The Tuatha Dé Danann
The Tuatha Dé Danann , the people of the Goddess Danu , were one of the great ancient tribes of Ireland . The important manuscript 'T he Annals of the Four Master s', records that they ruled Ireland from 1897 B.C. to 1700 B.C. The arrival of the tribe in Ireland is the stuff of legend. They landed at the Connaught coastline and emerged from a great mist. It is speculated that they burned their boats to ensure that they settled down in their new land. The rulers of Ireland at the time were the Fir Bolg , led by Eochid son of Erc , who was, needless to say, unhappy about the new arrivals. The Tuatha Dé Danann won the inevitable battle with the Fir Bolg but, out of respect for the manner in which they had fought, they allowed the Fir Bolg to remain in Connaught while the victors ruled the rest of Ireland . The original leader of the Tuatha was Nuada but, having lost an arm in battle it was decreed that he could not rightly be king. That honour went to Breas , a tribe...