While various supernatural beings appear in Irish mythology, the most commonly referenced and important are the Tuath De Danann or the “children of the goddess Danu.” They are often described as old pagan Irish gods, and while they seem god-like in many ways, in other ways they are not.
The Tuath De Danann, while enjoying very long lifespans, do not seem to be immortal. In addition, they are described as learning important arts such as magic, blacksmithing, and science, which makes them very powerful, rather than exercising magic or divine power over elements. Each seems more like a supernatural hero with many skills they have developed over the years, rather than gods with divine responsibilities.
Some commentators suggest that they are best compared with Tolkien’s elves, which were partly inspired by the Tuath De Danann. They are not mortal, but they are not divine, but their long lifespan and superior knowledge would make them seem godlike to mere humans.
Early Irish Mythology Timeline: Before the Tuath De Danann
Irish mythology is an oral history that was written down and modified by Christian monks in the medieval era. The full history is broken into four cycles: the Mythological Cycle that principally deals with the Tuath De Danann, the Ulster Cycle about heroes, the Fenian Cycle that also deals with heroes but involves the Tuath De Danann, and the Cycles of the Kings, which moves into semi-historical territory.
According to the Mythological cycle, in the earliest times, Ireland was occupied by the Fomorians, a kind of hostile and monstrous supernatural race that can perhaps be compared to the Norse jotun. They are described as living off fish and fowl, suggesting that they were “hunter-gatherers” rather than farmers and therefore uncivilized. They can be considered gods or personifications of the most dangerous forces of nature, which is why, while they are often defeated, they never leave Ireland.
After about 200 years, the first people to “invade” Ireland were the followers of Partholon, sometime after the flood. They were civilized, bringing with them plow and oxen, and they encountered the Fomorians. The followers of Partholon defeated the Fomorians in battle and took control of Ireland. But within about 30 years they all died of plague.
The next group to invade Ireland was Nemed and his followers, known as the Nemedians. They also defeated the Fomorians in several battles and established leadership in Ireland. But the Fomorians regrouped and defeated the Nemedians. They then demanded a heavy tribute, including two-thirds of all children, grain, and cattle. Nemed himself had died at this point, but his son Fergus Lethder rose up and battled with the Fomorians again. There were extreme losses on both sides, and flood waters rose up and killed almost everyone. About 30 Nemedians survived and sailed off to other parts of the world.
Next, the Fir Bolg arrived, and did not encounter the Fomorians, who were probably still recovering from their war with the Nemedians. They established themselves, but then the Tuath De Danann arrived.
Arrival of the Tuath De Danann
Before the Tuath De Danann arrived in Ireland, they lived on four islands in the north, Falias, Gorias, Murias, and Finias. It was while living on these islands that the Tuath De Danann learned arts such as magic, philosophy, science, and smithing, which made them appear god-like.
When they arrived, the Tuath De Danann were led by Nuada. They defeated the Fir Bolg, but Nuada lost an arm in battle. Because he was no longer whole, he could not be king. He was replaced by Bres, who was half Tuath De Danann and half Fomorian, indicating that the Fomorians were still around and compatible with the Tuath De Danann. This mirrors Norse mythology, where intermarriage and interbreeding between the Norse gods and the jotun was common, despite ostensibly being bitter enemies.
Bres was not a good king and favored his Fomorian kin, oppressing the Tuath De Danann. Nuada received a silver arm that functioned like a normal one and was able to resume the kingship from Bres with popular support. But Bres still wanted power, so he went to his Fomorian grandfather Balor for help. Together they gathered a great army to retake control.
Meanwhile, another half-Fomorian and grandson of Balor, Lugh, had emerged. When he was born, he was given to the god Manannan to foster. He then made a name for himself at the court of Nuada because of his mastery of all arts. He was given leadership of the army in the battle against Balor. While Balor killed Nuada, Lugh killed Balor, and drove the Fomorians into the sea. But again, their presence could not be completely expelled from Ireland.
Expulsion of the Tuath De Danann
Through Lugh’s victory, the Tuath De Danann gained control of Ireland, but it was short-lived. Next, the Milesians came from Spain. Initially, it was just a man called Ith with a small party, and they seemed to be explorers. But when they arrived in Ireland, Ith was killed by unnamed attackers. His men returned to Spain, and the eight sons of Ith’s brother Mil returned to Ireland with a vast army to seek revenge.
They fought with the Tuath De Danann for Tara, the royal capital, and the Milesians won. They agreed to divide Ireland between them, but while the Milesians took the world above, the Tuath De Danann were given the world below, or the otherworld. This seems too have been ruled over and protected by Manannan, who seems to have been a pre-historic god but also an ally of the Tuath De Danann. He divided the realms of the Otherworld between them, assigning them the burial mounds of ferry mounds that acted as the doorway between worlds. He also created the magical fog that hides the pathway to the otherworld from those living in the world above.
Treasures of the Tuath De Danann
Many magical treasures are mentioned in the stories of the Tuath De Danann including self-sailing ships, horses that can run on water, and enchanted sacks that can hold and hide immense treasures. But the most important were the four treasures that the Tuath De Danann brought with them from their previous island homes. They reportedly torched their ships when they arrived in Ireland so that they could never retreat.
From the island of Murias they brought the Cauldron of Dagda, from which no company would walk away dissatisfied. This could be related to the cauldron of the Norse sea god Aegis. The Norse gods borrowed this cauldron to make enough mead for a feast for all the gods.
From the island of Gorias they brought the Spear of Lugh. It was undefeatable and whoever commanded the spear could not lose. This could be related to Odin’s spear Gungnir, which was perfectly balanced and never missed its mark.
From the island of Falias they brought Lia Fail, or the stone of Fal, which would cry out when the true sovereign of Ireland stood upon it. It was used to confirm the kingship of Tara.
From the island of Finias they brought Claiomh Solais, or the Sword oof Light, which once drawn could not be avoided and would always kill its enemy. This can be related to the magical sword of the Norse god Freyr, which was unbeatable and could fight on its own.
Important Tuath De Danann
There were many Tuath de Danann. Some were craftsmen and seem more god-like, while others were herders and had more mortal traits.
Among the most important are the Dagda (the great god), the Morrigan (the great goddess), Lugh (the multi-talented warrior and savior), Nuada (the first king), Aengus (associated with youth, love, summer, and poetic inspiration), Brigid (associated with poetry, healing, and smiths) Dian Cecht (healing), Goibniu (the smith), and Manannan (a god of the sea who seems to have been an ally of the Tuath De Danann rather than a member of the tribe).
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