TUATHA DE DANAAN by Knight-Grandmaster de Paul

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

 
TUATHA DE DANAAN
The Tuatha De Danaan are known throughout ancient Ireland as the people of the goddess Dana/Danu (also known as mother). The Tuatha were banished from Heaven because they had learned the knowledge of magic, they came to live in Ireland around Beltaine. They fought two great battles, in the first battle of Mag Tuiredh they drove out the Fir Bholg, the original settlers, and then destroyed the evil Formorian, in the second battle of Mag Tuiredh. While much of the story of the Tuatha de Danaan has been distorted over time, there is growing evidence that the story is based on fact. Remains from some of the battlefields have been found which cast a different light on the story as a whole. No longer are the Tuatha considered just Irish legend and fairies. The Tuatha dominated Ireland until, in time, they too were defeated by the Milesians, and driven into the mountain by the sons of Mil. According to the Annals of the Four Masters, the Tuatha De Danaan ruled Ireland from 1897 to 1700 BC.
The Tuatha lost their island, but became known as the Fairy-Folk or the Sidhe of Irish Mythology and Folk Lore. When many talk of Ireland they talk of the human race the Celts as well as the invisible race of Fairies. There are many who treat this race as fiction and as "stories," but there are Irish seers who today still say they see the Sidhe.

"The term Sidhe, is always applied in old writings to the palaces, courts, halls, or residences of those beings which in ancient Gaedhelic mythology held the place which ghosts, phantoms, and fairies hold in the superstitions of the present day." In modern Irish tradition, 'the People of the Sidhe' or Sidhe, refer to the beings themselves rather than to their places of habitation. They are often described as gods of the earth and since it was believed that they, like the modern fairies, control the ripening of crops and the milk-giving of cows, the ancient Irish rendered to them regular worship and sacrifice, just as the Irish of today do by setting out food at night for the fairy-folk to eat.

The Celtic people associated their gods and goddesses with various skills and abilities. A very big association with Danu is craftsmanship. Often in the legends the deity's name is interchangeable with his or her skill, the
Tuatha De Danaan were known as 'The People of Craftsmanship' or 'The Artistic People', which gives a good description of them.

The Taught De Danann were also not considered immortal, they lived by the same physical laws as the Celts which included death. This is something that is very different, while nearly every other culture viewed their deities as superior and immortal the Irish Celts did not.

At one time gods and goddesses lived side by side with humans in the etheric plane. Civilisation reached a
crossroads and humans stepped down their vibration to reside on the physical plane. Gods and goddesses are evolutionary cousins to humans. Humans possess many of the aspirations, ideals and struggles of gods and goddesses and gods and goddesses appear physically human.

When the Tuatha De Danaan left Ireland's surface they settled in Tir na nOg, Land of the Young, where time stands still. One never grows old or becomes ill. The climate is neither too hot or too cold, there is no sorrow or pain, wars or famine. Love is eternal on Tir na nOg, and while the sun shines, and flowers bloom and never die, there is the sound of tin whistles, golden harps and children laughing.

Two of he most famous Tuatha kings were Nuadhu Airgedlamh and Lugh

Nuada Airgedlámh. A legendary kin of the Tuatha De Danaan, in Celtic mythology. Nuadhu led the Tuatha to victory in a great battle against the Fir Bholg, the first people of Ireland. But he lost an arm in the battle, and had to give up the throne. By the laws of ancient Ireland, a king who was deformed or blemished in any way could not rule. Dian Cécht, a great physician, replaced Nuada's hand with a magical silver hand. Nuada then became known as Nuada Airgedlámh (Nuada of the Silver Hand). The cruel new king, Bres, was so hated that Nuadhu was recalled by his people. Bres fled and raised an army against Nuadhu, who, with the help of Lugh, led the Tuatha to a famous victory. He is the chieftain-god of healing, the Sun, childbirth, youth, beauty, ocean, dogs, poetry, writing, sorcery, magic, weapons, and warfare. He owned the invincible Sword of Nuadha, from which none could escape in battle. It was thought to be one of the four greatest treasures of the Tuatha.

