Aislin.'s Blog, page 9

Wiccan Sabbat Ritual Recipes — Eostre's Chili Eggs Recipe

Eggs are associated with Ostara and are a traditional breakfast food. However, the same old eggs can eventually become a little boring. Instead of having your eggs hard-boiled, scrambled, or fried, try Eostre’s Chili Eggs. This delicious recipe can add some spice and zip to your morning meal.



Ingredients for Eostre’s Chili Eggs



Have the following ingredients close at hand:


1 can green chili peppers;


½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, cubed;


½ cup Cheddar cheese, cubed;


1 ½ cups salsa;


8 large eggs;


½ cup Cheddar cheese, shredded; and


Salt and pepper.


The salsa you choose may be any kind you like, and of any intensity. Consider those who will share your meal when deciding on a salsa. If there will be small children dining with you, opt for a milder salsa. For crowds that enjoy a little more spice, feel free to use a medium or hot salsa.

 

Additional ingredients can be added, if you like. Pork or chicken are particularly suited to this dish, but you can choose whatever you prefer. It can be made spicier by the addition of cayenne pepper, or milder by the omission of pepper. The options are limited only by your own taste.

 

Preparing Eostre’s Chili Eggs

 

Drain the chili peppers thoroughly and beat the eggs well. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Grease the bottom of a 9x9 inch baking pan, taking extra care in the corners to prevent sticking.

 

Line the bottom of the pan with the chili peppers, distributing evenly. On top of the peppers, place the cubed cheeses (both the Monterey Jack and the Cheddar), but set aside the shredded cheese. Cover with 1 cup of salsa, reserving the remaining ½ cup.

 

Over this pour the beaten eggs and top with the remaining salsa and the shredded Cheddar cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste, remembering that the chili peppers and salsa will already give you a spicy dish. Be careful with the pepper, or you might overwhelm the flavors already present.

 

Bake for twenty minutes, or until the top starts to turn gold. Insert a toothpick into the center to test for doneness. If it comes out clean, the eggs are done. If not, bake for an additional five minutes.

 

This recipes make eight to ten small servings. Eostre’s Chili Eggs are a favorite of many Wiccans and Pagans around the time of the Spring Equinox. They are especially delightful when paired with Ostara Eggs and Artichoke Pie or Spring Eggnog.



For a similar recipe, check out this video:

The Faery Lineage and Irish Mythology — The Daoine Sidhe

The Daoine Sidhe (pronounced deena shee) are considered to be the Faery Folk of ancient Ireland. They were what the Tuatha De Danann became as they diminished. Some early myths from the Church indicate that they were fallen angels, considered to be too good for Hell, but this was simply a way for the Church to invalidate the mythology of Ireland. It had little to do with the true legends regarding the Daoine Sidhe.



The Daoine Sidhe and the Fenian Heroes



The Fenian Heroes, those of the De Danann who chose to follow the high kings of Ireland, joined with the fiana and fought alongside their human allies. The Daoine Sidhe did almost the opposite. After the Tuatha De Danann and the Milesians battled and divided up Ireland into the land and the spirit-world, those who became the Daoine Sidhe retreated beneath the earth to live in hollow mounds. Others chose to make their home in the ocean, under the waves.



The Fenian Heroes had a great respect for the Daoine Sidhe despite their different choices. The mounds where the Sidhe made their homes became places of worship for the Fenian Heroes, and so for the people of Ireland. The waves which were said to be inhabited by the Sidhe were held as sacred.



The Seelie and Unseelie Courts of the Daoine Sidhe



In some versions of Irish mythology, the Daoine Sidhe eventually divided themselves into the Seelie and Unseelie Courts. The Seelie (seleighe in old Irish) Court was considered to be blessed or holy, containing those of the Sidhe who were benevolent and generally considered harmless. This was not to say that they would not seek vengeance, but if given the choice between harming and helping, the Seelie would choose to help.



The members of the Seelie Court were said to be fun-loving and mischievous. They loved their games and pranks, but would never take a joke too far. They were known to be kind and generous, and were seen as the champions of the people of Ireland.



The Unseelie Court was just the opposite. They were malicious and tended to be inclined towards evil. They were said to assault travelers at night, often carrying them off into their own world for various purposes. As the Seelie were not always entirely kind, the Unseelie were not always entirely evil. However, if faced with the choice, they would rather cause harm than offer assistance.



