Irish Mythology

Irish Mythology Irish mythology is divided into four cycles, or types of stories. While the stories are old, there has been some trouble because not all of the stories survived Ireland’s conversion to Christianity. Can anyone think of why myths and legends might have been changed?

Christianity Irish Christians considered the old legends and myths to be too pagan, and against what they believed in. As a result, many stories were changed or forgotten in order to present Ireland as a Christian country.

The Four Cycles Irish mythology is divided into four cycles: the mythological cycle, the Ulster cycle, the Fenian cycle and the historical cycle. While there are some elements that repeat across the cycles, they have individual, specific characteristics.

The Mythological Cycle The mythological cycle is not very well preserved, but its stories tell us about the Tuatha De Danann, who in some stories are the gods of old Ireland. They are believed to be the fifth group of people to take over Ireland, and fought a great battle against the evil Balor.

The Mythological Cycle – Tuatha De Danaan The Tuatha De Danaan, or peoples of the goddess Danu, came from four cities – Falias, Gorias, Murias and Finias – where they learned magic and practiced their skills. Although we are to believe they are mortal kings and queens, there are many clues about their divine origins.

The Arrival in Ireland When the Tuatha De arrived, they arrived in smoke and fire. While some thought it was magic, others say they arrived in ships which they then burned behind them. Why would they do that?

With no boats, the enemy could not attack the homelands the Tuatha De had left behind. It also left the Tuatha De with no choice: they would fight, or die.

The Four Treasures of The Tuatha De Danaan The stories tell of the four treasures of the Tuatha De. The words ‘treasures’ do refer to the four cities they came from, but also to four objects they carried: The Stone of Fail The Spear of Lug The Sword of Light of Nuada The Dagda’s Caudron What magic did they have?

The Stone of Fail would cry out when touched by the true king of Ireland. Legend has it that it was placed by the Hill of Tara where the kings would meet.

The Spear of Lug was a powerful weapon which could not be defeated in battle. The owner of the weapon who carried it into battle was almost invincible.

The Sword of Light was a burning sword which was impossible to escape from. Once it was drawn, it could defeat the enemy without fail.

The Dagda’s Cauldron was used for feeding soldiers The Dagda’s Cauldron was used for feeding soldiers. It was said that nobody that ate from the cauldron was ever hungry afterwards.

The Final Battle The Tuatha De ruled in Ireland until the arrival of the Gaels, also called the Milesians.

They fought against the Milesians but could not beat them They fought against the Milesians but could not beat them. They asked for a truce of three days, during which time the Milesians would stay in their boats near the Irish shore. What do you think the Tuatha De did next?

Betrayal The Tuatha De created a magical storm to try and drive the Milesians away, but the Milesian poet Amergin calmed the storm with magic and the Milesians defeated them. Amergin was called to divide the land of Ireland between the two groups, which he did. How do you think he divided it?

Division Amergin was not stupid! He chose above the ground for his people, the Milesians, and for the Tuatha De he chose the underground. The Tuatha De Danaan were led under the ground by Manannan mac Lir, who was the son of Lir, the god of the sea.

More Division Why is it interesting that there was division in ancient Ireland? How does this link to the Ireland we know today?

The End of the Tuatha De Danaan? Although they appear mostly in the Mythological cycle, the characters of the Tuatha De reappear later in different stories. Characters also parallel other mythology of the time: Nuada is linked to the British god Nodens, for example.

Vocabulary conversion – change to something else pagan – not religious elements - pieces truce – an agreement not to make war invincible – cannot be defeated

Videos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zua_m6IvZE