| The Tuatha de Danann....The Begining |
| The Tuatha de Danann are called "the people of the goddess Danu" in Celtic mythology and were known to most Celtic peoples. They were the last generation of gods and goddesses to rule Ireland just before the invasion of Milesius. (ancestors of the present day Irish). The Fomorii were the previous rulers (Fir Bolg). The Tuatha de Danann defeated them through their superior magical abilities. They were master of magic, crafts and knowledge and brought with them four talismans : The Stone of Fal, (would scream aloud when the true king of Ireland placed his foot on it.) The Magic Sword of Nuada, (a weapon that only inflicted fatal blows) The Spear ( or sling shot) of the sun god Lugh, and The Cauldron of Dagda. (a never ending pot able to satisfy all). Many legends of the Tuatha de Danann eventually became the Authorian legends. The Irish myth is that they eventually took up residence underground and became the Sidh, or fairies. It is believed that the ancient Celtic feast of Samhain, celebrated the last day of October, is when the Tuatha de Danann will allow certain mortals to enter their realm. |
| Formorii- The Fomorii were the sea gods in Irish myth, violent and unpredictable. They are described as having only one eye, one hand or one foot. They often arose from the waves to challenge the rulers of Ireland. It was the Tuatha de Danann who finally defeated them. |
| Annwn- Believed to be a Welsh otherworld a place of peace and plenty. Also known as Avalon. There lies the fountain of "sweet wine and the cauldron of rebirth." Arawn, the lord of Annwn had a pack of hounds known as the hounds of hell who would fly at night in search of human souls. This could have been derived from the fact that the Celts were famous for having fierce dogs with them in battle. |
| Ceridwen- Ceridwen was the Welsh goddess of fertility. She was the mother to the ugliest man in the whole world, Afagddu. She boiled a cauldron of knowledge for a year so the he would atleast become the wisest of all and thus respected. She apointed Gwion Bach to tend the cauldron. Her own sons lost his chance at receiving this gift when a drop of the liquid fell on Gwion Bach's finger and he stuck it in his mouth to suck it off. The legend is also told in Ireland as the Salmon of Knowledge, that was handled then the bearer placed his fingers in his mouth. Ceridwen also had another ugly son who went to battle with King Arthur. He was a fearsome warrior and it is said that Sir Modred;s men were afraid of him because he was so loathsome they thought he must be a devil. |
| The Fianna- The Fianna were the famous warrirors responsible for the safety of the High King of Ireland. They were frequently called the Fenians and their leader was Finn Maccool. Most of them came from two clans, the Bascna and the Morna. Many of their exploits are related in the tales of the Knights of the Round Table. To join "no man was taken till the ground a hole had been made, such as would reach the waist, and he put into it with his shield and a forearm's length of a hazel sitck. Then must nine warriors, having nine spears, with a ten furrows width between them and him, assail him and let fly at him. If he sustained injury, he was not received into the band." |