Lugh. Celtic sun god and reputed to be the father of the hero, Cúchulainn, whom he conceived with Dechtire when he carried her away to his palace beneath Brugh na Boinne. Lugh is a master craftsman, and an expert warrior with the spear and the sling. His skill with these weapons gave the Tuatha De Danaan victory over their enemies, the Formorians, and Lugh was made king. He spared the Formorian leader, who in return taught the Tuatha the secrets of farming. Lugh was the God of Light of the harvest, a festival is held in his honour in August called Lughnasa, August is his sacred month.

Lir. A Celtic sea god, and one of the Tuatha De Danaan. The Gaels had invaded Ireland, defeating the Tuatha Dé Danaan at the battle of Teltown, and the ancient people felt it was necessary to elect a king to rule over them and hence strengthen their position against the Gaels. The king they chose was Bodhbh Dearg of Lough Derg. This choice was accepted by all, except for Lir , who wanted the kingship for himself. Lir refused to accept Bodhbh (or Bodb) as king, yet despite the fact that many of the king's followers wanted Lir dead, Bodb refused to persecute him.

Lir had four children who were changed into swans by Aoife, their jealous stepmother. Lir tried to change his children back from swans, but Aoife's magic was too strong. It took 900 years for the spell to be lifted, by which time his children had grown old and withered.

Danu/Dana Mother and Goddess of the Tuatha De Danaan. Danu is thought to be beautiful with long blonde hair, pale skin and striking pale blue eyes, and able at will to transform into animals. Danu is also called the earth mother and she has created things such as wisdom, rivers, and wells. Scholars believe she is Anu the Goddess associated with the fertility of Ireland as well as Don in Wales and Dione in Greece. It's important to note that throughout history she became known as Brigit, who then got absorbed into Christian beliefs as a saint. Gaelic tradition refers to Danu's husband as Bilé, god of Hades

Daghda, son of the Goddess Dana, an early chief of the Tuatha De Danaan, also known as, All Father and Archangel Daghda. Dagda is portrayed as possessing both superhuman strength and appetite. Among his possessions were an enormous club which could both kill and restore men to life, and a great cauldron which provided an inexhaustible source of food. He was revered as the eldest and most powerful of the Tuatha De Danaan The ancient Celtic God of life and death, known as the 'good god'. He controls the weather and crops, and is skilled in magic. Daghda is also called 'mighty one of great knowledge' because he possesses all wisdom.

Partholonians. The Partholonians were said to have landed in Ireland at Beltaine, and they lived in Ireland for three hundred years, battling with the Fomhóire. The whole race of the Partholonians was mysteriously wiped out by a plague, except for Tuan mac Carell who underwent many different incarnations and thus lived to preserve the history of his people.

Fomorians. In Irish mythology the Fomorians, are often described as sea creatures or demonic giants or otherwise misshapen ancient occupants of Ireland, sometimes mentioned as a mythical, prehistoric people who raided and pillaged Ireland from the sea, and represent evil and darkness. Some scholars assume that the Fomorians were the Neolithic farmers of Ireland. They were thought to have afflicted the Partholons with the plague.

Nemedians. The Nemedians were the next race of people to arrive in Ireland after the Partholonians disappeared. According to legend, the Nemedians won three battles with the Fomorians, however they suffered great losses. Following these battles they were struck by a plague which was responsible for killing many more of their men, including their leader Nemed, and the rest were forced to leave after the Fomhóire had inflicted a great defeat on them.

Fir Bolg. The Fir Bolg (pronounced "fear bollug") were a nomadic race of near-giants that lived in ancient Ireland. Sometimes spelled as one word (Firbolg), the name means "bag men" or leather bag men, an appellation generally attributed to the backpack-like bolgs which they wore around their necks. Varying traditions say that they came from Greece or "Spain" which was a post-Christian euphemism for the Celtic Hades. They consisted of three tribes, called the "Fir Domnann" or "Men of Domnu", the "Fir Gaillion" or "Men of Gaillion", and the "Fir Bolg" or "Men of Bolg". It is thought that the Fir Bolgs and Tuatha De Danaans spoke the same language.

