~History~ |
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~History~ |
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The Tuatha De Danann or, 'People of the Goddess Dana' were the fourth in a series of invaders to inhabit Ireland. Tales vary as to the origins of the Tuatha De Danann, but most ideas are that they came from the northern islands of the world and quite a few theories maintain that they came from the sky. They landed in Ireland on La Baal Tine (May 1, also known or Beltain) and by all accounts their arrival was an awesome sight to behold. It is said that the Tuatha De Danann did not arrive in conventional sea faring ships but made their first appearance in Ireland from 'cloud ships'. According to legend, these ships landed on a mountain peak and blocked out the sun for three days. One idea behind the cloud ships is that upon arrival in conventional boats, the Tuatha De Danann burned the ships to erase any temptation of ever returning to their former home lands. The supposed 'cloud ships', says this theory, were not ships at all, but the smoke billowing from the newly destroyed boats. The Tuatha De Danann brought four talismans with them. These talismans came from the four sacred cities of Findias, Gorias, Murias and Falias. From Findias came the Spear of Lugh. This magick spear when thrown in battle and at the utterance of the word Ibur would hit its target without fail. It would also return when the word athibar was spoken. Blood dripped from the spear at all times, and when not in use it was kept in the Dagda's cauldron. This cauldron was another talisman of the De Dananns. It was brought from the Sacred city, Murias. This cauldron was called the Undry for it was an endless source of sustenance of which no one went away from unsatisfied. From Gorias came the Sword of Nuada from which all wounds, no matter how slight, were fatal. From Falias came the La Fail, 'the stone of destiny'. This stone would let out an enormous wail whenever the rightful king of Ireland stood upon it. It was from these cities that the Tuatha De Dananns learned all their knowledge, skills and magick from. Indeed the De Dananns were said to be unmatched in their knowledge and beauty. From them, come the vast majority of Gods and Goddesses of the Irish Pantheon. |
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