The Prosperity of the Tuatha Dé Danann

The Tuatha Dé Danann ruled Ireland for many years, bringing harmony and abundance. The land flourished under their rule, with bountiful forests, mild seasons, and enough resources for everyone. However, their golden age came to an end after the death of their High King, who left the kingdom to his three sons: Mac Cuill, Mac Cecht, and Mac Gréine. The brothers, unable to agree on how to share power, quarreled bitterly, bringing the Tuatha Dé Danann to the brink of war.

The Arrival of Íth and His Death

Far away in Spain, Íth, a wise and observant man, often stood in his high tower gazing across the sea. One day, he spotted an island in the distance, a land of mountains and green forests. Though his family dismissed it as an illusion, Íth became determined to explore the island. Gathering his men, he set sail for Ireland.

When Íth arrived in Ireland, he marveled at its beauty and traveled to Tara, where the three sons of the Tuatha Dé Danann High King were still arguing. Impressed by Íth’s wisdom, they asked for his counsel. Íth advised them to follow the laws and customs of their land, as these seemed to have brought prosperity. His praise for Ireland’s greatness, however, made the brothers suspicious. Fearing that Íth sought to conquer their land, they killed him.

The Sons of Mil Seek Justice

News of Íth’s death reached his nephew, Míl Espáine, and his sons: Érimón, Éber Donn, and Amhairghin. Swearing to avenge their grandfather, Míl gathered an army and set sail for Ireland. Míl died during the voyage, but his sons carried on, determined to fulfill his wishes.

When the Sons of Míl landed on Ireland’s shores, Amhairghin, a powerful druid, sang a song to announce their arrival, demonstrating their deep respect for the land and its magic.

The Treachery of the Tuatha Dé Danann

At Tara, the Sons of Míl confronted the three kings of the Tuatha Dé Danann, demanding justice for Íth’s murder. The kings requested three days to decide whether to fight, leave, or submit. Amhairghin, being wise, agreed to their terms and led his forces nine waves beyond the shore, ensuring no tricks could be planned.

However, the Tuatha Dé Danann’s druids summoned a magical storm to scatter the Sons of Míl’s ships. Amhairghin, suspecting foul play, sent a man up the mast to observe the storm. The man confirmed it was calm above, proving the storm was unnatural. Using his druidic powers, Amhairghin countered the storm with his own song, calming the seas.

Enraged by the Tuatha Dé Danann’s treachery, the Sons of Míl decided to land immediately and engage in battle.

The Battle of Tailtiu

The Sons of Míl landed at the Boyne and journeyed to the plains of Tailtiu, where they met the Tuatha Dé Danann in a fierce and bloody battle. The three Tuatha Dé Danann kings and their queens—Banba, Ériu, and Fódla—were all killed. Before their deaths, the queens had made a pact with the Sons of Míl: in exchange for their favor, the land would be named after them. Of the three names, only Ériu (Éire) survives today as the name of Ireland.

The Tuatha Dé Danann’s Retreat

Defeated beyond recovery, the Tuatha Dé Danann fled. Instead of submitting to the Sons of Míl, they retreated into the hills, forests, and waterways of Ireland, cloaking themselves in invisibility and taking their magic with them. They became the Aos Sí, or the fairy folk, who live on in Irish folklore.

Ireland’s Division

After the battle, the Sons of Míl divided Ireland between Érimón and Éber Donn, each ruling half of the island. This marked the beginning of human dominion over Ireland and the end of the Tuatha Dé Danann’s reign as rulers.

Legacy of the Battle

The Battle of Tailtiu symbolizes the transition from the age of gods to the age of mortals in Irish mythology. It marks the Tuatha Dé Danann’s transformation into the mystical beings of Irish folklore and the rise of the Milesians as the dominant force in Ireland’s legendary history.