The Milesians. The Milesians were the mythical ancestors of the Gaels. Their arrival marked the end of the Age of the Gods and the beginning of the Age of Mankind. They are considered the last invading mythological tribe of Ireland. All Irish are said to be of a Milesian descent and seemingly the Christian scribes tried extra hard to establish a solid link between the Bible and the Milesians. After the Milesians defeated the Danaans, the Danaans either retreated to Air NA no-good ("Land of Youth") or they continued to live on the land with the Melissa's, but their homes (subterranean palaces) were hidden by magic from the eyes of mortals

At the time of the coming of the Melissa's, or sons of Mil, there were three kings and three queens who reigned in Ireland. The kings were: MacCuill (son of the hazel), MacCecht (son of the plough) and MacGreine (son of the sun). The three queens were called Banbha, Fodhla and Eriu. The sons of Mil, led by the poet and bard Amergin White Knee, won the favour of the three queens, the triple Goddess of the land.

Grianan of Aileach
Taken from Inishowen (Its History, Traditions, and Antiquities) by Maghtochair

The Tuatha de Danains could not have used stones in the erection of their dwellings, otherwise the Milesians, who subdued them, would have adopted the custom at once. The royal residence of Aileach existed at the time of Ith's arrival in the country. It was then called Oileag-Nead. According to the Annals of the Four Masters, Lough Foyle (Loch-Feabhail) did not exist until 81 years after their arrival, consequently the passage in the poem of the Dinnseanchus, which say that Aileach was named after a stone carried from Lough Foyle, is a poetical fiction or an utter absurdity; otherwise the annalists are in error; or, this stone, carried from Lough Foyle, would have given a name which existed 81 years at least before Nature's formation of the Lough!

But why ascribe the introduction of cyclopean architecture, or the erection of the Druidical Temples, circles, cromleachs, and pillar stones, whose remains are observable in every district of Ireland, to the Tuatha de Danains? Did they, whose authority in Ireland lasted for 197 years only, do all; and the Milesians, who came 1,000 years before the Christian era, and who professed Druidical doctrines for 1,500 years at least do nothing in that respect? The idea is simply incredible. Nearly so is the supposition that Greinan was constructed by the De Danains; but if erected by them at all, it must have been for a temple of religion, or of justice, or for both, as their habitations were not constructed of stone, nor were their houses of that material in Cornwall or Anglesea, even when the country was first visited by the Romans, though their temples were, as, for example, that of Abury, near Marlboroguh in Wiltshire, which was indeed in many respects like Greinan

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

Special Thanks to Autumn Laird for sharing the following:

The Four Treasures of the Tuatha De Dannan

The Tuatha De Dannan came to Ireland from four cities of the Otherworld, Murias, Falias, Gorias and Finias, bringing with them four treasures. It should be noted here that these four symbols of magical elements are reflected in the Sword, the Spear, the Cup (Cauldron) and the Singing Stone of Destiny-Falias.

At the time of the arrival of the Tuatha Dé Danann the race inhabiting Eire was known as the "fir Bolgs" who were divided into three tribes.The "fir Domnann" controlled North Munster, South Munster and Connaught. The "Fir Bolg" controlled Ulster and the "Fir Gaillon" Leincester. At that time their king was called Eochid son of Erc. It is said that the Tuatha Dé Danann arrived on the 1st of May (Beltaine) bringing with them treasures from their home cities. From Findias they brought Nuada's sword, from Gorias they brought Lugh's lance, from Murias they brought Dagda's cauldron and from Falias they brought the stone of destiny. The gods reached the coast of Ireland in a shrowd of mist to conceal themselves from the Fir Bolgs. Morrigu and her fellow war godesses created fogs, rainstorms and larva to fall on the Fur Bolgs so that they had to take shelter for three days until their own druids overcame the enchantments.
Finally the two sides met and after a period of truce the two sides began a bloody battle where Eochid was slain and the Fir Bolgs defeated. It was in this very battle that Nuada had his hand sliced clean off and, although Diancecht skillfully made him a hand of silver, he was sufficiently disfigured to have to give up the rule of the Tuatha Dé Danann. And so it was that the Tuatha Dé Danann took control of Ireland. The surviving Fir Bolgs were given Connaught to live in and to this day there are those that claim ancestry to that ancient tribe.