The Daoine Sidhe were the last of the Tuatha De Danann to resemble the gods and goddesses of ancient Ireland. Though they generally chose to take human form, they could also appear as much larger or much smaller than the average person.



In time, the Daoine Sidhe would dwindle further away from their origins, eventually becoming the Heroic Faery of the Faery Lineage.

The Faery Lineage and Irish Mythology — The Fenian Heroes

The noblest warriors of the Tuatha De Danann joined forces with the honorable fiana, the greatest fighting force of ancient Ireland. They retained some of their magick and power, and greatly enhanced the respected group, contributing their sorcery and their wisdom. Those De Danann who chose to join the fiana became known as the Fenian Heroes. The remainder became the Daoine Sidhe.



The Fenian Heroes and Finn mac Cumaill



The fiana (Irish war bands) were led by Finn mac Cumaill. He was the last and greatest leader of the fiana, and the son of Cumhal mac Baiscne. Cumhal was also head of the fiana in his time, but was killed by the sons of Morna, who wanted to assume his leadership. Finn’s mother was Muirne, the granddaughter of Nuada of the Silver Hand and Ethlinn. Ethlinn was the mother of Lugh of the Long Hand. Both Nuada and Ethlinn were powerful members of the Tuatha De Danann, so Finn himself was of the Faery, and somewhat god-like in stature.



As a child, Finn was sent away in secret. As he grew, he was trained in poetry, weaponry, and magick. At one point during his training, he accidentally drank a mouthful of water from the Well of the Moon and gained the power of prophecy. This power, combined with the Sidhe blood running through his veins, is one of the many reasons the Tuatha De Danann were said to willingly follow him, even though it meant diminishing themselves.



What Became of the Fenian Heroes?



When old age finally killed Finn mac Cumaill, his fiana fell apart. When this happened, the Tuatha De Danann who had become the Fenian Heroes drifted away, searching for a just and honourable High King to serve in battle once more. Some Irish legends indicate that they never found what they were looking for. Others suggest that perhaps they traveled to Britain and followed the legendary King Arthur.



Regardless, the Fenian Heroes diminished in stature and power, but the Faery Lineage of Ireland did not end with the Fenian Heroes. They survived into medieval times as the Medieval Fairy, beginning to spread to the rest of Europe, and would one day lead to the modern vision of tiny little fairies with gossamer wings.

The Faery Lineage and Irish Mythology — The Tuatha De Danann

The Tuatha De Danann, which is often translated to mean ‘tribe of Dana,’ were the people of the Goddess Dana. Sometimes, they were considered to be the people of the god whose mother was Dana. The ancient Celts called them the Sidhe, the spirit-race of ancient Ireland. They are the source of the Faery Lineage.



Who Were the Tuatha De Danann?



The origins of the Tuatha De Danann are quite unclear. However, according to the traditional history of Ireland, specifically the Mythological Cycle, the Tuatha De Danann were the fourth waves of invaders to come to Ireland, conquering the Fir Bolg. Eventually, they would be challenged by the Milesians, and take refuge in the Underworld. They were to become the gods and goddesses of Ireland, worshipped, respected, and sometimes feared.



When they retreated, they moulded the Underworld to suit themselves. Their country of choice was Tir na nOg, the Land of Perpetual Youth. They lived here in beauty and joy, never aging, and never knowing pain, disease, or death. They were masters of sorcery and magick, and the Celts often said that the Tuatha De Danann had been sent from the stars to teach humanity about love and living in harmony with nature.



The Tuatha De Danann and the Faery Lineage



The Tuatha De Danann became a Faery people of Ireland, and many were great warriors under the High Kings of ancient Eire (another name for Ireland). Some of them even became a part of the legendary fiana. However, in time and with the changing beliefs of the people of Ireland, they began to dwindle.



Eventually, they lost the awesome power they had once possessed. They shifted with the Celts, and became the Daoine Sidhe and the Fenian Heroes. The Daoine Sidhe retained some of their god-like stature, while the Fenian Heroes were the poets, the romantics, and the warriors of the Tuatha De Danann. In time, even these incarnations would shift and change, eventually resulting in the modern view of the fairy.



These immortal characters greatly enriched the lives of the Celts. As fantastical creatures of magick, the Tuatha De Danann were the focus of songs and tales for thousands of years, and eventually became the stuff of legends and fairy tales, even into the modern era.

