Tuatha Dé Danann (Tuatha Dé Danann)

A magical, god-like race who came from cities in the north and defeated the Fir Bolg.

The Tuatha Dé Danann ("People of the Goddess Danu") are the most famous of Ireland's mythical inhabitants. They were a race of gods and heroes, skilled in magic, art, and craftsmanship.

According to legend, they arrived in Ireland in dark clouds (mist) that covered the sun for three days, landing on the coast of Connacht. They brought with them four magical treasures from their four great cities in the north:

• The Stone of Fál (Lia Fáil), which would scream when the true king stood upon it.
• The Spear of Lugh, which ensured victory to whoever held it.
• The Sword of Nuada (Claíomh Solais), from which no one could escape once it was drawn.
• The Dagda's Cauldron, which was never empty and could feed an army.

They ruled Ireland for centuries until they were defeated by the Milesians (the ancestors of the modern Irish). Rather than leave, they agreed to divide the land: the Milesians took the world above ground, and the Tuatha Dé Danann took the world below, retreating into the Sídhe (fairy mounds) to become the fairies of folklore.