The 4 treasures have been firmly placed within the lore and architecture of Celtic civilization and many of theses myths maybe indeed based upon fact passed down through generations. Each of these treasures denotes action in their appearance within the tales, and great abilities to match those of their bearers. The story of the Tuatha is a long one, but what I bring is more of the inspiration they spread upon us.

Mannanan, the Holy Bárd, brought from Murias in the West
the Cauldron of Renewal,
which has the Power to regenerate life.
Those who drink from it do not die, but may pass beyond the Portals
to gain the wisdom of the Otherworld and return.

Dread Morrighan, the Rìgh-Bhean, brought from Falias, in the north
the Stone of Destiny.
This is the stone of Divine Right on which kings are crowned.
Wherever it may be, the Scepter is to be with it.
In that resides the wisdom and the spirit of the Mighty Ones,
Its guardian has the Power to cross beyond the Portals of Time and Space.

Great Lugh of the Long Arm, Warlord of the Dannan, carried from Finias in the South
the Spear of Victory.
This is the Shining Spear, against which no enemy shall prevail.
The guardian of this spear shall be always victorious,
for its Power is such that no battle can ever be sustained against it.

Ogma of the Sunface, the Lady's Champion, carried from Glorias in the East
the Sword of Light.
No enemy ever escapes once it is drawn from its sheath.

Special Thanks to Autumn Laird for sharing the following:

The Four Treasures of the Tuatha De Dannan

The Tuatha De Dannan came to Ireland from four cities of the Otherworld, Murias, Falias, Gorias and Finias, bringing with them four treasures. It should be noted here that these four symbols of magical elements are reflected in the Sword, the Spear, the Cup (Cauldron) and the Singing Stone of Destiny-Falias.

At the time of the arrival of the Tuatha Dé Danann the race inhabiting Eire was known as the "fir Bolgs" who were divided into three tribes.The "fir Domnann" controlled North Munster, South Munster and Connaught. The "Fir Bolg" controlled Ulster and the "Fir Gaillon" Leincester. At that time their king was called Eochid son of Erc. It is said that the Tuatha Dé Danann arrived on the 1st of May (Beltaine) bringing with them treasures from their home cities. From Findias they brought Nuada's sword, from Gorias they brought Lugh's lance, from Murias they brought Dagda's cauldron and from Falias they brought the stone of destiny. The gods reached the coast of Ireland in a shrowd of mist to conceal themselves from the Fir Bolgs. Morrigu and her fellow war godesses created fogs, rainstorms and larva to fall on the Fur Bolgs so that they had to take shelter for three days until their own druids overcame the enchantments.
Finally the two sides met and after a period of truce the two sides began a bloody battle where Eochid was slain and the Fir Bolgs defeated. It was in this very battle that Nuada had his hand sliced clean off and, although Diancecht skillfully made him a hand of silver, he was sufficiently disfigured to have to give up the rule of the Tuatha Dé Danann. And so it was that the Tuatha Dé Danann took control of Ireland. The surviving Fir Bolgs were given Connaught to live in and to this day there are those that claim ancestry to that ancient tribe.

The 4 treasures have been firmly placed within the lore and architecture of Celtic civilization and many of theses myths maybe indeed based upon fact passed down through generations. Each of these treasures denotes action in their appearance within the tales, and great abilities to match those of their bearers. The story of the Tuatha is a long one, but what I bring is more of the inspiration they spread upon us.

Mannanan, the Holy Bárd, brought from Murias in the West
the Cauldron of Renewal,
which has the Power to regenerate life.
Those who drink from it do not die, but may pass beyond the Portals
to gain the wisdom of the Otherworld and return.

Dread Morrighan, the Rìgh-Bhean, brought from Falias, in the north
the Stone of Destiny.
This is the stone of Divine Right on which kings are crowned.
Wherever it may be, the Scepter is to be with it.
In that resides the wisdom and the spirit of the Mighty Ones,
Its guardian has the Power to cross beyond the Portals of Time and Space.

