Celtic Mythology: Fairies: Tuatha De Danann
[ Introduction ] [ Tuatha De Dannaan ] [ Firbolg ] [ Formors ] [ Milesians ]
The Tuatha De Danann/Sidhe
The Tuatha De Danann are known throughout ancient Ireland as the people of the goddess Dana/Danu (also known as mother). It's important to note that throughout history she became known as Brigit, who then got absorbed into Christian beliefs as a saint. According to the Annals of the Four Masters, the Tuatha De Danann ruled Ireland from 1897 to 1700 BC.
"It is said, in the Book of the Dun Coe that wise men do not konw the origin of the Tuatha De Danann, but that it seems likely they came from heaven, on account of their intelligence and for the excellence of their knowledge." It is said that their hold on those in Ireland was so strong that not even the Christian transcribers could deny their existence as a non-human race of intelligent being in Ireland (although they frequently put them in league with evil demons).
The Tuatha De Danann were in full control of Ireland when the Sons of Mil (Irish ancestors) came to the island. 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 or dei terreni, as in the Book of Armagh; 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 palaces to which the Sidhe went to after the fighting with the race of Mil were hidden in the depths of the Earth. The Dagda controlled the distributions of these palaces and domains. He then gave on to Lugh and retained two for himself (Brug na Boinne, or Castle of the Boyne, because it was situated on or near the River Boyne near Tara, and the other called Síd or Brug Maic ind Oc, which means Enchanted Palace or Castle of the Son of the Young). Mac ind Oc was a most enchanted castle that contained three trees which always bore fruit, a vessel full of excellent drink, and two pigs--one alive and the other nicely cooked ready to eat at any time; and in this palace no one ever died.
Aside from these beautiful palaces the Sidhe were known for their own beauty as well as loving the beauty of others. There are many stories in history which talk about the "taking" of a beautiful mortal boy or girl to be taken down into the palaces of the Sidhe. Mortals could live in the world of the Sidhe forever if they willed it. There have been many in history who found life in Fairyland so plesant that they decided to enjoy it enternally. Not only did these people have majestic palaces and beauty but they also had a rare music to which our world's music could never compare. Patrick even said that it would equal the very music of heaven if it were not for 'a twang of the fairy spell that infests it.'
The Sidhe were said to have come from four mythical cities: Falias, Gorias, Finias, and Murias. It was their that they learned all of their magic and skills from the druids (Morfesa from Falias, Esras from Gorias, Semias from Murias and Uiscias from Findias), and were given four great treasures or talismans that showed these skills. The first treasure was the Stone of Fal, which would scream whenever a true king of Ireland would place his foot on it. The next was the Magic Sword of Nuada, a weapon that only inflicted mortal blows when drawn. The third was the Sling-shot of the Sun God Lugh, that never missed its target. The last was the Cauldron of Dagda from which a constant supply of food came forth.
The Sidhe have always had a very distinct social organization with regards to rulers and territory. In Munster Bodb was king and his enchanted palace was called Sid of the Men of Femen; and the overall king Dadga and his wife Boyne has a palace near Tara. In more modern times, Eevil or Eevinn of the Craig Liath or Grey Rock is a queen of the Munster Fairies, and Finvara is the king of the Conaught fairies. There are also the Irish fairy-queens Cleeona and Aine.
While much of the story of the Tuatha de Danann 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. Although three of the treasures are obvious stories proclaiming the glories of their Kings, the fourth item sounds very much like the legendary Stone of Scone that sits in Edinburgh today.
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Copyright: Nikki Burke 2000-2008
Website Last Updated: January 03, 2008
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