Wiccan Sabbat Ritual Recipes — Butterflied Lamb Recipe

One of the traditional foods for Imbolc, which is celebrated on February 1st, is lamb. Lamb can be prepared in many different ways and using many different herbs and spices. This recipe, which is designed to be prepared on a grill or barbeque, has been created specifically with Wiccans and Pagans in mind, using some of the spices of the season to make this dish more festive.



Ingredients For Butterflied Lamb




Have the following ingredients close at hand:

4 lbs boneless leg of lamb


½ cup red wine vinegar


¼ cup mustard, coarse grained


8 cloves of garlic, minced


2 tbsp fresh rosemary, minced


½ tsp salt


½ tsp black pepper


1 tbsp olive oil



To make preparing the lamb easier, ensure you have gathered all ingredients beforehand.

 

Preparing Butterflied Lamb

 

Before you begin your preparation, you will have to butterfly your leg of lamb. This is a simple enough process and can be done in just minutes. Slice the lamb approximately every inch or so, but only cut about halfway through the meat. Certainly do not cut any deeper than three-quarters through, or the meat will fall apart on the grill. Not only does this enhance the presentation of your dish, but it decreases cooking time. At some supermarkets and many butchers, you can purchase lamb that is already butterflied.

 

Combine the vinegar, mustard, garlic, rosemary, salt, black pepper, and olive oil in a large glass dish. This dish should be large enough that the entire leg of lamb can rest comfortably. Add the leg of lamb, and turn to coat completely and evenly. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least eight hours. The flavor of the lamb will be enhanced if you let it marinade longer, perhaps as long as two days.

 

When you are ready to cook the leg of lamb, remove it from the marinade. For health reasons, discard any remaining marinade. Grill the leg of lamb on a covered grill over medium briquettes for twenty-five to thirty minutes. Turn the leg of lamb at least four times during the cooking process. Before removing it from the grill, check the thickest portion of the lamb for desired doneness.

 

This recipe makes eight to ten servings. Butterflied Lamb is a favorite of many Wiccans and Pagans around the time of Imbolc. Though it can be served all year round, it is especially appropriate in the winter, as it is warm and savory. It will make a wonderful addition to any table, especially when paired with young fresh vegetables or omelets.

Types of Animal Totems

Totem animals are sacred spiritual guides who will instruct and protect you when you need them most. They have skills and abilities that can help to deepen your understanding of yourself and your own inner strength. However, most people do not realize that there are different types of totem animals, and that each has something unique to contribute. In general, there are four types of animal guides:

Life totem;


Message totem;


Journey totem; and


Shadow totem.



The Life Animal Totem and Its Significance

 

A life totem is the animal that follows your throughout your life, in a spiritual sense. This animal’s primary purpose is to protect a child, guide an adolescent, and wait for instruction from an adult. Its purpose will change as you grow and expand, but usually, your life totem will not change as you mature.

 

There is an exception to this, however. Emotional trauma that alters your very nature can sometimes cause a shift in life totems. For example, a child who loses a parent will sometimes change life totems. A parent who loses a child will almost always receive a new totem. Divorce is another common trigger.

 

This is not to say that these events will cause your life totem to change. But it could, so if you know who your life totem is, and you do experience emotional trauma, you would be wise to search within yourself to determine if your life totem is still the same.

 

The Significance of the Journey Totem Animal

 

Not everyone has a journey totem all of the time. This is because everyone undergoes different journeys at different times, and the purpose of the journey totem is to guide you through these journeys. For example, if you are recently divorced, the panther may become your journey totem animal until you are through this difficult time, and then it will fade away until it is needed again.

 

The purpose of the journey totem is to aid and assist you in completing your task. If you listen to your journey totem, you will find that you receive advice that can help you, but only if you heed it. If a journey totem is ignored completely, it may abandon you before your journey is complete, so make sure you respect and honor your journey totem.

 

The Immediacy of the Message Animal Guide

 

If you receive a surprise message from an animal spirit that does not usually visit you, then you have just received a message from your message totem. Message totems are very short-term, and usually only stay long enough to deliver their messages.

 

Some people experience these types of ‘visitations’ every day, others much less frequently. If you do receive a message from an unexpected totem, then you should heed it immediately, for the message is probably important to the present, not the future. These messages are usually received at the tail end of a dream, or sometimes immediately upon waking.

