The Milesians (Míl Espáine)

The final wave of settlers from Spain, establishing the Gaelic lineage and shaping modern Ireland.

The Milesians were the sons of Míl Espáine, soldiers from Spain who became the ancestors of the modern Irish people (the Gaels). They came to Ireland to avenge the death of their uncle, Íth, who had been killed by the kings of the Tuatha Dé Danann.

When they arrived, they marched to the Hill of Tara to demand the kingship. The Tuatha Dé Danann asked for a truce, requesting the Milesians to retreat nine waves from the shore. The Milesians agreed, but the Tuatha Dé Danann then raised a magical storm to prevent them from landing again. The Milesian poet Amergin calmed the storm with his poetry, allowing them to land.

They defeated the Tuatha Dé Danann at the Battle of Tailtiu. A treaty was made dividing Ireland: the Milesians took the land above ground, while the Tuatha Dé Danann took the "Otherworld" underground, becoming the Sídhe (fairies).