Great Lugh of the Long Arm, Warlord of the Dannan, carried from Finias in the South
the Spear of Victory.
This is the Shining Spear, against which no enemy shall prevail.
The guardian of this spear shall be always victorious,
for its Power is such that no battle can ever be sustained against it.

Ogma of the Sunface, the Lady's Champion, carried from Glorias in the East
the Sword of Light.
No enemy ever escapes once it is drawn from its sheath.

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

Human Odyssey

Danu was a mother goddess to the Tuatha Dé Danann. She was the most ancient of goddesses, associated with wisdom, knowledge and the learning. She is often associated with wind and rivers and the Earth. It is said she possessed the divine knowledge of shape shifting and shamanic travel.

Boann was a water goddess associated with fertility and abundance. According to legend, she owned a sacred well which contained the divine secrets of her tribe (it was also said to be a link to the other worlds of Irish mythology). All were forbidden to approach this well, with the exception of her husband Nuada (first king of the Tuatha Dé Danann).

Banbha was a warrior goddess who protected the land of the Irish. She was a Queen of the Tuatha de Danaan and possessed powerful magic which she used to battle invaders with (most notably the Milesian tribe). Legend says that it Banbha who found Ireland after a great flood, which she vowed to protect with her life.

Brigid was a goddess of fire, associating her with great magical power. Those with a mastery over fire could mould metal, infuse potions and bring light to the dark. This made her a benefactor of light, healing, smithing and sorcery.

Ernmas was a mother goddess who sired six girls and five boys, making her a figure of fertility and abundance. It was her strength and vitality that was said to have endowed her children with great battle prowess and magical power. Very little is mentioned about the father of her children, for it was she alone who was regarded the divine power behind her lineage.

Áine was a sun goddess, associated with love, midsummer and fertility. She had command over crops and animals and was also associated with healing and magic. Aine, beautiful, bright and glowing, was a muse to every poet. She could inspire great works of creativity or drive the artist to madness.

Morrigan was a goddess of war and fertility. Her name means the "Queen of Demons" or the "Phantom Queen". It was said she possessed the powers of divination and prophecy and was one of the strangest deities in Irish mythology. She was a tripartite goddess of war: associated with Badb and Macha.

Badb was a war goddess who took the form of a crow, and was thus sometimes known as Badb Catha ("battle crow"). She often caused fear and confusion among soldiers in order to move the tide of battle to her favoured side. Badb would also appear prior to a battle to foreshadow the extent of the upcoming carnage. She would sometimes do this through wailing cries, leading to comparisons with the banshee.

Macha, a war goddess, was associated with the fate of the Irish. It was claimed she was a prophetess who appeared to those about to die. She is commonly shown washing bloody clothes at a river ford; when approached, She tells the enquirer the clothes are theirs. Like the bean sidhe (banshee), Whom She is believed related to, She is an omen of death.

Bé Chuille was a sorceress whose magic was used to conjure a host of warriors from the grass and leaves. Bé Chuille was also gifted with divination, and she foretold the number of Danann who would die in the battle against the Milesians.

Clíodhna was a Queen of the Banshees. Due to the betrayal of her husband Manannan, her soul was shattered. In the daytime she was known as goddess of love and beauty, but come nightfall she became the Banshee Queen, a goddess of vanity, jealousy and obsession.

Fand was a Celtic sea goddess also known as Queen of the Fairies and wife of Manannán. She made her home both in the Otherworld and on the Islands of Man. She was also a patron of health and earthly pleasures, known to the people of Ireland as “Pearl of Beauty".

ARTWORK
Banbha by Ramah-Palmer
Brigid by Chymere
Morrigan by Leanna Ten Eycke

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

~~ Danu ~~

Irish Goddess of the Tuatha Dé Danann, Children of Danu
Great Ancient Triple Goddess of Ireland
Divine Creator of all Living Things
Earth Mother Goddess of fertility, growth, abundance, agriculture. Keeper and Nurturer of the Land, Forests, Oceans, and Seas.
Sacred Goddess of Plenty.
Blessed Be.

(¯`v´¯) ♥♥♥ Opal ♥♥♥
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