 

The Importance of the Shadow Totem Animal

 

The shadow totem is perhaps the totem that has the most impact on an ongoing basis. This is the totem that hunts and stalks you throughout life, trying to bring you down as a hunter would its prey. If you hide from or ignore this totem, it will continue to haunt you, looking for an opportunity to strike. The shadow totem can describe fears and anxieties, and is often an animal that truly frightens you.

 

If you wish to be free of it, you must discover the identity of your shadow totem. Confront what this totem represents, face your fears, and accept this totem as a part of you. If you can do this, then the shadow totem becomes a friend and companion, instead of a threat.

 

Each of these totems has a lesson to teach. And each of them is important in its own way. These totems should not be ignored, but should be sought out for their guidance and their wisdom. If you can find your animal totems, you can access their ancient knowledge.

The Mythology of Ancient Ireland — The Faery Lineage

The chief characters in Irish mythology are the Tuatha De Danann. In times of old, these mystical people were often referred to as the Faery. However, the term faery (or, more commonly, fairy) usually brings to mind diminutive little creatures with tiny little wings flitting about the garden. This image, while a part of the Faery Lineage in Ireland, does not represent all that the Faery were.



Who Are the Faery?



The traditional understanding in Ireland was that the Faery were independent beings living in an immaterial state. They were close to humanity, but not a part of it. They were considered to have a kingdom all their own, and they only seldom made themselves known in the physical world.



They were beings with the ability to change their shape at will, made of light and cloud, and so always fluid. Over time, with the changing beliefs of the people of Ireland, the Faery underwent many alterations, from the powerful and awe-inspiring Tuatha De Danann down to the classic Folk Tale Fairy. As this happened, the Faery Lineage was born.



The Faery Lineage of Ancient Times



Up to the Middle Ages of Western Europe, the development of the Faery was almost completely confined to the land of Ireland and its people. There was a great focus on heroism, magick, and romance.



The Tuatha De Danann are the source of the entire Lineage. They were the gods of the people of Ireland, and are considered to be the most superior and pure form of the Faery. They were at their most powerful during the Mythological Cycle. This group eventually branched into two very distinct groups: the Fenian Heroes and the Daoine Sidhe.



The Fenian Heroes were among the most notable heroes in all of Ireland, existing during the Fenian Cycle. Many of them were descendants of the Tuatha De Danann, and some of them were the De Danann themselves. Many of the Fay served as a part of the fiana, and the Fenian Heroes were not considered to be all that far removed from mortal man.



The Daoine Sidhe existed in about the same time period as the Fenian Heroes. However, these were the Tuatha De Danann who truly did remain removed from humanity, who preserved the purest form of Faery magick, and who were still worshipped as the gods of the Irish pantheon. Eventually, however, even the Daoine Sidhe had to change and adapt.



The Heroic Faery was born out of the Daoine Sidhe. These were the ladies and knights of classic medieval romances, the heroes of the great tales of the era, and were very much like the Fenian Heroes. In fact, it could be said that the only difference between the Fenian Heroes and the Heroic Faery is the time period in which they existed in mythology.



Meanwhile, the Fenian Heroes had become the Medieval Faery. These characters were practiced in magick and sorcery. It is here when the first outside influences begin to creep into Irish mythology. No longer are the Faery the powerful and frightening Tuatha De Danann. They are no longer gods. Instead, they begin to grow smaller in size, and with the coming of Christianity, they are sometimes assumed to be evil.



The Heroic Faery makes one last appearance, merging with the Medieval Faery and becoming the Diminutive Fairy.



Fairies in the Middle Ages and Beyond



With the birth of the Middle Ages, the traditional image of the modern fairy was born. The Diminutive Fairy became connected to death and the departed. Sometime in the 16th century, the idea of the literary fairy is introduced. These fairies are nasty little things, demanding their privacy and pinching those who dare to invade it.



The Elizabethan Age brings about another change in the fairy. Instead of a nasty little thing intent on its privacy, the Elizabethan Fairy is mischievous and bothersome, but not particularly evil. These fairies tend to irritate more than harm.



In the 17th century, the Jacobean Fairy makes an appearance. They are so small that they are difficult to see with the naked eye. These little guys have gossamer wings and, purely due to Puritan influences, are regarded as demons or devils.



The 18th century saw a reversal of this idea. The fairies of this era were flowery little fertility spirits. These little Flower Fairies were said to flit and fly in the most beautiful gardens, entertaining children and delighting anyone who chanced to see them. This version of the fairy is still very much a part of modern folk tales.



