supernatural race in Irish mythology. They are believed to represent the main deities of pre-Christian Gaelic Ireland.

• Origins and Arrival: According to Lebor na nUidre, the Tuatha Dé Danann came to Ireland from the sky, bringing with them four magical treasures. Other accounts suggest they came from islands in the north of the world. Before arriving in Ireland, they resided in four cities: Falias, Gorias, Murias, and Findias, where they learned skills and crafts. These cities are linked to the four treasures they brought.

• Conflict with the Fir Bolg: Upon arriving in Ireland, the Tuatha Dé Danann fought the Fir Bolg for control of the land. The first battle was the Battle of Mag Tuired, in which the Tuatha Dé Danann were victorious. The Fir Bolg were defeated and allowed to retreat to Connacht.

• The Second Battle of Mag Tuired: The Tuatha Dé Danann later fought against the Fomorians in the Second Battle of Mag Tuired. The Fomorians were a race of monstrous beings. This battle represents the struggle between order and chaos.

• Loss to the Milesians: The Tuatha Dé Danann were eventually defeated by the Milesians, the ancestors of the modern Irish. They retreated into the sídhe (mounds or portals to the Otherworld).

• Deities: The Tuatha Dé Danann are associated with various deities, including:

  • Danu: The mother goddess.
  • The Dagda: A father figure and a god of magic, abundance, and strength.
  • Lugh: A god of skill, craftsmanship, and the sun.
  • Nuada: The first king of the Tuatha Dé Danann.
  • Morrígan: A goddess of war, fate, and sovereignty.
  • Ogma: God of eloquence and writing, credited with inventing the Ogham alphabet.

• The Four Treasures:

  • The Stone of Fal (Lia Fáil): From Falias, it would scream when a true king of Ireland stood upon it.
  • The Sword of Nuada: From Findias, no one could escape it once it was drawn.
  • The Spear of Lugh: From Gorias, no battle was ever won against it.
  • The Cauldron of the Dagda: From Murias, an inexhaustible cauldron of plenty.

• Legacy: The Tuatha Dé Danann became figures in Irish folklore, often depicted as fairies or spirits residing in the Otherworld. They continue to be a source of inspiration in modern literature, art, and pagan religious movements. They also play an important role in understanding early Irish beliefs and societal structure.