The 19th century saw the development of the Folk Tale Fairy. These characters were written into stories created for children, and generally featured characters such as the classic fairy godmother. These creatures were relentless moralists. Like the Flower Fairy, the Folk Tale Fairy has persisted into the modern era.



With the coming of the 20th century, the Age of Faery seemed to have truly come to an end. The gods of Ireland had become no more than fairy tales, and most had forgotten they were ever anything more. However, this same century brought about a renewed interest in ancient religions and beliefs, and today, there are those who have resurrected the ancient Faery Faith in a more modern incarnation, with the inclusion of the Elemental Faery.





First published at Suite101: The Mythology of Ancient Ireland – The Faery Lineage | Suite101.com http://leigh-ann-andersen.suite101.com/the-mythology-of-ancient-ireland--the-faery-lineage-a328792#ixzz1lSN8t3AX

The Mythology of Ancient Ireland – The Milesian Invasion

The Milesians were the Celts. These people had long established a presence in Central Europe, and soon moved on to England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. They were the fifth group of invaders to conquer Ireland, and were often referred to as the Sons of Mil. It was the Milesians who put an end to the supreme reign of the Tuatha De Danann.



The Sons of Mil and Landing in Ireland



Miled (sometimes called Milesius) and his wife, Scota (who was the daughter of a Pharaoh), were the leaders of the Milesians. In their search for a new homeland, Miled and Scota sent Miled’s uncle, Ith to Ireland to report upon its suitability. However, the Tuatha De Danann, suspecting his purpose, killed him before he could complete his mission.



Undaunted, Miled and Scota, with their eight sons, set out to take their people to Ireland. Miled died on the long and arduous voyage, and when his sons attempted to land in Ireland, the De Danann called up a great storm against them. Five of the eight sons of Mil were killed, along with many of their followers. The three surviving sons were:


Emer


Eremon


Eber



Though it seemed as if they might never reach Ireland, the three sons did eventually find their way to land, along with what was left of their followers. Their mother, Scota, found herself with her eldest son, Eber.



The Milesians and the Tuatha De Danann



The three sons had been separated, but they were not alone. They each had with them a selection of followers, though their numbers had been depleted by the storm of magick sent by the Tuatha De Danann.



Eber, along with his mother and their followers, landed at Inver Sceni, in Bantry Bay. Though they did manage to make their way into Ireland, Eber and Scota were soon confronted by the Tuatha De Danann. They did defeat the group under Queen Eire of the De Danann, but in the process, they lost their own Queen Scota. Eber, however, survived.



Eremon and his people landed at Inver Colpa, and soon located his brother Emer. Together, they joined forces with Eber in Meath, and they challenged the Tuatha De Danann at Taillte. The Milesians seemed to have the upper hand, for the three kings and three queens of the Tuatha De Danann were killed, many others were slain, and the rest withdrew to consider their options. They did not believe themselves to be defeated.



Some legends state that the Milesian poet and judge, Amergin, was given the right to divide Ireland between the two races. In his wisdom, he gave all the lands above the ground to his own people, and assigned the lands beneath the ground to the Tuatha De Danann.



However, other myths indicate that the De Danann, under the guidance of Manannan mac Lir, agreed that they should take themselves into the realm of the spirit, underground, and begin to fade from common reality.



Perhaps both of these occurred simultaneously. Regardless, the Tuatha De Danann went into the hills and down into the faery regions (sidbrugaib), which were already full of magick and wizardry, making it a perfect place for the De Danann. This made the faeries (sida) already there subject to the will of the Tuatha De Danann.



The Tuatha De Danann faded into legend to become worshipped as the gods of the Irish Pantheon. The Milesians became the people of Ireland. Of all the waves of invasion, they are the only wave that remained rulers of Ireland for any length of time. Today, the descendants of the Milesians in Ireland tend to have O or Mac before their surname.

The Mythology of Ancient Ireland – The Tuatha De Danann Invasion

Of all the characters of the Mythological Cycle, the Tuatha De Danann are arguably the most important, and they are considered the fourth wave of invaders. They were a people of wonder and magick, considered to be well versed in every art.



Where Did the Tuatha De Danann Come From?




The details of the Tuatha De Danann’s origins are shrouded in great mystery. Immediately before coming to Ireland, they were thought to have dwelled in the northern isles of the world, though it is not clear which isles these might be. Wherever they were, they acquired unparalleled knowledge of magick and wizardry. The Tuatha De Danann also found four great talismans, which they brought with them to Ireland. These talismans are:

The Great Fal;


The Spear of Lugh;


The Sword of Nuada; and


The Cauldron of Dagda.



When they did arrive in Ireland, the Tuatha De Danann were said to have arrived on dark clouds through the air, then alighted on the mountain of Conmaicne Rein. Stories claim that the Tuatha De Danann cast a darkness over the sun that lasted for three days.

 

The First Battle of Mag Tuired

 

When the Tuatha De Danann first arrived in Ireland, it was already occupied by the Fir Bolg. During this battle, the king of the Tuatha De Danann, Nuada, lost his hand, and was no longer a suitable king according to the laws of the De Danann. The kingship was handed over to his adopted son, Bres. The Tuatha De Danann did eventually prevail, and the Fir Bolg were expelled from Ireland.

 

The Tuatha De Danann and the Fomorians

 

The Fomorians show up several times in Irish mythology, and were masters of magick and strategy. They harassed both the Partholans and the Neimheahdians, and returned to challenge the Tuatha De Danann after they defeated the Fir Bolg. When the Fomorians arrived to battle the De Danann on the shores of Ireland, they came in four ships, each one carrying fifty men and approximately three times that many women.

 

The battles between the De Danann and the Fomorians were fierce, and their rivalry lasted many long years. The Second Battle of Mag Tuired was one of the greatest battles fought between these two mystical races, but there were a great many others. Finally, the De Danann won when Lugh, a warrior of the Tuatha De Danann, cut off the head of the king of the Fomorians, Balor. The Fomorians were never allowed to settle in Ireland.

 

The Tuatha De Danann are one of the most important pieces in Irish mythology,. From them come the Irish Pantheon of goddesses and gods and the Faery Lineage. Of all the fives waves of invasion, the Tuatha De Danann made the strongest mark on Irish mythology, and eventually became worshipped by those who followed the Irish Faery Faith. They were soon challenged by the Milesians.

The Mythology of Ancient Ireland – The Fir Bolg Invasion

The Fir Bolg were the third group of invaders to arrive in Ireland. There are many accounts of these people, both before they entered Ireland and after. However, like the Partholans and Neimheahdians before them, there is much myth and mystery surrounding this wave of invaders, and little fact.



Where Did the Fir Bolg Come From?



When the Neimheahdians fled Ireland, they are said to have split into three distinct groups. One of these groups made its way to Greece, where they were enslaved. After many years of this treatment, they escaped and fled Greece. These slaves arrived in Ireland approximately two hundred and seventeen years after the Neimheahdians left.



The term ‘Fir Bolg’ is thought to have originated from the Irish word for bag (bolg). The escaped slaves may have carried with them leather bags full of earth, and were so named after this practice. This is considered to be pure legend, as there is little historical evidence to support this entomology of the word bolg.



The Fir Bolg and Their Contribution to Ireland



The Fir Bolg and their invasion mark the very beginning of Ireland’s recorded history. They brought agriculture with them, and are sometimes said to have ‘civilized’ Ireland. They were a pastoral people, and very spiritual.



They created raths in Ireland, which were circular enclosures surrounded by earthen walls. They used these as both dwellings and fortifications during their time in Ireland. Occasionally, they would use these raths to bury their dead without cremation. More commonly, however, the dead were put to rest in large earthen mounds.



Rule of law was very important to the Fir Bolg. They established a monarchical government, which was seated at the Hill of Tara, and had respected social institutions. Their three leaders divided Ireland into the five provinces for the first time. The followers of these leaders became known as the three tribes. These tribes were:



Fir Domhnann;




Fir Gaileon; and




Fir Bolg.




What Happened to the Fir Bolg?




The Fir Bolg spent thirty-six years in Ireland before they were challenged by the Tuatha De Danann. The battles between these two groups were fierce, and many were killed on both sides. Eventually, the Fir Bolg were defeated by the De Danann in the First Battle of Mag Tuired.



After their defeat, the Fir Bolg fled to the islands of Arran, Isley, Man, and Rathlin. They did return to Ireland near the beginning of the Common Era, but as a subordinate people. However, there are some tales which indicate that the First Battle of Mag Tuired was fought, but then ended in a pact of goodwill and friendship.



The Fir Bolg are an important people for many reasons, but mainly because of their involvement in the great battles with the Tuatha De Danann. Of the five waves of invasion, this wave is the one in which we see the very beginnings of true civilization in Ireland.